David Kays, PsyD
David accepts:
Kaiser
Moda
PacificSource
OHP Trillium
Independent Contractor Therapist, Supervisor
We seek therapy when what we have been doing is no longer working or accomplishing our goals. It is a vulnerable place to ask for help, to ask for the perspective of another. I believe (from personal and professional experience) that the first step of healing, recovery, and transition begins with validation and acknowledgement of where we currently are. It is difficult to define and pursue hope without first identifying where we are and where we want to go. I believe that the therapy room is a space to validate and nurture the process of defining and aligning with our values. I prioritize respect and honor as it is a privilege to listen to the stories and individuals that I serve.
In this space, growth can happen. I see my role as helping people feel secure, wisely take risks aligned with their values, and establishing a space where clients are free to express themselves as they are. I am a narrative therapist and believe that the way we tell our stories defines how we experience them. In session, my goal is to collaborate with you in the telling of your stories, to flesh them out and align with the values that bring life to our experience.
“Healing is not about ‘staying away from something bad’ but about ‘living a life led by positive values and intentions.’” ― Gabor Maté
I have experience working with various forms of trauma (from child abuse to combat trauma), recovery from both substance and behavioral addiction, anxiety concerns, depression, suicidal ideation, identity/transition concerns (retirement, moving, career issues, etc.) and clients who identify as LGBTQ, those with non-conforming gender identities, and individuals engaged in alternative relationship structures. Trauma is often overlooked as the symptoms (anxiety, depression, panic, nightmares, etc.,) become the focus of the treatment. I believe that these symptoms are important to identify and listen to, as they often tell the story of something deeper that is unresolved and untreated. Simply treating the symptoms without addressing the root cause often leads to ongoing dysfunction and pain.
I have significant experience helping individuals who have struggled to get and stay sober or are struggling with how to better control their use. Identifying different strategies to tolerate distress and reduce unnecessary pain are some of the ways we can work together on managing difficulties with drugs and alcohol. Additionally, as addiction often impacts family and loved ones, I can help loved ones and family members of those struggling with addiction to help navigate setting boundaries and increasing self-care/coping strategies. Often time addiction (both behavior and substance) once served a purpose in coping with life stressors. Identifying the needs that addiction is meeting (or is trying to meet) allows for alternative ways of coping that better aligns with the values the individual holds.
Often we seek the familiar, whether that familiar is helpful or harmful. In relationships, we often repeat certain patterns that have been modeled or experienced in the past. Unfortunately, these patterns may leave us feeling unfulfilled or trapped.
We are faced with questions about life, death, and the meaning of it all. Often, this leads to feeling extremely alone and anxious. I can provide a space to talk about these things. Together, we can explore the deeper questions of life and create more meaning in your life.
Education and Experience
I earned my Master's and Undergraduate Degree at George Fox University as well. I hold a doctorate in Clinical Psychology from George Fox University (and emphasis in trauma, addiction, and faith integration) and am currently licensed with Oregon Board of Psychology (License #3148). I did my 5th year internship at the White City VA Rehabilitation Center and Clinics in Southern Oregon and completed my post-doctoral residency at Newberg Hazelden Betty Ford. I primarily work from a narrative theoretical orientation and have training as a generalist with specialties in addiction and trauma recovery. I am certified in EMDR treatment/therapy.
Registered Associates Under Supervision:
Client Focus
Individual Adults (18+)
Modalities & Styles
Attachment Theory, CBT, DBT, EMDR, IFS
Specialties
Addiction & recovery
Anger/anger management
Anxiety & depression
Grief & loss
Childhood trauma
LGBTQIA+ issues
Men’s issues
PTSD
Relationship issues
Trauma
Self-esteem/confidence issues
