Personality Disorders Therapists in Portland, OR
I enjoy working with clients who feel that their minds have become unmanageable. This experience often arises from a belief that inner conflict and complexity is a problem to be solved rather than a state of affairs to be understood and befriended. Sometimes this unmanageability shows up as anxiety, where the mind dreads bad outcomes and wont allow you to enjoy your life. Other times as depression, where the mind is mired in hopelessness, despair, or resentment. Addictions of various sorts can also arise from this state of affairs, whereby we try to distract or quiet our minds through destructive patterns of behavior.
I enjoy working with clients who feel that their minds have become unmanageable. This experience often arises from a belief that inner conflict and complexity is a problem to be solved rather than a state of affairs to be understood and befriended. Sometimes this unmanageability shows up as anxiety, where the mind dreads bad outcomes and wont allow you to enjoy your life. Other times as depression, where the mind is mired in hopelessness, despair, or resentment. Addictions of various sorts can also arise from this state of affairs, whereby we try to distract or quiet our minds through destructive patterns of behavior.
Michelle Desai
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97212
Waitlist for new clients
As human beings, we all have a deep need for connection. This connection is often challenged and disrupted by experiences throughout our lives. Consequently, we all experience some level of disconnection. This experience of disconnection can lead to anxiety, inadequate coping skills, depression, poor emotional regulation, substance use, and many other dis-eases. The good news is that we all have the potential to reconnect with our authentic self and heal. My approach to therapy and healing involves reconnection with our true selves, our body, and the present moment through compassionate listening, non-judgement and curiosity.
As human beings, we all have a deep need for connection. This connection is often challenged and disrupted by experiences throughout our lives. Consequently, we all experience some level of disconnection. This experience of disconnection can lead to anxiety, inadequate coping skills, depression, poor emotional regulation, substance use, and many other dis-eases. The good news is that we all have the potential to reconnect with our authentic self and heal. My approach to therapy and healing involves reconnection with our true selves, our body, and the present moment through compassionate listening, non-judgement and curiosity.
Kelly Valente is a licensed marriage and family therapist. She holds a master’s degree in psychology and a master’s in marriage and family therapy. She has practiced as a licensed marriage and family therapist working in the mental health field since 2015 and has provided counseling and case management services to children, adults, and families in a variety of unique settings. Kelly has been involved in developing and implementing programs throughout her career, with a focus on mood disorders, couples, communication, substance use, values, grief and loss, and other psychosocial topics.
Kelly Valente is a licensed marriage and family therapist. She holds a master’s degree in psychology and a master’s in marriage and family therapy. She has practiced as a licensed marriage and family therapist working in the mental health field since 2015 and has provided counseling and case management services to children, adults, and families in a variety of unique settings. Kelly has been involved in developing and implementing programs throughout her career, with a focus on mood disorders, couples, communication, substance use, values, grief and loss, and other psychosocial topics.
I'm glad you're seeking support! I’m particularly passionate about supporting people who are working through sexual shame, navigating ethical non-monogamy, and those who identify neurodivergent (specifically Autistic or ADHD), queer, and/or BIPOC. I believe that community is at the core of our being. Despite that, relationships (platonic, romantic, or otherwise) are complicated. Navigating challenges that arise and staying curious can allow you to find ways to heal and discover your truth.
I'm glad you're seeking support! I’m particularly passionate about supporting people who are working through sexual shame, navigating ethical non-monogamy, and those who identify neurodivergent (specifically Autistic or ADHD), queer, and/or BIPOC. I believe that community is at the core of our being. Despite that, relationships (platonic, romantic, or otherwise) are complicated. Navigating challenges that arise and staying curious can allow you to find ways to heal and discover your truth.
If you're navigating personal struggles like anxiety, depression, or identity questions and want a compassionate, non-judgmental space to explore your authentic self at your own pace, I am here to assist. I provide support that honors your lived experiences and respects your autonomy in setting goals and making changes. Whether it’s working through trauma, understanding your identity, or strengthening relationships, I focus on meeting you where you are, building trust, and fostering growth through a collaborative and empowering approach.
