Humanistic Therapists in Sunnyside, Portland, OR

Open for 1:1, couples, and group! Therapy for the apocalypse: specializing in anxieties, existential overwhelm, improving relationships and boundaries, exploration of identities, and I prioritize Queer/TGNC individuals and those impacted by systemic racism, misogyny, and socio-political issues. I work with people who consider themselves perfectionists, overthinkers, people-pleasers; loners, weirdos; people told they are "too difficult," "too sensitive," "too much;" those who want to connect with others but feel unable to due to past hurt or current negative narratives about themselves.

Effective therapy depends on a good client-therapist match. We'll work collaboratively to address relationship problems, life changes, losses, self-worth, anxiety, depression, trauma, and overwhelming emotions. My work is built on a foundation of compassion, pragmatism, and humor. We'll explore new perspectives, and experiment with tools for managing emotions, communicating effectively, and changing behaviors. We'll expand your capacity to cope with strong feelings and we'll deepen your sense of self.

Therapy can be a central part of restoring balance in your life, no matter what brings you to it. Sometimes, people seek out therapy to make a change in their lives, to fix what hasn’t been working, or because their coping skills are no longer helpful. Other times people are struggling with anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, health issues, or other struggles influenced by traumatic childhoods or difficult life situations. Whatever the case, I am glad you are here to learn more.

Are anxiety and low self-worth regulars in your life? The process of recognizing old stories, beliefs, and patterns can be overwhelming. It can bring up confusion, fear and grief. Changing old ways, that once kept you safe, can feel ungrounding and chaotic. Shifting what you've been familiar and comfortable with is deeply challenging and takes a great deal of strength and vulnerability. I believe healing, growth and change are lifelong practices, and transformation requires time, space, patience and self-compassion. Therapy can offer a safe and caring relationship that supports you in doing this life changing work.

Do you find it difficult to get your own needs met in relationship, taking care of everybody else but yourself? I can help you become empowered to create more balanced and rewarding relationships in your life. Do you feel lonely, distant, and disconnected from your partner? Through our work together you can share greater trust and intimacy with your partner. Are you overwhelmed sometimes, feeling unsafe, and threatened due to the lingering affects of past abuse or trauma? I can help you become resilient to the effects of trauma and gain inner confidence, peace and lightness.

Hello and welcome! I’d like to begin by celebrating you in your process of considering therapy in your life. We seek out therapy for many varying reasons and all of them are dynamic and significant. From exploring childhood wounds, to unraveling traumatic experiences, to managing stress and anxiety, to confronting depression, to identity exploration, to navigating complex relationship dynamics, to systemic injustice, to living in a world that can be demanding and overwhelming. Whatever it is that has brought you here is deeply important and absolutely deserves attention.

The therapy I offer focuses on making gentle contact with powerful thoughts, emotions, or memories that consciously or unconsciously knock us on our ass.  Even the way we talk to ourselves can perpetuate struggle and hurt. Lets work to offer care and compassion to the self who has been harmed, strengthen a kinder relationship with this self, and develop insight into why we do the things we do. Lets explore new ways of staying connected and engaged in the here and now. All of my work is infused with Compassion (karuna) and Loving Kindness (metta).

I offer you my kindness, respect and years of my own dedicated self work. Listening, presence and experience is a big part of what I bring to our sessions. A lot of pain and trauma becomes unconscious. I work with you to understand the sources of the problem. We aim to understand the different parts of your self. We work to activate your highest or most authentic self. I also aim to heal the trauma in the body. I am Jungian based, using EMDR, mindfulness psychology, and somatic approaches, all to deepen your relationship to yourself.

Are you struggling to understand a relationship that may be abusive, trying to heal from trauma, or need support with gender, identity, or LGBTQ2SIA+ issues? Health Allies specializes in healing from narcissistic abuse, domestic violence, PTSD, and trauma. We also have many therapist who specialize and identify with the LGBTQ2SIA+ community. If you have struggled with any of the above, we can help you sort out your goals for healing and help you get to a better place.

