Therapists in Portland, OR
Kelly Mehigan
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97213
I believe that the therapeutic relationship is at the core of individual and family work. When working with children, I believe in the power of play, art, and connection to build relationships and skill-build along with process challenging life events. I support families with increasing communication, building compassion and connection while honoring families’ inherent strengths and background. During individual therapy with adults, our work will be geared towards finding balance in navigating the unknown and building coping tools. In all aspects of my work I am committed to working from an anti-oppressive and affirming lens.
I believe that the therapeutic relationship is at the core of individual and family work. When working with children, I believe in the power of play, art, and connection to build relationships and skill-build along with process challenging life events. I support families with increasing communication, building compassion and connection while honoring families’ inherent strengths and background. During individual therapy with adults, our work will be geared towards finding balance in navigating the unknown and building coping tools. In all aspects of my work I am committed to working from an anti-oppressive and affirming lens.
Christina H Irvine
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97212
Dr. Irvine specializes in working with children and adolescents, and sees clients ages 5-17 only. She primarily utilizes cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) and play therapy to address a wide range of concerns, including anxiety, ADHD, high-functioning autism, OCD, and emotional/ behavioral difficulties. She has experience working with highly gifted and "twice exceptional" children.
Dr. Irvine specializes in working with children and adolescents, and sees clients ages 5-17 only. She primarily utilizes cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) and play therapy to address a wide range of concerns, including anxiety, ADHD, high-functioning autism, OCD, and emotional/ behavioral difficulties. She has experience working with highly gifted and "twice exceptional" children.
Elizabeth Fisher
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97219
Have you been through a difficult experience? I specialize in emotional and relational disorders arising from trauma, sexual abuse, attachment disruptions, and less-than-optimal early childhood experiences. These types of experiences can create life-long distress and difficulty with relationships. Finding the right therapist is an important first step in healing from trauma. My orientation integrates modern neuroscience with relational psychotherapy. In addition to traditional methods, I utilize expressive approaches such as sandtray, play therapy, psychodrama, movement, and art therapy in my practice. I will tailor your sessions to meet your unique needs and ways of expressing yourself.
Have you been through a difficult experience? I specialize in emotional and relational disorders arising from trauma, sexual abuse, attachment disruptions, and less-than-optimal early childhood experiences. These types of experiences can create life-long distress and difficulty with relationships. Finding the right therapist is an important first step in healing from trauma. My orientation integrates modern neuroscience with relational psychotherapy. In addition to traditional methods, I utilize expressive approaches such as sandtray, play therapy, psychodrama, movement, and art therapy in my practice. I will tailor your sessions to meet your unique needs and ways of expressing yourself.
Robin L Magdahlen
Licensed Professional Counselor, MFT, RDT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97239
These approaches include drama/play therapy, psychodrama, art, guided imagery and sand tray.
My intention for you is to gently but dynamically create opportunities for growth and healing through flexible and creative alternatives to break through old patterns. I like to collaborate with motivated clients who are willing to work to change their lives. My goal is to help you discover your own solutions to your problems and concerns in an environment that is welcoming, empathetic and non-judgmental. I do that by carefully attending to your thoughts and feelings. Although I will offer specific "interventions" I believe that change occurs during therapy when there is strong motivation combined with the quality of our connection.
These approaches include drama/play therapy, psychodrama, art, guided imagery and sand tray.
My intention for you is to gently but dynamically create opportunities for growth and healing through flexible and creative alternatives to break through old patterns. I like to collaborate with motivated clients who are willing to work to change their lives. My goal is to help you discover your own solutions to your problems and concerns in an environment that is welcoming, empathetic and non-judgmental. I do that by carefully attending to your thoughts and feelings. Although I will offer specific "interventions" I believe that change occurs during therapy when there is strong motivation combined with the quality of our connection.
Sage Freeburg
Clinical Social Work Associate, MA, CSWA
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97213
Waitlist for new clients
These theories include Interpersonal Neurobiology, Child Centered Play Therapy, Collaborative Problem Solving, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Narrative Therapy, and Attachment Theory.
Sage believes that healing begins in relationship. She hopes to provide a welcoming therapeutic space based on compassion, acceptance, and client autonomy. Sage trusts in the innate wisdom of each child, adult, and family, and seeks to collaborate with clients as they move through the ever-shifting circumstances of life. She recognizes that healing is different for each individual, and that the healing process is informed by our cultures, social systems, and environments. Sage works to incorporate these perspectives into the therapeutic space, and honors the identities and experiences of the clients she collaborates with.
