Codependency Therapists in Portland, OR
Life can be difficult at times (transitions, separations, parenting, relationships, illness, loss/grief, work issues, codependency), and these challenges may be hard to handle on our own.
I value creating a safe and trusting therapeutic relationship that inspires sharing openly and with curiosity to discuss your life. I strive to provide a safe environment where you can speak your truth and are heard with respect and acceptance. I see myself as an assistant in your journey and see us as a team working together to move forward in your journey.
Life can be difficult at times (transitions, separations, parenting, relationships, illness, loss/grief, work issues, codependency), and these challenges may be hard to handle on our own.
I value creating a safe and trusting therapeutic relationship that inspires sharing openly and with curiosity to discuss your life. I strive to provide a safe environment where you can speak your truth and are heard with respect and acceptance. I see myself as an assistant in your journey and see us as a team working together to move forward in your journey.
Let’s face it- deciding to seek therapy often feels pretty scary. It takes courage, and sometimes desperation, to walk into this unfamiliar relationship. Navigating life's losses and transitions is one of our most challenging tasks, and sometimes we need help steering the boat. I enjoy working with adults who are ready to explore their inner world of experience and outer world in relationship with others. That might mean help with various life transitions and losses, such as divorce or the death of a loved one. A former nurse, I also work with many health care professionals, and clients who suffer from chronic and acute illness.
Let’s face it- deciding to seek therapy often feels pretty scary. It takes courage, and sometimes desperation, to walk into this unfamiliar relationship. Navigating life's losses and transitions is one of our most challenging tasks, and sometimes we need help steering the boat. I enjoy working with adults who are ready to explore their inner world of experience and outer world in relationship with others. That might mean help with various life transitions and losses, such as divorce or the death of a loved one. A former nurse, I also work with many health care professionals, and clients who suffer from chronic and acute illness.
At Compassionate Presence Counseling, I offer trauma-informed, emotion-focused and person-centered therapy with a process-oriented approach, supporting adults in the Pacific Northwest as they navigate challenging emotions, transform internal criticism, and deepen their connection with themselves and others. My work is grounded in the belief that true healing comes from slowing down, tuning in, and listening to your body’s wisdom.
Whether you’re seeking individual therapy or you’re interested in the connection and support of a group setting, I would be honored to walk alongside you on your journey toward self-discovery and healing.
At Compassionate Presence Counseling, I offer trauma-informed, emotion-focused and person-centered therapy with a process-oriented approach, supporting adults in the Pacific Northwest as they navigate challenging emotions, transform internal criticism, and deepen their connection with themselves and others. My work is grounded in the belief that true healing comes from slowing down, tuning in, and listening to your body’s wisdom.
Whether you’re seeking individual therapy or you’re interested in the connection and support of a group setting, I would be honored to walk alongside you on your journey toward self-discovery and healing.
I work with individuals to address people-pleasing, communication, anxiety, boundaries, family dynamics, panic, relationship problems, codependency, trauma, and PTSD.
You find yourself feeling too much and not enough all at once. You feel stuck. Maybe even broken. Have you ever asked yourself, “Why can’t I just be normal,” or “What is wrong with me?” Sometimes you behave in ways that don’t feel true to yourself or aligned with who you want to be. You fear rejection. You often end up in unhealthy or one-sided relationships. I believe that just by coming to this page there is something fundamentally “right,” not “wrong" with you. Being human is complicated, messy, and can be painful; I feel honored to have the opportunity to support you through challenges in a way that fosters healing and change.
I work with individuals to address people-pleasing, communication, anxiety, boundaries, family dynamics, panic, relationship problems, codependency, trauma, and PTSD.
You find yourself feeling too much and not enough all at once. You feel stuck. Maybe even broken. Have you ever asked yourself, “Why can’t I just be normal,” or “What is wrong with me?” Sometimes you behave in ways that don’t feel true to yourself or aligned with who you want to be. You fear rejection. You often end up in unhealthy or one-sided relationships. I believe that just by coming to this page there is something fundamentally “right,” not “wrong" with you. Being human is complicated, messy, and can be painful; I feel honored to have the opportunity to support you through challenges in a way that fosters healing and change.
My approach to therapy facilitates personal growth and healing, and begins by meeting you where you are. My intention is to help you expand your own felt-sense of well-being, safety and personal agency through welcoming, working with, and integrating all of the different aspects of who you are. My clients tell me that I feel safe, warm and direct. I will offer you a space to be witnessed and integrate tools that sharpen your awareness of yourself and how you relate to others. I'm an IFS Level 3 trained clinician who assists in IFS trainings as a Program Assistant. I'm also trained in EMDR.
