Dialectical Behavior (DBT) Therapists in Portland, OR
Hi, I’m AJ. I’m a licensed therapist with over 20 years of experience supporting individuals, couples, youth, and families.
You might be feeling anxious, depressed, stuck or overwhelmed. Maybe you're facing something painful—loss, addiction, past trauma—or finding it hard to connect with others. Whatever you're carrying, you don’t have to carry it alone.
Hi, I’m AJ. I’m a licensed therapist with over 20 years of experience supporting individuals, couples, youth, and families.
You might be feeling anxious, depressed, stuck or overwhelmed. Maybe you're facing something painful—loss, addiction, past trauma—or finding it hard to connect with others. Whatever you're carrying, you don’t have to carry it alone.
I am trained in EMDR, and utilize IFS, Narrative, TF-CBT, DBT, SFBT, MI and ACT.
Do you feel misunderstood or alone in your interactions, and find that arguments or conversations with others often leave you feeling confused or upset? Do you experience chronic pain, stress, or overwhelm, and often feel on edge or have racing thoughts? Do you struggle with concentration, overthinking, or analyzing your interactions with others afterward? Do you feel constantly on the edge of burnout, or like there's no escape from the daily monotony of being an adult? Do you feel like you don't know yourself anymore?
I am trained in EMDR, and utilize IFS, Narrative, TF-CBT, DBT, SFBT, MI and ACT.
Do you feel misunderstood or alone in your interactions, and find that arguments or conversations with others often leave you feeling confused or upset? Do you experience chronic pain, stress, or overwhelm, and often feel on edge or have racing thoughts? Do you struggle with concentration, overthinking, or analyzing your interactions with others afterward? Do you feel constantly on the edge of burnout, or like there's no escape from the daily monotony of being an adult? Do you feel like you don't know yourself anymore?
I am a telehealth therapist located in Portland, Oregon but also serving individuals in NY, Florida, Utah and Colorado with primary treatment focuses on disordered eating and body image, obsessive-compulsive and related disorders, and anxiety disorders. In my work with individuals struggling with disordered eating, I take a Health at Every Size approach, and work with individuals to develop skills of intuitive eating, mindfulness, building self-acceptance, and learning who you are outside of your body image struggles.
I am not currently accepting new family therapy/couple clients, but do have space available for individual therapy.
I am a telehealth therapist located in Portland, Oregon but also serving individuals in NY, Florida, Utah and Colorado with primary treatment focuses on disordered eating and body image, obsessive-compulsive and related disorders, and anxiety disorders. In my work with individuals struggling with disordered eating, I take a Health at Every Size approach, and work with individuals to develop skills of intuitive eating, mindfulness, building self-acceptance, and learning who you are outside of your body image struggles.
I am not currently accepting new family therapy/couple clients, but do have space available for individual therapy.
My approach integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy ( DBT), Motivational Interviewing, and trauma-informed care.
Many folx come to my practice seeking insight and feeling exhausted, unseen, or disconnected from themselves and their community. They may be navigating depression, trauma, addiction recovery, identity exploration, chronic illness, or life transitions. Many also carry the weight of systemic stress, racism, and other forms of oppression. My work centers on culturally responsive, affirming collaboration in which folx can show up fully as themselves, explore their identity, build emotional regulation skills, and reconnect with personal strength, resilience, and community connection. Liberating minds is liberating society, per Ms. Davis
My approach integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy ( DBT), Motivational Interviewing, and trauma-informed care.
Many folx come to my practice seeking insight and feeling exhausted, unseen, or disconnected from themselves and their community. They may be navigating depression, trauma, addiction recovery, identity exploration, chronic illness, or life transitions. Many also carry the weight of systemic stress, racism, and other forms of oppression. My work centers on culturally responsive, affirming collaboration in which folx can show up fully as themselves, explore their identity, build emotional regulation skills, and reconnect with personal strength, resilience, and community connection. Liberating minds is liberating society, per Ms. Davis
My approach is eclectic and draws heavily from existential philosophy and therapy along with ACT, DBT, REBT, and solution-focused therapies.
I offer authentic, compassionate therapy in a safe environment. Therapy should allow for the cultivation of rapport and trust so that we can work collaboratively to examine meaning and purpose as defined by you in your own life. As well, we can also take a closer look at unhealthy, unhelpful patterns that may be present in your life and relationships.
My approach is eclectic and draws heavily from existential philosophy and therapy along with ACT, DBT, REBT, and solution-focused therapies.
