Team - Counseling on Burnside

Joe Alexander

Licensed Clinical Social Worker

I have a Master’s degree in Social Work from Smith College in Massachusetts and have been a therapist for more than 30 years. I specialize in individual counseling for depression and anxiety as well as family and couples therapy. My specialty areas are addictions of all types (chemical, pornography, overeating and gambling) as well as dynamic work with couples. I have also been a therapist with Kaiser-Permanente’s outpatient alcohol and drug program. I have led many addictions and codependency groups for Kaiser and have also done groups for the Oregon Attorney Assistance Program.

In 2007 my wife, Dr. Gail Karvonen, and I moved our offices to focus on a mind-body approach to healing. This approach includes counseling as well as chiropractic and many forms of massage. My focus on mindfulness, which promotes relaxation and diminishes anxiety, arises directly out of my 30 years of yoga and meditation practice as well as my extensive training in Gestalt Therapy.

Email: joe@counselingonburnside.com

Ruth Berger

Licensed Clinical Social Worker

I have been a practicing clinical social work for the past 20 years and received my Master’s Degree from Fordham University in New York City. I then received advanced psychodynamic training from the 5th Ave. Center for Psychotherapy, also in NYC. I have done advanced trainings in a variety of treatment and practice settings.

I work with individuals, couples and young adults with issues around depression, anxiety, relationships, life transitions and self esteem. I use techniques from psychodynamic, relational and cognitive behavioral models, being flexible in technique by listening to the thoughts and needs of the client.

I believe that an individual’s or couple’s unconscious dynamics can keep them from making the positive changes they wish to make in their lives. Together we can uncover the issues that are holding you back from your goals, and allow you to find ways to feel more successful in your work, relationships and life.

Email: ruth@counselingonburnside.com

Katy Hartnett Boruff

Licensed Professional Counselor

I received an MA in Counseling Psychology from Northwestern University in Evanston, Illiniois in 2007 and I have been working as a therapist and supervisor ever since. My background is primarily in higher education and private practice. I view the relationship between therapist and client as a partnership. We need to work together to get you where you want to be. I’m comfortable working with a variety of concerns (depression, anxiety, relational problems, trauma, sexual identity issues, low self-esteem, poor body image, etc.) as well as a variety of different types of clients (all ages, ethnicities and sexual orientations welcome). I take a solution-focused approach to counseling, which means that we will set goals and work together to achieve those goals. Other approaches that I integrate into treatment are cognitive behavioral techniques, psychodynamic theory and mindfulness. I’d be happy to answer any questions that you have about me or my approach to therapy. I hope to hear from you!

Email: katy@counselingonburnside.com

Rebekah Clark

Licensed Clinical Social Worker

I have been practicing clinical social work for over 25 years and received my Master’s Degree from Syracuse University. I specialize in the treatment of anxiety and depression and have extensive experience with people who are adjusting to losses in their lives. I have worked in hospice, geriatric and other hospital settings. I work primarily with individuals and also see families. I teach mindfulness strategies, communication skills and boundary setting to help people improve their relationships with others and themselves. My experience has taught me that no matter where or why people are seeking help they have the same “people problems” that are exacerbated by stress.

Email: rebekah@counselingonburnside.com

Angie Johnson

Licensed Clinical Social Worker

I graduated from the University of Utah with a Master’s degree in social work and am a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW). I have experience working with children and adolescents, as well as adults and families, focusing on issues including depression, anxiety, addiction, trauma and attachment. I use trauma informed models in my practice and have extensive experience in crisis intervention. I am skilled at working with all types of children and families and ensure that all are informed as we work together as a team throughout the counseling process. Therapy models I utilize include play therapy, SPARCS, CBT, and Trauma Focused CBT. In my spare time I love reading, traveling and spending time with my family.

Email: angie@counselingonburnside.com

Karla Wolf

Licensed Professional Counselor

Karla Wolf, MA, LPC

Adults, teens & couples counseling, specializing in anxiety, grief, depression & trauma recovery

Leonard Cohen sang; “There is a crack in everything, that’s how the light gets in.” We all have cracks and eventually those cracks can lead us to reaching out and getting support and in turn to finding our wisdom, light and wholeness. Counseling can help you improve your overall well-being and relationships.

It is gratifying for me to accompany you on your counseling journey. I think everyone’s story is unique and each person has their own abilities and wisdom to find their way, discover the tools they need to be an anchor for themselves and their loved ones. I use collaborative problem solving (CPS) and compassionate communication (NVC) modalities to resolve conflict and facilitate communication in your relationships. In your relationship with yourself, if you have not ever been in touch with ways to anchor and soothe yourself, we will uncover these skills. I use mindfulness and IFS (internal family system therapy) to help you create your self-care toolbox. All of us have had some traumas in our life. If you have current or past traumas that you would like to resolve, I offer EMDR therapy. My overall counseling approach draws on the modalities I have learned and practiced and on your wisdom about yourself and your life and needs.

I hold a Masters in Counseling Psychology from Lewis & Clark College and have over 20 years of counseling experience. I bring a social justice perspective to my work and will support you in recognizing the ways oppression and related traumas have affected your sense of self and well-being, adding to your cracks. My counseling style is down to earth, casual and warm. I love working with people and I learn from each of you every day.

Email: karla@counselingonburnside.com