"I love my work as a couples' counselor. I'm a Gottman Seven Principles Program Educator. I have over 20 years experience doing individual and couples therapy, and 15 years in private practice. I help couples improve communication, rekindle intimacy and improve awareness of patterns which may result in defensiveness, or feeling "not heard" by your partner. In individual therapy, I create a warm environment where my clients feel comfortable to discuss their issues. Together we develop goals & strategies for cultivating positive changes. In couples work, we address problematic communication to change those patterns from ineffective to effective habits & behaviors."

"Are you working towards a fulfilling life but feel stuck or overwhelmed? Are you hurting inside and unsure of where to turn? Most of our struggles stem from our relationships with others and we often need tools for healing these wounds. Although talk is helpful, the research shows that tapping into the right brain where emotions are housed is vital in transforming long-standing issues or limiting beliefs. Utilizing Experiential approaches including EMDR, Brainspotting, inner parts work, and Somatic therapies we can heal the mind and body. "

"One thing I did not learn growing up was how to understand what was really going on for me. I spent years not knowing how to listen to my own feelings or what to do once I found them. And I am still learning. A little more all the time. I have spent the past decade studying how to become aware of the subtle signals in a situation and how to follow them in a way that shows who we really are and what we really want. The learning and unlearning this takes has become my devotion. Being with others and doing this together had become something I love. "

"We each have our own unique life story but the one desire we share is to be happy. Too often our happiness is buried beneath traumas and unhealthy relationships.I believe that one of the most important aspects of the process of change is rooted in the working relationship between the psychotherapist and the client. There are many different methods I may use to help my clients overcome the problems they wish to address. My approach is relaxed, down to earth, honest and direct. I value authenticity in my therapeutic relationships and I have an appreciation for spirituality. I look forward to meeting you where you are."

"I enjoy working with a diverse clientele, though I specialize in issues of identity, including history of traumatic invalidation, questioning gender and sexual identities, and struggles with body image and dysphoria. I have specific interest in helping individuals successfully navigate difficult life transitions and learn how to confront patterns of behavior that have historically held them back. I am invested in helping my clients heal from traumatic experience and reclaim their stories and selves from entaglements in pervasive fear, shame, and unprocessed grief."

"Do you need a specialist who understands PTSD from the inside out? Have you been or are you now in therapy, but feel like you need a healer who really gets traumatic stress? Are you a person of extreme sensitivity, unusually empathic, spiritual or psychic? I would like to offer you a path out of the extreme suffering of PTSD and traumatic stress. I work with many people whose previous therapies have not worked out for them, including folks who have suffered from extreme traumas such as ritual abuse and/or mind control. Attachment, compassion and practicality characterize my work."

"At Connections First we have faith in the power of connection: with your inner life and to the outer world through meaningful relationships. We believe that mental health is an effect of feeling more deeply connected to ourselves and to others through the safety of transparent, emotionally honest relationships. How we communicate with ourselves and those we care about determines whether we possess integrity and feel empowered to express ourselves as human beings. Much of our symptoms are the effects of emotional, psychological, and physical isolation and self-alienation which can even happen when we are surrounded by other people."

"Hello, I imagine you are here because something isn't quite right in your life and you are seeking guidance to make positive changes. As you explore what therapy has to offer you, more clarity emerges that you are embarking on a journey into your inner life. In therapy, you will have a chance to examine the issues you face and learn new tools and skills to deepen your mind-body connection"

"My therapeutic process is to facilitate personal growth through collaboration, bringing about resilience, self-empowerment and independence. Every person has a best self and that by tapping into our strengths we can precipitate lasting change. Working with the total individual is the basic theoretical foundation of my work with clients. These are some of my areas of focus: self-awareness, choice, problem solving, and setting goals for the present and future. Other areas of counseling may include focusing on responsibility, meaning of life, strengths and limitations, self-concept, acceptance, and change. Setting you up for success!"

"The struggle that comes with managing everyday life can be as debilitating as major trauma. Anxiety, depression, irritability, low frustration tolerance are all important symptoms be curious about and explore; letting you know that a shift is needed in order for you to find peace, increased mood stability, and fulfilling relationships. I provide supportive and genuine listening and guidance. I teach emotional regulation skills while also examining underlying issues. My approach is tailored to the developmental capacities of each individual; toddler's who need help communicating difficult emotions, adolescents trying to manage social complexities and bullying, or adults navigating relationships."