These theories include Interpersonal Neurobiology, Child Centered Play Therapy, Collaborative Problem Solving, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Narrative Therapy, and Attachment Theory.
Sage believes that healing begins in relationship. She hopes to provide a welcoming therapeutic space based on compassion, acceptance, and client autonomy. Sage trusts in the innate wisdom of each child, adult, and family, and seeks to collaborate with clients as they move through the ever-shifting circumstances of life. She recognizes that healing is different for each individual, and that the healing process is informed by our cultures, social systems, and environments. Sage works to incorporate these perspectives into the therapeutic space, and honors the identities and experiences of the clients she collaborates with.
Dr. Marcia Zumbahlen
Psychologist, PhD, IMHS
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97219
I use a relationship-based play therapy model (e.
I specialize in neuro-development, with a particular focus on autism and associated conditions (e.g., sensory processing difficulties, ADHD, Nonverbal Learning Disorder, Social Pragmatic Communication Disorder). My training in Developmental Psychology, Infant Mental Health, and Clinical Neuropsychology, and my 30+ years experience, have taught me to put parents first, intervene early, and collaborate with medical doctors, developmental therapists, and schools for the strongest outcomes in these conditions.
I use a relationship-based play therapy model (e.
I specialize in neuro-development, with a particular focus on autism and associated conditions (e.g., sensory processing difficulties, ADHD, Nonverbal Learning Disorder, Social Pragmatic Communication Disorder). My training in Developmental Psychology, Infant Mental Health, and Clinical Neuropsychology, and my 30+ years experience, have taught me to put parents first, intervene early, and collaborate with medical doctors, developmental therapists, and schools for the strongest outcomes in these conditions.
MindTree Holistic Counseling & Wellness Center LLC
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, LCSW, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97221
MindTree offers individual therapy for adults, child/teen therapy, family therapy, play therapy, trauma psychotherapy, marriage & couples counseling, gender affirming care, Grief & Loss.
At MindTree we treat the person as a whole, by integrating the healing of mind and Body. Our team of holistic practitioners provide a collaborative health care model and create a personalized Holistic Wellness plan for adults, younger children, teens, elderly adults, couples and families. We believe in the philosophy that mind and body do not operate separately, rather interdependently. All of the Holistic Counseling techniques that MindTree offers are evidence-based, peer reviewed, and represent current best practices in the field.
MindTree offers individual therapy for adults, child/teen therapy, family therapy, play therapy, trauma psychotherapy, marriage & couples counseling, gender affirming care, Grief & Loss.
At MindTree we treat the person as a whole, by integrating the healing of mind and Body. Our team of holistic practitioners provide a collaborative health care model and create a personalized Holistic Wellness plan for adults, younger children, teens, elderly adults, couples and families. We believe in the philosophy that mind and body do not operate separately, rather interdependently. All of the Holistic Counseling techniques that MindTree offers are evidence-based, peer reviewed, and represent current best practices in the field.
Xiomara Raquel Sanchez
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97219
Waitlist for new clients
I have extensive training in play therapy, trauma-focused CBT, DBT, Collaborative problem-solving and infant mental health.
I am a bilingual (English/Spanish) and bi-cultural licensed clinical social worker in Tigard, Oregon. I have many years of experience working with children and families. My areas of expertise include: sexual abuse cases, early childhood mental health, working with children and families exposed to traumatic events and family therapy. I like to facilitate groups for trauma survivors and also to work with adult survivors of sexual abuse. I particularly enjoy working with Latino families. I am very interested in reunification cases particularly working with children and families involved in the child welfare system.
I have extensive training in play therapy, trauma-focused CBT, DBT, Collaborative problem-solving and infant mental health.
I am a bilingual (English/Spanish) and bi-cultural licensed clinical social worker in Tigard, Oregon. I have many years of experience working with children and families. My areas of expertise include: sexual abuse cases, early childhood mental health, working with children and families exposed to traumatic events and family therapy. I like to facilitate groups for trauma survivors and also to work with adult survivors of sexual abuse. I particularly enjoy working with Latino families. I am very interested in reunification cases particularly working with children and families involved in the child welfare system.
Dr. Michelle M. Pliske
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, DSW, LCSW, RPT-S
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97229
Play therapy offers the child an environment of safety.