I offer authentic, compassionate therapy in a safe environment. Therapy should allow for the cultivation of rapport and trust so that we can work collaboratively to examine meaning and purpose as defined by you in your own life. As well, we can also take a closer look at unhealthy, unhelpful patterns that may be present in your life and relationships.
I would love to support you in building self-awareness, cultivating self-compassion, and connecting with your own inherent wisdom. Together, we’ll uncover what’s blocking you and causing feelings of being stuck or disconnected. In a world shaped by diet culture, fatphobia, social media, societal expectations, and more, it’s easy to feel like parts of ourselves fragment, and we can lose touch with our bodies and sense of self. I specialize in helping people reconnect with their thoughts, bodies, and inner wisdom. You’ll learn to shift harmful patterns of thinking and self-talk, approaching yourself with kindness and curiosity.
I would love to support you in building self-awareness, cultivating self-compassion, and connecting with your own inherent wisdom. Together, we’ll uncover what’s blocking you and causing feelings of being stuck or disconnected. In a world shaped by diet culture, fatphobia, social media, societal expectations, and more, it’s easy to feel like parts of ourselves fragment, and we can lose touch with our bodies and sense of self. I specialize in helping people reconnect with their thoughts, bodies, and inner wisdom. You’ll learn to shift harmful patterns of thinking and self-talk, approaching yourself with kindness and curiosity.
I often work with clients navigating life transitions or major season-of-life changes, grief, loss, and life not turning out the way you'd hoped, identity exploration and feeling unsure of who you are or what you want, faith transitions, spiritual questioning, and anxiety/depression connected to change, stress, or loss.
I often work with clients navigating life transitions or major season-of-life changes, grief, loss, and life not turning out the way you'd hoped, identity exploration and feeling unsure of who you are or what you want, faith transitions, spiritual questioning, and anxiety/depression connected to change, stress, or loss.
I provide mental health and career counseling to individuals and couples dealing with life's challenges. Do you want to understand more about yourself, about your identity, about the way the patterns you've learned in the past might no longer be serving you? Do you deal with the challenges of depression, anxiety, guilt, past trauma, and grief or loss? Come on in and we can explore all of it in a supportive environment.
I provide mental health and career counseling to individuals and couples dealing with life's challenges. Do you want to understand more about yourself, about your identity, about the way the patterns you've learned in the past might no longer be serving you? Do you deal with the challenges of depression, anxiety, guilt, past trauma, and grief or loss? Come on in and we can explore all of it in a supportive environment.
Life transitions can feel overwhelming. Whether you’re navigating parenthood, fertility challenges, relationship changes, loss, or other changes like college, menopause, or a medical diagnosis—you don’t have to go through it alone.
I am a licensed psychologist with 9 years of experience, specializing in perinatal mental health and the challenges that come with fertility, pregnancy, postpartum, and parenting. I also support individuals facing identity changes, stressful life events, depression/anxiety, or trauma. I have experience working with medical professionals, and spent several years working in a family medicine setting.
Life transitions can feel overwhelming. Whether you’re navigating parenthood, fertility challenges, relationship changes, loss, or other changes like college, menopause, or a medical diagnosis—you don’t have to go through it alone.
I am a licensed psychologist with 9 years of experience, specializing in perinatal mental health and the challenges that come with fertility, pregnancy, postpartum, and parenting. I also support individuals facing identity changes, stressful life events, depression/anxiety, or trauma. I have experience working with medical professionals, and spent several years working in a family medicine setting.
Does this sound familiar? Feeling stuck, lost, or directionless? Overwhelmed with feelings of sadness or anxiety, making it difficult to foster happiness? Struggling with a life transitions?
Does this sound familiar? Feeling stuck, lost, or directionless? Overwhelmed with feelings of sadness or anxiety, making it difficult to foster happiness? Struggling with a life transitions?
I strive to create a safe, nonjudgmental space for everyone. I value openness, authenticity, and the unique story each client brings. My goal is to help you connect with your strengths and move toward the life you want.
I strive to create a safe, nonjudgmental space for everyone. I value openness, authenticity, and the unique story each client brings. My goal is to help you connect with your strengths and move toward the life you want.
Sharon received both her Masters in Counseling Psychology and Bachelors in Psychology from Lewis and Clark College. She has worked as a counselor and mental health therapist for over 15 years. Her experience includes clinical work in private practice, inpatient, outpatient and school settings. Individual, Group, Family, Couples counseling. Sharon believes that we have tremendous capacity to grow, heal, and learn when given the opportunity to share, reflect, and problem solve in the context of an accepting and supportive therapeutic relationship.