"Hello, I am a doctoral psychologist with offices in N. Portland and SW Portland, with day and evening hours. I have a direct and supportive style. I work with adult women, men and couples of diverse backgrounds and orientations. I have 25 years of experience. People see me for * self-improvement; * reducing anxiety, stress or depression; * dealing with losses; * improving communication and relationships; * public speaking and job performance, and for * medical or substance issues. I have a specialty helping people overcome stress about environmental issues and politics. Clients like my two offices and my online scheduling options."

"I believe that each of us have great capacity for personal growth. Psychotherapy can be a powerful and effective modality in the process of better understanding ourselves and in working toward change."

"I practice inclusivity and strive to engage in meaningful work that is both affirming & welcoming to individuals and couples from all walks of life and from all intersections. Some of my areas of specialty include working with: *Persons of oppressed/marginalized populations including people of color/LGBTQI+/women * Male-identified folks around issues of being male in our current climate * Eating Disorders * Persons of an advanced age/later in life folks *Couples/Polycules. As an MFT intern, I'm supervised by Dr. Pilar Hernandez-Wolfe, #C3881. If cost is a barrier, please call to inquire about limited sliding scale spot availability."

"I work with both artists and social change agents seeking to use a mix of embodied practices (such as role-play, movement, and somatic awareness) and talk methods to discover their emergent truth and develop ways to integrate this new awareness into their everyday life. My approach invites self-expression, personal exploration, and self-discovery through both embodied as well as talk methods. Some sessions look like regular talk therapy; others are more embodied and nonverbal; and others are more like a role play. Each session follows what is most alive for you in the moment and honors your unique style."

"I work with a wide range of people. My clients like deep work, As a Process Oriented therapist and teacher I use dreamwork, symptoms work, bodywork, movement, relationship work, conflict work, inner work and meditation, art and creativity, and many other methods based on the individuals client's process. I work with individuals, couples, and families. I have helped develop Process Oriented family therapy; Process Oriented sex and intimacy work; Process Oriented personal and historical trauma work; Process oriented coma and brain injury work, I have written 11 books on these topics. My work integrates mind body and spirit."

"I assist couples and adults with relationship difficulties, parenting, personal and professional life transitions, stress reduction, anxiety/depression, and grief. I use a combination of Mindfulness and Relational therapies because they support my belief that satisfying relationships within our self and with those we love provides the basis for a meaningful life. When our sense of connectedness to others is absent or threatened, life can feel very unsatisfactory. The effectiveness of Mindfulness based therapy is also supported by a large and growing body of scientific evidence."

" I am passionate about helping you find yourself again, while acknowledging and celebrating your inner wisdom and resilience. Our life experiences and relationships can lead us to question our own strengths and we stray further from the empowered person we want to be. Due to the things we have had to endure, it can be hard to trust, connect or feel like we can share our voice, thoughts, and feelings with others. The messages we receive throughout our lives may exaggerate the need to hide our true selves and we become more confused and lost. "

"What if the key to your healing lies just beneath the symptoms that are the source of your distress? For the past 15 years, I have supported individuals and couples to overcome anxiety, depression, self-doubt and relationship challenges. The foundations of my approach are mindfulness practice and therapeutic engagement with nature. Research continues to demonstrate that interacting therapeutically with nature profoundly impacts body chemistry and mood, especially for those of us that live and work in an urban environment. To support your healing, I have created a nature retreat for counseling in Portland's NW Hills."

"As we walk through life, we sometimes encounter a difficult problem that feels impossible to solve. Although facing such a challenge can be extremely confusing and painful, it may also be an invitation to recognize an old habit, belief, relationship pattern, or lifestyle that no longer serves you and a time to explore new possibilities. I am honored to be able accompany and guide my clients on this sacred journey of healing, growth, and discovery. "

"Couples (any age, race, gender identity) find relief from gridlock arguments, lost connection, or painful broken trust. Come see me, Shannon Batts, advanced trained marriage specialist, for tools for deeper understanding and validation from your mate, keeping disagreements from getting all wonky, and finding your way through coming out trans. Workshops available. Visit Relationship Gardening website for marriage help gift, read kick ass testimonials, and see transgender couples resources. Many clients also are health professionals. Black American couples' Resource Redirection. Ask how to get fees reduced, call or email today!"