I work with individuals and families across the lifespan both in person and via telehealth formats. My specialty areas include child development, trauma, anxiety, grief & loss and chronic medial issues. I have a play therapy room designed for expressive therapies and family systems work. I am certified in trauma, EMDR for children and adults and am faculty at the institute teaching in trauma informed care, play therapy, clinical supervision and animal assisted human health. My work involves complex divorce and family therapy needs. I provide clinical supervision for professionals seeking licensing or play therapy certification.
Play therapy offers the child an environment of safety.
I work with individuals and families across the lifespan both in person and via telehealth formats. My specialty areas include child development, trauma, anxiety, grief & loss and chronic medial issues. I have a play therapy room designed for expressive therapies and family systems work. I am certified in trauma, EMDR for children and adults and am faculty at the institute teaching in trauma informed care, play therapy, clinical supervision and animal assisted human health. My work involves complex divorce and family therapy needs. I provide clinical supervision for professionals seeking licensing or play therapy certification.
Sharon Picard
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97201
Although it's true that children are resilient, there are times when children and their families need focused support and therapy in order to move forward and reach emotional health and balance. I am a Clinical Psychologist and Registered Play Therapist who uses cognitive-behavioral, play therapy, animal-assisted therapy, art therapy, and mindfulness techniques to help clients achieve better mental health. Having been licensed for sixteen years, I have worked extensively with children who present with anxiety, depression, a history of trauma including post-traumatic stress disorder, attention deficit, obsessive-compulsive disorder, autism, grief issues, and behavioral concerns.
Although it's true that children are resilient, there are times when children and their families need focused support and therapy in order to move forward and reach emotional health and balance. I am a Clinical Psychologist and Registered Play Therapist who uses cognitive-behavioral, play therapy, animal-assisted therapy, art therapy, and mindfulness techniques to help clients achieve better mental health. Having been licensed for sixteen years, I have worked extensively with children who present with anxiety, depression, a history of trauma including post-traumatic stress disorder, attention deficit, obsessive-compulsive disorder, autism, grief issues, and behavioral concerns.
Michelle Ficalora
Pre-Licensed Professional, MSW, CSWA
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97229
Hi there! I’m Michelle Ficalora, and I’m a mental health clinician intern here at Positive Inner Self, working towards becoming a LCSW. I’m currently a Clinical Social Work Associate. My pronouns are she/they, and I am trauma-informed and LGBTQIA+ allied. I specialize in working with clients of all ages, helping to address both the symptoms and root causes of your stressors in individual or group sessions. I’ll help guide you on the way to reaching your goals, using humor, play, and light physical engagement to keep things moving.
Hi there! I’m Michelle Ficalora, and I’m a mental health clinician intern here at Positive Inner Self, working towards becoming a LCSW. I’m currently a Clinical Social Work Associate. My pronouns are she/they, and I am trauma-informed and LGBTQIA+ allied. I specialize in working with clients of all ages, helping to address both the symptoms and root causes of your stressors in individual or group sessions. I’ll help guide you on the way to reaching your goals, using humor, play, and light physical engagement to keep things moving.
April Clark
Professional Counselor Associate, LPC-A, LMFT
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97204
Welcome! I am an LPC-Associate trained in a program for Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists with an emphasis in Depth (Jungian-influenced) Psychology through Pacifica Graduate Institute, where I graduated in 2010. While I pull from a variety of theories in my work (Jungian, Rogerian, Attachment, Psychoanalytic, Narrative, and Expressive Arts Therapies), and I use various skills-based approaches in session (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Play/Sandtray Therapy, and EMDR), I strongly believe that it is the therapeutic relationship, not the framework utilized, that truly helps people
Welcome! I am an LPC-Associate trained in a program for Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists with an emphasis in Depth (Jungian-influenced) Psychology through Pacifica Graduate Institute, where I graduated in 2010. While I pull from a variety of theories in my work (Jungian, Rogerian, Attachment, Psychoanalytic, Narrative, and Expressive Arts Therapies), and I use various skills-based approaches in session (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Play/Sandtray Therapy, and EMDR), I strongly believe that it is the therapeutic relationship, not the framework utilized, that truly helps people
Monica Dils
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97086
Waitlist for new clients
I have specialties in early childhood play therapy, attachment, child-parent psychotherapy, and collaborative problem solving.