Sharon received both her Masters in Counseling Psychology and Bachelors in Psychology from Lewis and Clark College. She has worked as a counselor and mental health therapist for over 15 years. Her experience includes clinical work in private practice, inpatient, outpatient and school settings. Individual, Group, Family, Couples counseling. Sharon believes that we have tremendous capacity to grow, heal, and learn when given the opportunity to share, reflect, and problem solve in the context of an accepting and supportive therapeutic relationship.
Life stress can often pile up to a point where it can be unmanageable to work through on our own. This stress can look like wounds from past experiences, ongoing trauma, societal challenges, or maybe feeling like there is too much to handle on your plate. I hope to partner with you to create a comfortable and therapeutic space, so you can begin to process some of the challenges that life throws our way. I am passionate about assisting individuals to make positive change in their lives, wherever they are at in their journey towards growth.
Life stress can often pile up to a point where it can be unmanageable to work through on our own. This stress can look like wounds from past experiences, ongoing trauma, societal challenges, or maybe feeling like there is too much to handle on your plate. I hope to partner with you to create a comfortable and therapeutic space, so you can begin to process some of the challenges that life throws our way. I am passionate about assisting individuals to make positive change in their lives, wherever they are at in their journey towards growth.
The skills I teach are often based in CBT or DBT interventions.
I enjoy helping clients make meaningful changes in their lives and relationships. Whether you are looking for support in getting through a difficult time or looking towards long-term inner work I am happy to help. I believe that my clients are the experts on their lives and consider it a privilege to walk alongside them during their journey for healing and growth. In a world full of stimulation and distractions I enjoy helping my clients cultivate a stronger sense of agency, acceptance and inner peace.
The skills I teach are often based in CBT or DBT interventions.
I enjoy helping clients make meaningful changes in their lives and relationships. Whether you are looking for support in getting through a difficult time or looking towards long-term inner work I am happy to help. I believe that my clients are the experts on their lives and consider it a privilege to walk alongside them during their journey for healing and growth. In a world full of stimulation and distractions I enjoy helping my clients cultivate a stronger sense of agency, acceptance and inner peace.
As appropriate, I incorporate modalities that include: EMDR, Cognitive Behavior Therapy, art and narrative therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, mindfulness and imagery/meditation, and discovery of mind-body connection..
Throughout my clinical professional experience, I have worked with individuals across the spectrum including (but not limited to) depressive disorders, anxiety and panic, PTSD, postpartum mental health, self-esteem/identity conflicts, psychosis, mania, adjustment issues, parenting, trauma, relationship conflicts and loss.
As appropriate, I incorporate modalities that include: EMDR, Cognitive Behavior Therapy, art and narrative therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, mindfulness and imagery/meditation, and discovery of mind-body connection..
Throughout my clinical professional experience, I have worked with individuals across the spectrum including (but not limited to) depressive disorders, anxiety and panic, PTSD, postpartum mental health, self-esteem/identity conflicts, psychosis, mania, adjustment issues, parenting, trauma, relationship conflicts and loss.
Knowing that it is usually an experience of pain or frustration that prompts people to seek counseling, my goal is to provide a safe place for you to effectively move through it. Often that pain comes from unmet needs, harmful experiences, or coping systems that no longer serve you. I want to work with you, to offer reflection, understanding, information, and new windows to help you experience relief and a sense of well being. Approaches include, but are not limited to, insight oriented talk therapy, mindfulness, EMDR, EFT, and Ego-state therapy, and are chosen on what would be most appropriate to your individual goals.
Knowing that it is usually an experience of pain or frustration that prompts people to seek counseling, my goal is to provide a safe place for you to effectively move through it. Often that pain comes from unmet needs, harmful experiences, or coping systems that no longer serve you. I want to work with you, to offer reflection, understanding, information, and new windows to help you experience relief and a sense of well being. Approaches include, but are not limited to, insight oriented talk therapy, mindfulness, EMDR, EFT, and Ego-state therapy, and are chosen on what would be most appropriate to your individual goals.
I became a counselor because I believe we can all find greater clarity and peace when we have the support, time, and space to explore and reflect on our existence. My goal is to cultivate a place where you can safely experiment and expand your perspectives — developing greater flexibility in how you respond to whatever life throws your way. Drawing on your unique culture, identities, and experiences, I work to support you in building a deeper awareness of where you've come from, where you are, and what your next steps might look like. We are co-travelers in this complex world, and I would be honored to be a collaborative ally.
