Photo of Melanie Ramsey, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in 97205, OR
Melanie Ramsey
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, FNP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97205  (Online Only)
Are you experiencing distress due to internal conflicts, trauma, relationships, fears, or feeling stuck? Do you feel anxious, depressed, and unmotivated? Some things are just too difficult to go through alone. Working with someone in a safe and compassionate environment without judgment can be the key to your understanding and growth. Your success and happiness are rooted in a partnership that we share. You do the hard part of being vulnerable; to the best of my ability, I will work to listen to and understand you, before developing a shared treatment plan. I am honored to support you on your journey to mental wellness.
Are you experiencing distress due to internal conflicts, trauma, relationships, fears, or feeling stuck? Do you feel anxious, depressed, and unmotivated? Some things are just too difficult to go through alone. Working with someone in a safe and compassionate environment without judgment can be the key to your understanding and growth. Your success and happiness are rooted in a partnership that we share. You do the hard part of being vulnerable; to the best of my ability, I will work to listen to and understand you, before developing a shared treatment plan. I am honored to support you on your journey to mental wellness.
(971) 232-3233 View (971) 232-3233
Photo of Heather Hemmeger, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in 97205, OR
Heather Hemmeger
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PharmD, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97205
As both a psychiatric nurse practitioner and former pharmacist, I approach patient care from a unique lens, strategically blending elements of psychopharmacology with psychotherapy to foster healing, restore mind-body balance, and inspire self-compassion. My therapeutic approach can be described as warm, collaborative, and thorough—near the intersection of holistic meets scientific. I work from within a trauma-informed, anti-oppressive lens and am committed to creating a safe, inclusive, and empowering space for all who enter my door.
As both a psychiatric nurse practitioner and former pharmacist, I approach patient care from a unique lens, strategically blending elements of psychopharmacology with psychotherapy to foster healing, restore mind-body balance, and inspire self-compassion. My therapeutic approach can be described as warm, collaborative, and thorough—near the intersection of holistic meets scientific. I work from within a trauma-informed, anti-oppressive lens and am committed to creating a safe, inclusive, and empowering space for all who enter my door.
Photo of Steven Knott, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in 97205, OR
Steven Knott
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97205  (Online Only)
I am a board certified, licensed psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. I graduated from college with recognition for outstanding scholastic performance in the major of nursing at the University of Nevada-Las Vegas. I spent the next 7 years working in mental health with all different populations and facilities within Las Vegas, then graduated from top-ranked Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program in the United States through Vanderbilt University. I was a recipient of the Vanderbilt School of Nursing Scholarship fund and was invited to the Iota Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing.
I am a board certified, licensed psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. I graduated from college with recognition for outstanding scholastic performance in the major of nursing at the University of Nevada-Las Vegas. I spent the next 7 years working in mental health with all different populations and facilities within Las Vegas, then graduated from top-ranked Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program in the United States through Vanderbilt University. I was a recipient of the Vanderbilt School of Nursing Scholarship fund and was invited to the Iota Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing.
(971) 545-8153 View (971) 545-8153
Photo of Kelly Witbeck, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in 97205, OR
Kelly Witbeck
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, FNP-C, PMHNP-B
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97205
Accepting new clients! VISIT www.kelementalhealth.com to schedule your appointment. Kelly’s ideal patient is the one who is open minded, patient with the process, willing to be actively engaged and involved in their treatment, and understands that little things over time produce measurable changes in progress. She believes in a team approach, working together with her patients toward treatment goals, encourages patients to engage by asking questions and learning more about their path along their wellness journey.
Accepting new clients! VISIT www.kelementalhealth.com to schedule your appointment. Kelly’s ideal patient is the one who is open minded, patient with the process, willing to be actively engaged and involved in their treatment, and understands that little things over time produce measurable changes in progress. She believes in a team approach, working together with her patients toward treatment goals, encourages patients to engage by asking questions and learning more about their path along their wellness journey.
(503) 739-9219 View (503) 739-9219
Compassion Focused Psychiatrists

How does compassion-focused therapy work?

Compassion-Focused Therapy is based on the idea that humans have at least three emotion regulation systems, including one that responds to threats and another that allows us to self-soothe. Those who experienced serious childhood adversity, the theory goes, have a hyperactive threat system and an underperforming self-soothing system, leaving them vulnerable to shame and a hypercritical mindset. CFT focuses on bringing these systems back into balance, helping the client be kinder to themselves and better able to accept kindness from others.

Is compassion-focused therapy a type of CBT?

Compassion-focused therapy is closely related to cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and employs many of its techniques. In addition to CBT, CFT also draws from the fields of biology, evolutionary psychology, neuroscience, developmental psychology, and Buddhism. It also has similarities to some types of trauma-focused therapies.

Is compassion-focused therapy evidence based?

Evidence suggests that CFT can be helpful in the treatment of anxiety, mood disorders, eating disorders, personality disorders, psychosis, and other mental illnesses. It has also been shown to be beneficial for individuals who may not have diagnosable psychiatric disorders but who still struggle with persistent self-criticism and feelings of shame.

What are the limitations of compassion-focused therapy?

Compassion-focused therapy is still a relatively new therapy, and research on its efficacy is still in its early stages; while some studies have found positive results, many have suffered from quality issues or small sample sizes. And while most CFT clients find it difficult to practice self-compassion at first, some—especially those who actively fear compassion or are deeply uncomfortable being cared for—may not be fully open to the tenets of CFT, potentially limiting the therapy’s long-term effectiveness.