I enjoy working jointly with children and families who have difficulties in their relationships and development, including those who have lived through traumatic events and experienced foster care and adoption. I believe all children and families have inherent strengths and the ability, with help, to make positive changes in their relationships. I can help parents understand their child’s behavior and developmental needs, enhance trust, and build secure attachments within the family. I want families to learn new skills, increase resilience, overcome obstacles, and thrive.
I have specialties in early childhood play therapy, attachment, child-parent psychotherapy, and collaborative problem solving.
I enjoy working jointly with children and families who have difficulties in their relationships and development, including those who have lived through traumatic events and experienced foster care and adoption. I believe all children and families have inherent strengths and the ability, with help, to make positive changes in their relationships. I can help parents understand their child’s behavior and developmental needs, enhance trust, and build secure attachments within the family. I want families to learn new skills, increase resilience, overcome obstacles, and thrive.
Jenny Park
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MSS
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97223 (Online Only)
The practice of being human is utterly challenging and incredibly complex. I offer empathetic support for individuals, couples, and families who frequently fall back into their own negative thought patterns and family dynamics. Using a mix of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Psychodynamic Psychology, and a Family Systems approach, I can help you recognize and better understand how an individual action may affect yourself and others.
The practice of being human is utterly challenging and incredibly complex. I offer empathetic support for individuals, couples, and families who frequently fall back into their own negative thought patterns and family dynamics. Using a mix of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Psychodynamic Psychology, and a Family Systems approach, I can help you recognize and better understand how an individual action may affect yourself and others.
The Hope Connection
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, LPC
Verified Verified
18 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97221
If you are looking for confidential, professional and respectful counseling, you have come to the right place. If you have experienced trauma, depression, anxiety, relationship or family struggles... our group of qualified therapists will work with you on improving areas of your life so you gain control. Our goal is to help you uncover your true potential and lead a life that is worth celebrating. We will work with you to better understand and resolve challenges in your life and help you discover what may be holding you back from experiencing a fulfilling and meaningful life.
If you are looking for confidential, professional and respectful counseling, you have come to the right place. If you have experienced trauma, depression, anxiety, relationship or family struggles... our group of qualified therapists will work with you on improving areas of your life so you gain control. Our goal is to help you uncover your true potential and lead a life that is worth celebrating. We will work with you to better understand and resolve challenges in your life and help you discover what may be holding you back from experiencing a fulfilling and meaningful life.
Kimberly Louvin
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LSSW
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97211 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
I work with teens, young adults, families, and other humans navigating the waves of life who need someone in their corner. I help all of us remember that it’s okay to feel, it’s okay to be scared, it’s okay to not know what the next right thing is, and it’s okay to ask for support. I love getting to know clients and helping you integrate your story in a way that helps you regain a sense of control over your emotions, experiences, and future.Sometimes, our stories have chapters we didn’t expect. I help you figure out how to navigate the anxiety, grief, anger, guilt, shame, and sense of overwhelm that can accompany life.
I work with teens, young adults, families, and other humans navigating the waves of life who need someone in their corner. I help all of us remember that it’s okay to feel, it’s okay to be scared, it’s okay to not know what the next right thing is, and it’s okay to ask for support. I love getting to know clients and helping you integrate your story in a way that helps you regain a sense of control over your emotions, experiences, and future.Sometimes, our stories have chapters we didn’t expect. I help you figure out how to navigate the anxiety, grief, anger, guilt, shame, and sense of overwhelm that can accompany life.
Alyssa Rose Crenshaw
Licensed Professional Counselor, ATR, LPC
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97213
As a Licensed Professional Counselor and Registered Art Therapist, I have multiple tools to help as I work alongside my clients and their families to alleviate symptoms, achieve goals and attain balance. Although a specific interest in Art Therapy is not necessary to begin services with me, I find that Art Therapy provides a creative approach that is not reliant on spoken language. I have experience providing a variety of treatment approaches to clients and families, and am specially trained in Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Art Therapy and Collaborative Problem Solving modalities.
As a Licensed Professional Counselor and Registered Art Therapist, I have multiple tools to help as I work alongside my clients and their families to alleviate symptoms, achieve goals and attain balance. Although a specific interest in Art Therapy is not necessary to begin services with me, I find that Art Therapy provides a creative approach that is not reliant on spoken language. I have experience providing a variety of treatment approaches to clients and families, and am specially trained in Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Art Therapy and Collaborative Problem Solving modalities.