Are you feeling lost as you navigate challenging transitions in your life? Is your world shifting as you make choices around parenthood, parenting, co-parenting, career and or relationship changes? All while the outside world keeps spinning and feels loud and overwhelming? Are you struggling with loss and grief? Are you feeling stuck, fearful or unsure of how to move through this part of your life? You're not alone. I'm an art therapist and licensed professional counselor and it's my honor to support clients through these difficult moments in their life using authentic connection, creative practices and nervous system regulation.

We're living through a difficult time period, which can compound upon pre-existing traumas, anxieties, stressors, and relational difficulties. I would love to join you alongside your journey to stability, improved quality of life/relationships, and mental health. I will explore with you your past and current experiences and feelings to get to the root of what is causing struggle and assist in locating a path of healing and relief.

Are you having difficulty overcoming a problem, mood or behavior? If an issue is not relatively easy to change, then chances are, there is a block of some sort preventing the progression and flow of positive thoughts, feelings and behaviors. It is frustrating, discouraging and painful as an intelligent and competent person to work on a goal and not get the results you hope for.

Do you identify as transgender, non-binary, gender-fluid or gender-nonconforming? Are you neurodivergent (such as ADHD or autism), or have a disability? Do you work in social justice or in the sex industry? I bring experience in these areas to support you in your healing process. Whether you are addressing PTSD, chronic PTSD, suicidal thoughts and feelings, anxiety, stress or depression, or want to improve your self-esteem, I can help.

If you are looking for an experienced, warm and inviting therapist to support you, I welcome people of all backgrounds with all sorts of issues. In the early years of my 26-year career as an LCSW, I founded, developed, and operated a camp for grieving children. I've also worked extensively with terminal illness and end of life issues and everything in between. I also have expertise with and welcome the LBGTQ+ community, parenting, family issues, and am ready to support you with an open, non-judgmental space for healing.

I believe in the profound impact our environment has on us, and in return, the influence we wield on the world. My career has been dedicated to supporting vulnerable populations through trauma-informed care and a strengths-based approach. As an advocate for individuals and families, including neurodivergent youth and those with developmental disabilities, I bring a holistic, compassionate, and inclusive perspective to therapy. Together, we can explore relationships, cope with life changes, foster personal growth, process trauma, manage stress, address addictions, or enhance overall well-being.

**Scheduling intakes currently, but evening appointments are limited** Have you been struggling in life? Are you juggling all of your roles and feel like you're failing to keep up? Imagine being unburdened by anxiety or depressed mood. You could no longer be held back by worry or negative thinking, living a full authentic life with better relationships and more satisfaction, achieving the things you value and want in life. You don't have to let anxiety, depression, poor relationships, problematic self-esteem or stress prevent you from being happy.

I offer guidance and support for those who find they want more life and vitality in general. I have particular skill in helping those who find difficulty with multiple problems simultaneously. I help those suffering from anxiety, depression, and mood irregularity find relief. For those addressing life development issues or who feel stuck in their development, I help uncover blocks. For people who feel driven to addictive coping practices when suffering mood irregularity, I have special skill helping with both problems. Finally I have speciality in helping with spirituality if it is an area of concern.

I am full at this time and not able to accecpt new clients. My clients struggle just like you. Despite being smart, kind and empathetic achievers they still feel worried and disconnected. And they are ready to get to the root of it! When they first come to therapy they feel stressed and frustrated by their unrealized hopes. Knowing full well life will never be perfect, but they want it be eaiser than this! Things have happened in their life that have been hard. So hard that it has led them to worry when the other shoe is going to drop.

Do you want to find a new career direction, grow a solo business, thrive at work or complete a creative project? But, you feel stuck. With a Master's in Counseling and a certificate in Human Resource Management, I can help you set goals, break them into doable tasks, and provide support so you'll steadily you ahead.