If you're navigating personal struggles like anxiety, depression, or identity questions and want a compassionate, non-judgmental space to explore your authentic self at your own pace, I am here to assist. I provide support that honors your lived experiences and respects your autonomy in setting goals and making changes. Whether it’s working through trauma, understanding your identity, or strengthening relationships, I focus on meeting you where you are, building trust, and fostering growth through a collaborative and empowering approach.
Seeking the assistance of a professional counselor is an important decision. Reaching out for help can be difficult, but once the decision has been made, most people, in my experience, find the outcome to be extremely rewarding. Stress, relationship difficulties, and career disenchantment are just a few of the normal issues that anyone may encounter over the course of one's life. Seeking an experienced and skilled counselor to help deal with any of these concerns is a demonstration of personal strength and healthy coping.
Seeking the assistance of a professional counselor is an important decision. Reaching out for help can be difficult, but once the decision has been made, most people, in my experience, find the outcome to be extremely rewarding. Stress, relationship difficulties, and career disenchantment are just a few of the normal issues that anyone may encounter over the course of one's life. Seeking an experienced and skilled counselor to help deal with any of these concerns is a demonstration of personal strength and healthy coping.
Aaron Kinyon
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97214
Waitlist for new clients
I help people struggling with anxiety and depression, loss of motivation and all issues related to major life transitions that can cause a need for support. I have experience with what is called spiritual direction and helping you to identify and achieve deeper meaning and purpose in your life.
I help people struggling with anxiety and depression, loss of motivation and all issues related to major life transitions that can cause a need for support. I have experience with what is called spiritual direction and helping you to identify and achieve deeper meaning and purpose in your life.
Jessica Van der Merwe
Counselor, MA, LMHC, LPC
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97213
Waitlist for new clients
Growing up in a dysfunctional family, being in a toxic or abusive relationship, or experiencing the horrors of a traumatic event can set you on a collision course with daily triggers to anger, sadness, overwhelm, panic, or dissociation. Maybe you notice your reactions in your relationships are causing harm, and you regularly experience the dreaded “shame spiral.” You minimize your pain, or others regularly do. If this is you, I’m glad you’re here. Long-term healing is possible. Even if only a small part of you hopes for change, I'm confident it's enough to start the journey toward a peaceful and thriving life.
Growing up in a dysfunctional family, being in a toxic or abusive relationship, or experiencing the horrors of a traumatic event can set you on a collision course with daily triggers to anger, sadness, overwhelm, panic, or dissociation. Maybe you notice your reactions in your relationships are causing harm, and you regularly experience the dreaded “shame spiral.” You minimize your pain, or others regularly do. If this is you, I’m glad you’re here. Long-term healing is possible. Even if only a small part of you hopes for change, I'm confident it's enough to start the journey toward a peaceful and thriving life.
I always want to foster a counseling environment of honesty, kindness, and empathy. What we discuss is always dependent on your level of comfortability. We celebrate the little victories and aim for making lasting changes. I always look for ways to help empower you to be in the drivers seat and reach your therapeutic goals.
I always want to foster a counseling environment of honesty, kindness, and empathy. What we discuss is always dependent on your level of comfortability. We celebrate the little victories and aim for making lasting changes. I always look for ways to help empower you to be in the drivers seat and reach your therapeutic goals.
Roger D. Carlson
Psychologist, PhD, MDiv, CCH, CST, ABS ACS
Verified Verified
Online Only
Waitlist for new clients
I work with persons who are having adjustment difficulties, and who experience stress and anxiety while making life transitions. I treat sexual difficulties or lifestyle issues from a sex positive perspective. I work with wishing to change specific habits (smoking, overeating, etc.); or to reduce stress and anxiety. I also work with those who have culturally unpopular or unsupported life styles, and who experience conflict, marginalization, or disempowerment.
