A little about me 

Hi, my name is Ethan, I am pursuing a Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) in Clinical Psychology at Pacific University. My passion for psychology began with a curiosity of people's stories, how they connect and evolve. I work with adults across the lifespan with a specialty in depression, anxiety, mood disorders, trauma, obsessive-compulsive disorders and panic disorders. I hope to help clients better understand themselves, their experiences, and the patterns that may be contributing to difficulties in their lives.

I draw from a relational psychodynamic framework, focusing on how clients’ thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are shaped by their relationships and lived experiences. I believe our earliest relationships and cultural contexts influence how we see ourselves and connect with others. In psychotherapy, I pay close attention to the patterns that emerge as meaningful reflections of a person’s history and identity. I strive to create a therapeutic space that feels collaborative, nonjudgmental and grounded in curiosity.

I see the therapeutic relationship as central to my work, offering an opportunity to explore and experience new ways of relating. I understand these patterns are meaningful expressions of past experiences, attachment, and identity and I aim to be present and responsive to what unfolds in the moment. Psychotherapy can be a useful space for self-understanding, emotional connection and lasting change.

Within psychological assessment, I evaluate and understand each person’s unique results in totality, rather than viewing the test results or symptoms in isolation. I believe that assessment provides an opportunity to better understand an individual’s strengths, challenges, patterns of functioning and lived experiences. I approach the assessment process with curiosity, respect, and collaboration while providing findings and recommendations that are meaningful and useful to the individual.

I hold a Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology from Pacific University. I am currently pursuing a Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) in Clinical Psychology at Pacific University. I have further training in suicide prevention and received a certificate from ASIST. I previously worked at Pacific Comprehensive Health Clinic as a mental health professional. My doctoral training includes psychotherapy, psychological assessment, diagnosis, ethics, and evidence-based psychological practice.

Outside of work, I love the outdoors and staying active. I’m passionate about music and play both guitar and bass. I value my time with friends and family and enjoy getting lost in books and television shows. I am also passionate about community engagement in supporting mental health and look forward to bringing that same curiosity and collaboration to my work at Dr. Sanderson and Associates.