Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapists in Kerns, Portland, OR

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 you feeling overwhelmed by the weight of past trauma, the challenges of life transitions, or the deep sorrow of grief? Life's journey can be filled with unexpected twists and turns, leaving us struggling to find our way. If you are seeking a compassionate and experienced guide to help you navigate these difficult moments, I am here to support you on your path to healing and growth.

I am passionate about the work I do and have almost a decade of experience working with children, adolescents, families and adults experiencing trauma and mental illness. I found my passion for helping people through experiencing my own hardships in life and seek to share not only my professional expertise but my empathy for what it means to overcome adversity. My expertise includes helping people overcome issues around childhood trauma, sexual and domestic violence, military and first responder trauma, and more.

Do you ever feel stuck in a body that doesn't feel, act or look the way you want it to? Does it feel like your brain and body are out of sync? Whether it be chronic pain, sexual difficulties or gender incongruence - I'm here to help you get your mind and body back into alignment. When working with me, I will tailor therapy to meet your unique needs, and offer the tools and support you need to feel less pain, more sexual freedom and gender affirmation.

Are you ready to begin taking off the masks that you are afraid of living without but know you cannot live within? Together, we will gently remove old and new masks, allowing for the opportunity to get to know your inner Self. The Self is our inner being, our truth, our soul, our anchor, who often gets hidden away due to traumatic experiences, fears, and others’ expectations. Through witnessing how personal challenges - past and present - can impact individuals in distinct ways, I have grown increasingly passionate about helping others reconnect with life through Self-discovery.

I am a professional counselor associate in the state of Oregon dedicated to helping clients process and access inner healing. I consider my role to be helping you understand yourself more deeply so that you can make informed decisions about your life.

I believe that people are doing the best they can with the information and skills they have. Sometimes even with these skills, life can feel unmanageable, especially during this time when many people are struggling with loneliness and existential anxieties. I believe people can grow and create better lives for themselves with the appropriate support and a space to process. My approach to therapy is client-centered and systemic, with a focus on validation and gaining new skills.

Currently accepting Telehealth clients! Everyone has their own journey, and mental health counseling can aid any individual who needs help along the way. Whether processing the past, finding contentment in the present, or looking at goals towards the future - I am so proud of you! I specialize in working with adolescents and young adults, exploring what it is to be in the quarter life stage and how to become your own person. From just entering high school to graduating from your grad degree program, or navigating independence - there is so much to process in our emerging adulthood. You are worth listening to.

Here you are, browsing for therapists, making a choice not only to find a therapist that is the right fit for you but also making the choice to prioritize something that maybe you have neglected. I am here to hold that space for you to bring as much of your humanness as you are willing to bring into the room with me, no matter how dark it gets, and to be a witness without judgment or expectations so that you can heal wounds. All of my approaches in therapy are inspired by attachment theory, trauma-informed care, Internal Family Systems theory (IFS), Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT), and narrative therapies.

I work with people that want support processing their emotions, trauma and experiences so they can work towards healing and transforming their lives. My approach is compassionate and collaborative as I work to understand your lived experiences, trauma, identities, and what larger social and generational systems impact you. I believe that... “a person is a fluid process, not a fixed and static entity; a flowing river of change, not a block of solid material; a continually changing constellation of potentialities, not a fixed quantity of traits.” ― Carl R. Rogers

Do you identify as a BIPOC woman who is feeling depleted from dealing with effects of systemic racism or ongoing micro-aggressions, and it's been affecting how you feel about yourself? Have you recently lost a loved one to suicide or homicide and feel alone in your pain?

Have you been scrolling through psychology today, trying to find a good fit? If you want a safe space to discuss trauma, grief & loss, major life transitions or would like help managing your anxiety/depression, I am here to help. Most people have experienced some form of trauma in their lives. It may have been an extremely stressful event. Or, it could be the cumulative experience of long term neglect, abuse or violence. Being in this survival mode may come with persistent feelings of hopelessness, helplessness, feeling trapped, disconnected & detached. Current patterns are a result of strategies to survive & no longer serve us

Hi. My name is Nick Elgin. Are you suffering from physical reactivity from trauma, emotional distress, or anxiety? I am a trained EMDR therapist that can help you reduce or eliminate your symptoms and free you from the distress that interrupts you from living a full life. My philosophy is to stand as your ally, and draw upon your expertise in your own personal story, to assist us in realizing the true future you would be thrilled to lead. Together, we will bolster your innate abilities, your internal strengths, to serve as the new bedrock for positive change.

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.

​​I strongly believe that people are designed to move towards healing when given the opportunity. Over time, life experiences, outdated beliefs, and new habits get us out of alignment with what feels true to ourselves. Within the safety and support of the therapeutic relationship, I help my clients increase awareness of these misalignments and re-activate their internal healing mechanisms.

I work with relationships-the dance between the Feminine and Masculine. My interactions with couples & families experiencing conflict, relationship challenges and recovering from wounds leaves them feeling a sense of renewal. My focus on the Feminine specifically aims to help women develop confidence to live the life they desire. I have cared for people experiencing a broad range of struggles including marital betrayal, depression, relationship conflict, decision-making, or grief. It is so important for me to hear the individuals I work with, help make sense of their world and give them valuable tools to make the changes they need.

Life can be hard, can cause twists, turns, and sometimes unexpected trauma happens to us or those we love. This can include grief and loss, particularly painful when it involves loss of a child or fertility loss. That is where good therapy is key to relieving the pain and understanding how to process such abstract emotions that often consume our entirety. I specialize in helping adults navigate such hurtles, particularly those attached to fertility related trauma, infant loss/miscarriage, traumatic births, postpartum depression/anxiety and bereavement. I welcome all those who seek support; therapy is hard, but you are here.

Anyone willing to be curious about their experience is welcome at my practice. I offer gender diverse, multi-racial, neurodiverse, and non monogamous people space to process their experiences of marginalization and complexity. Together we can make meaningful change by centering your goals, understanding trauma, and building resilience from the container of our therapy relationship.

I work with people through a strengths-based, trauma-informed & relational lens. In therapy we create a space to explore communication patterns, challenge outdated beliefs and cultivate resources that support your life and relationships.