I work with persons who are having adjustment difficulties, and who experience stress and anxiety while making life transitions. I treat sexual difficulties or lifestyle issues from a sex positive perspective. I work with wishing to change specific habits (smoking, overeating, etc.); or to reduce stress and anxiety. I also work with those who have culturally unpopular or unsupported life styles, and who experience conflict, marginalization, or disempowerment.
Do you struggle with feeling a need for control in an out-of-control world? Do you tend to hide your true feelings from others in order to present a positive image, even when you’re hurting on the inside? Do you feel as though your accomplishments in life don’t make you as happy as they should? Do these habits of thinking get in the way of making meaningful connections with others, in your personal life, at school or at work? Do you feel anxious, depressed or hopeless; worried that things might never get better? Not addressing your deeper feelings or acknowledging your needs can lead to isolation, unhappiness and constant worry.
Do you struggle with feeling a need for control in an out-of-control world? Do you tend to hide your true feelings from others in order to present a positive image, even when you’re hurting on the inside? Do you feel as though your accomplishments in life don’t make you as happy as they should? Do these habits of thinking get in the way of making meaningful connections with others, in your personal life, at school or at work? Do you feel anxious, depressed or hopeless; worried that things might never get better? Not addressing your deeper feelings or acknowledging your needs can lead to isolation, unhappiness and constant worry.
Meet Our Personality Disorders Therapists
Barbara Lee Biedrzycki
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Online Only
It is my belief that people have the skills, courage and ability to overcome their life problems when provided the opportunity to safely explore what the challenges are and what skills they already possess to address them. As your therapist, I will work to understand your symptoms, stressors, problems and concerns. I will assist you in identifying what it is you would like to change about yourself, situation or beliefs in order to achieve your best self. I work with adult individuals, adolescents, and couples.
It is my belief that people have the skills, courage and ability to overcome their life problems when provided the opportunity to safely explore what the challenges are and what skills they already possess to address them. As your therapist, I will work to understand your symptoms, stressors, problems and concerns. I will assist you in identifying what it is you would like to change about yourself, situation or beliefs in order to achieve your best self. I work with adult individuals, adolescents, and couples.
My psychotherapy practice prioritizes creating a safe space to explore what lies beneath the symptoms you might be feeling or experiencing. I believe that our symptoms, mental or physical, are the outward manifestations of our inner wounds. They are cues to where the work can begin. I work with both adults and adolescents. I am as passionate about helping adults understand how their childhoods affect their current patterns and behaviors as I am about supporting adolescents along their often complex journey to adulthood.
My psychotherapy practice prioritizes creating a safe space to explore what lies beneath the symptoms you might be feeling or experiencing. I believe that our symptoms, mental or physical, are the outward manifestations of our inner wounds. They are cues to where the work can begin. I work with both adults and adolescents. I am as passionate about helping adults understand how their childhoods affect their current patterns and behaviors as I am about supporting adolescents along their often complex journey to adulthood.
Sara Beth Austin | Anxiety And Burnout Therapist
Professional Counselor Associate, MA, NCC, DARTT, RYT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Online Only
NOTE: At present, I am only accepting new clients for RO-DBT Skills Classes, beginning 2025. Contact me for more info about class! I help stressed, perfectionistic students and professionals learn how to relax. Too much self-control, or overcontrol, makes it hard to enjoy life and connect meaningfully with others. It’s exhausting to feel like you’re always ‘on’, performing, or wearing a mask. Overcontrol can lead to anxiety, depression, disordered eating, obsessive-compulsive behavior, and intimacy avoidance. You don’t have to struggle alone–I’ve been a therapist helping LGBTQIA+, BIPOC, and other folx get unstuck for over 10 years.
NOTE: At present, I am only accepting new clients for RO-DBT Skills Classes, beginning 2025. Contact me for more info about class! I help stressed, perfectionistic students and professionals learn how to relax. Too much self-control, or overcontrol, makes it hard to enjoy life and connect meaningfully with others. It’s exhausting to feel like you’re always ‘on’, performing, or wearing a mask. Overcontrol can lead to anxiety, depression, disordered eating, obsessive-compulsive behavior, and intimacy avoidance. You don’t have to struggle alone–I’ve been a therapist helping LGBTQIA+, BIPOC, and other folx get unstuck for over 10 years.