I became a counselor because I believe we can all find greater clarity and peace when we have the support, time, and space to explore and reflect on our existence. My goal is to cultivate a place where you can safely experiment and expand your perspectives — developing greater flexibility in how you respond to whatever life throws your way. Drawing on your unique culture, identities, and experiences, I work to support you in building a deeper awareness of where you've come from, where you are, and what your next steps might look like. We are co-travelers in this complex world, and I would be honored to be a collaborative ally.
However, I hold training in DBT, ERP for OCD, ACT, and Psychodynamic psychotherapy.
As a psychologist, I have two skill sets: psychotherapy and psychological testing. Many people seek out therapy because life is hard. Sometimes they feel like life is meaningless, and joy has slipped out of their lives. Others feel like life is terrifying and experience fear daily. Traumas will flash through their mind's eye and they cannot think of anything else. Things like relationships, work or school, and basic life tasks can feel impossible. My goal is to help you heal. As a therapist, my hope for all my clients is that they can live well, work well, love well, and experience meaning and joy in their lives!
However, I hold training in DBT, ERP for OCD, ACT, and Psychodynamic psychotherapy.
As a psychologist, I have two skill sets: psychotherapy and psychological testing. Many people seek out therapy because life is hard. Sometimes they feel like life is meaningless, and joy has slipped out of their lives. Others feel like life is terrifying and experience fear daily. Traumas will flash through their mind's eye and they cannot think of anything else. Things like relationships, work or school, and basic life tasks can feel impossible. My goal is to help you heal. As a therapist, my hope for all my clients is that they can live well, work well, love well, and experience meaning and joy in their lives!
I have been a counselor for more than 30 years. I remain passionate about making a difference in the lives of others and believe that genuine caring is an essential element to an effective counseling relationship. Over the years I have worked with clients with significant trauma and loss.
I have been a counselor for more than 30 years. I remain passionate about making a difference in the lives of others and believe that genuine caring is an essential element to an effective counseling relationship. Over the years I have worked with clients with significant trauma and loss.
For the past 15 years, my practice has been focused on helping people through Dialectical Behavioral Therapy ( DBT) skills.
Are you seeking coping skills and support as you navigate a challenging situation? Are you open to learning new skills and adding them to the skill toolbox? I believe we are all doing the best we can with what we have available to us, AND we can do better. Everyone is using coping skills that they have learned and been taught, while some of these may be helpful at times in our lives, they may not be helpful long-term, or may no longer be serving you or helping you work towards your goals.
For the past 15 years, my practice has been focused on helping people through Dialectical Behavioral Therapy ( DBT) skills.
Are you seeking coping skills and support as you navigate a challenging situation? Are you open to learning new skills and adding them to the skill toolbox? I believe we are all doing the best we can with what we have available to us, AND we can do better. Everyone is using coping skills that they have learned and been taught, while some of these may be helpful at times in our lives, they may not be helpful long-term, or may no longer be serving you or helping you work towards your goals.
See more therapy options for Portland
Nearby Dialectical Behavior (DBT) Therapists Searches for Portland
- Aloha
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- Happy Valley
- King City
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Dialectical Behavior (DBT) Therapists
Who is DBT for?
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is designed for people who experience extreme emotional suffering because they lack the skills of emotion regulation and distress tolerance. The basic affliction can underlie a wide range of conditions, from borderline and other personality disorders to PTSD and treatment-resistant anxiety and depression. The therapy is helpful to those whose emotional reactivity is so intense it is disruptive to everyday functioning and leads to frequent crises.
Why do people need DBT?
The ability to regulate emotions is a core psychological skill that enables people to function in life and pay attention to the world outside themselves; it is consistently associated with well-being. DBT is designed to help people learn how to manage and regulate their emotions. Originally developed to treat people with borderline personality disorder whose extreme emotional suffering led to self-harming behavior and suicide attempts, the therapy is now applied to other conditions involving emotion dysregulation, particularly when other treatments have failed.
What happens in DBT?
Individuals meet weekly with their therapist to discuss their experiences relating to moods, behavior, and skills. Using checklists they maintain, they review emotional experiences and positive practices they engage in. The diaries help individuals discern what led up to a specific problem encountered, this is followed by discussion of the consequences of their actions. In addition, individuals may meet in class-like small groups to learn skills such as mindfulness, emotion regulation and distress tolerance.
How long does DBT last?
Because it is intended to establish long-lasting behavioral change among those with persistent problems, DBT is designed to last six months to a year. DBT includes both weekly sessions of individual therapy and weekly skills-training sessions conducted in small groups. Studies of DBT have documented improvement within a year of treatment, particularly in controlling self-harmful behavior; nevertheless, individuals may require therapy for several years.