Joann Lundberg
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA , LPC , ATR-BC
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97210
Is your child experiencing behavioral problems that interfere with school, family, or friendships? Is your teen distant, defiant or have mood swings? While facing challenges in childhood is a normal part of growing up, sometimes kids need additional help learning the skills needed to navigate big feelings, worries, upsetting and confusing events and the stressors of modern life. I offer kids an opportunity to learn and practice new skills, a safe space to explore big feelings and can help them learn to communicate their thoughts, feelings, and emotions in a helpful way using creative, and fun approaches and evidence based practices
Is your child experiencing behavioral problems that interfere with school, family, or friendships? Is your teen distant, defiant or have mood swings? While facing challenges in childhood is a normal part of growing up, sometimes kids need additional help learning the skills needed to navigate big feelings, worries, upsetting and confusing events and the stressors of modern life. I offer kids an opportunity to learn and practice new skills, a safe space to explore big feelings and can help them learn to communicate their thoughts, feelings, and emotions in a helpful way using creative, and fun approaches and evidence based practices
Zoë Martinini
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97213
Waitlist for new clients
I have a real passion for working with teenage girls experiencing anxiety, and women during life transitions such as pregnancy, becoming a parent, relationship changes, or going to college.
I have a real passion for working with teenage girls experiencing anxiety, and women during life transitions such as pregnancy, becoming a parent, relationship changes, or going to college.
Nancy F Nasser-Marsh
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97232
I have two specialties, working with children and parents through adoption issues and working with children whose parents are experiencing separation and divorce. As a certified adoption specialist, I help adoptive parents and adopted children navigate through the developmental stages adoption brings. I also assist birth parents and adult adoptees through the complexities of search and reunion issues so they can complete their stories and find healing.
I have two specialties, working with children and parents through adoption issues and working with children whose parents are experiencing separation and divorce. As a certified adoption specialist, I help adoptive parents and adopted children navigate through the developmental stages adoption brings. I also assist birth parents and adult adoptees through the complexities of search and reunion issues so they can complete their stories and find healing.
See more therapy options for Portland
Nearby Play Therapy Searches for Portland
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Play Therapy
Who is play therapy for?
Play therapy is generally targeted to children between the ages of 3 and 11 who have social, emotional, or behavioral difficulties. Play therapy has also been found helpful for children who have experienced physical or emotional abuse or witnessed atrocities. Play therapy is also often recommended for children who are undergoing major medical procedures or who are suffering from chronic illness; many children’s hospitals are equipped to offer play therapy on-site. Play therapy is also sometimes used for adults; creative writing, music, and art are expressive forms that can all be adapted for therapeutic purposes.
Why do people need play therapy?
Children often do not have the language skills or words to know or to express what is troubling them. Yet they often spontaneously draw or use playthings to depict scenarios that reflect problems in their everyday life. Play therapy provides children with an array of objects and play situations to act out their feelings or experiences so that therapists can get a clear picture of what children might be struggling with and help them find solutions. In addition, play therapists are skilled at helping children understand their inner experience and find words for them, necessary steps toward helping children learn to control their own behavior and come up with solutions to problems they encounter.
What happens in play therapy?
A child enters a comfortable playroom where they are free to choose the objects they want to play with. The play therapist will typically observe how they play with the toys—whether a sandbox, puppets, dolls and action figures, trucks, costumes, drawing and painting materials, or more—because such play provides clues to a child’s family and social relationships, difficulties they are encountering in the world, and what going on inside themselves. Sometimes the therapist may ask the child to use the play objects to tell a story about their family. Using the same instruments of play, therapists can help children discover more advantageous ways of thinking and behaving.
What kinds of problems do play therapists treat?
Play therapy can help children who display destructive or self-destructive impulses; children who seem angry, sad, or fearful; children who experience frequent social, emotional, family, or school difficulty. Play therapy is often of value to children who have experienced a loss or distressing family experience, who are regularly exposed to family conflict, or who have been physically or emotionally abused. Play therapy can help children who are perpetrators of bullying as well as those who are targets of bullying. It helps children learn to identify their feelings, to express them in constructive ways, and to regulate them so they can get on with the business of development.
How long does play therapy last?
Play therapy sessions may last for 30 to 45 minutes, and they usually occur weekly for about 20 sessions. Each session is tailored to the individual child and the kinds of problems they are struggling with. Play that is highly repetitive often indicates a problem requiring further exploration. Therapists typically measure progress through session-to-session changes in play behavior.