We know how tough it is to watch your teen or young adult struggle with severe mental health conditions like anxiety or depression. Our virtual intensive outpatient program (VIOP) is here to help teens, young adults, and college students ages 12-34. We provide flexible, accessible online therapy in Oregon and other states across the U.S. that fits seamlessly into the busy academic schedules of young people and families and helps them achieve lasting change.
We know how tough it is to watch your teen or young adult struggle with severe mental health conditions like anxiety or depression. Our virtual intensive outpatient program (VIOP) is here to help teens, young adults, and college students ages 12-34. We provide flexible, accessible online therapy in Oregon and other states across the U.S. that fits seamlessly into the busy academic schedules of young people and families and helps them achieve lasting change.
As a psychologist, I evaluate and treat patients through a variety of methods, most typically being psychotherapy or talk therapy. Patients usually visit me because they have been experiencing depression, anxiety, stress or anger for a significant period of time and are seeking help.
As a psychologist, I evaluate and treat patients through a variety of methods, most typically being psychotherapy or talk therapy. Patients usually visit me because they have been experiencing depression, anxiety, stress or anger for a significant period of time and are seeking help.
Couples Clinic of Portland
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97209
If you’re looking at websites to find a therapist, which isn’t easy right now, you are on your way! Just looking around at different sites is an expression of hope for something different or better.
If you’re looking at websites to find a therapist, which isn’t easy right now, you are on your way! Just looking around at different sites is an expression of hope for something different or better.
I enjoy and have experience working with adults, adolescents, and children, and have a special interest in working within the LGBTQIA+ community. I wish to help each individual find acceptance and pride in their own embodied expression of self through the work we do together. A sense of spirituality infuses my approach to life, both personally and professionally, and I love to guide individuals toward finding what lights up their soul in and out of the office. I utilize a person-centered, trauma-informed approach; and acknowledge that you know yourself better than anyone and are the expert of your own experience.
I enjoy and have experience working with adults, adolescents, and children, and have a special interest in working within the LGBTQIA+ community. I wish to help each individual find acceptance and pride in their own embodied expression of self through the work we do together. A sense of spirituality infuses my approach to life, both personally and professionally, and I love to guide individuals toward finding what lights up their soul in and out of the office. I utilize a person-centered, trauma-informed approach; and acknowledge that you know yourself better than anyone and are the expert of your own experience.
I specialize in providing personalized, evidence-based support for a variety of mental health concerns, including anxiety, depression, PTSD, addiction, ADHD, Autism and life transitions. My approach is compassionate and tailored to each individual’s unique needs, using a combination of proven therapeutic techniques
I specialize in providing personalized, evidence-based support for a variety of mental health concerns, including anxiety, depression, PTSD, addiction, ADHD, Autism and life transitions. My approach is compassionate and tailored to each individual’s unique needs, using a combination of proven therapeutic techniques
I specialize in working with young adults, including students and early career professionals, who struggle with anxiety, stress, ADHD, perfectionism, trauma, depression, burn-out and more. If you're asking yourself "how am I supposed to balance school/work, my social life, eating healthy, exercising, having hobbies and taking care of my mental health?!" you are not alone. Adulting is hard, even if you feel like you "should" have it down by now. You might feel like your thoughts are always negative or spiraling out of control or you're always tense or can't seem to stay in the moment for things that are "supposed" to be fun.
I specialize in working with young adults, including students and early career professionals, who struggle with anxiety, stress, ADHD, perfectionism, trauma, depression, burn-out and more. If you're asking yourself "how am I supposed to balance school/work, my social life, eating healthy, exercising, having hobbies and taking care of my mental health?!" you are not alone. Adulting is hard, even if you feel like you "should" have it down by now. You might feel like your thoughts are always negative or spiraling out of control or you're always tense or can't seem to stay in the moment for things that are "supposed" to be fun.