My approach to therapy facilitates personal growth and healing, and begins by meeting you where you are. My intention is to help you expand your own felt-sense of well-being, safety and personal agency through welcoming, working with, and integrating all of the different aspects of who you are. My clients tell me that I feel safe, warm and direct. I will offer you a space to be witnessed and integrate tools that sharpen your awareness of yourself and how you relate to others. I'm an IFS Level 3 trained clinician who assists in IFS trainings as a Program Assistant. I'm also trained in EMDR.
Please see the website to the right for more practice description details.
Are you sensitive, sad or anxious? Dealing with pain or other persistent emotional or physical symptoms? Are there questions in your relationships? Struggles with problem thought or behavior patterns? Distress from memories or a felt sense of childhood neglect, or other personal, generational &/or systemic trauma? My education, training and work have given me detailed perspectives about such concerns that trouble people - and the underlying wounds, challenges and complicated feelings that come up when dealing with them.
Please see the website to the right for more practice description details.
Are you sensitive, sad or anxious? Dealing with pain or other persistent emotional or physical symptoms? Are there questions in your relationships? Struggles with problem thought or behavior patterns? Distress from memories or a felt sense of childhood neglect, or other personal, generational &/or systemic trauma? My education, training and work have given me detailed perspectives about such concerns that trouble people - and the underlying wounds, challenges and complicated feelings that come up when dealing with them.
One thing I did not learn growing up was how to understand what was really going on for me. I spent years not knowing how to listen to my own feelings or what to do once I found them. And I am still learning. A little more all the time. I have spent the past decade studying how to become aware of the subtle signals in a situation and how to follow them in a way that shows who we really are and what we really want. The learning and unlearning this takes has become my devotion. Being with others and doing this together has become my passion.
One thing I did not learn growing up was how to understand what was really going on for me. I spent years not knowing how to listen to my own feelings or what to do once I found them. And I am still learning. A little more all the time. I have spent the past decade studying how to become aware of the subtle signals in a situation and how to follow them in a way that shows who we really are and what we really want. The learning and unlearning this takes has become my devotion. Being with others and doing this together has become my passion.
Issues that are commonly addressed are anxiety, depression, grief & loss, relationship & sexuality, spirituality, stress, living with chronic pain & illness, codependency, and general life dissatisfaction.
I will help you get to the heart of the matter, the root of what is causing suffering in your life, and we will work together to create the changes you seek. I work from a mind-body-spirit lens with a focus on nervous system regulation, somatic interventions, NLP, parts work, mindfulness, and EFT meridian tapping (Emotional Freedom Techniques). We work together to help unstick the parts of yourself and your life that are stuck. We will work together to create a different relationship with these parts so you can have the experience of being happy, healthy, well, and fulfilled in you life.
Issues that are commonly addressed are anxiety, depression, grief & loss, relationship & sexuality, spirituality, stress, living with chronic pain & illness, codependency, and general life dissatisfaction.
I will help you get to the heart of the matter, the root of what is causing suffering in your life, and we will work together to create the changes you seek. I work from a mind-body-spirit lens with a focus on nervous system regulation, somatic interventions, NLP, parts work, mindfulness, and EFT meridian tapping (Emotional Freedom Techniques). We work together to help unstick the parts of yourself and your life that are stuck. We will work together to create a different relationship with these parts so you can have the experience of being happy, healthy, well, and fulfilled in you life.
Trauma comes in many forms. It can be from childhood abuse, car accidents, immigration injustices, toxic work environment, toxic relationship, racial injustice, war, rape, bullying, natural and manmade disasters like wildfires and earthquakes. You may have the symptoms of PTSD but not have explicit memories of the traumatizing experience. EMDR walks you through a series of steps to help decrease the symptoms of PTSD (nightmares, flashbacks, anxiety, insomnia, avoidance and hopelessness about the future). It also helps to map out a plan to deal with future triggers and gives a renewed and positive belief system about the self.
Trauma comes in many forms. It can be from childhood abuse, car accidents, immigration injustices, toxic work environment, toxic relationship, racial injustice, war, rape, bullying, natural and manmade disasters like wildfires and earthquakes. You may have the symptoms of PTSD but not have explicit memories of the traumatizing experience. EMDR walks you through a series of steps to help decrease the symptoms of PTSD (nightmares, flashbacks, anxiety, insomnia, avoidance and hopelessness about the future). It also helps to map out a plan to deal with future triggers and gives a renewed and positive belief system about the self.
Chances are you've already tried to fix your relationship. The same arguments keep coming back. Or you've stopped arguing entirely and the distance is worse. Maybe you're not even sure you want to repair it, and the uncertainty itself is exhausting. Maybe you tried therapy before and it was too slow, too passive, or spent too much time on feelings and not enough on changing anything.
My approach is different. Our sessions are structured, the work is specific, and you'll know exactly what you're working on and why each step of the way. You'll have a clear direction, a defined timeline, and skills that actually hold.
Chances are you've already tried to fix your relationship. The same arguments keep coming back. Or you've stopped arguing entirely and the distance is worse. Maybe you're not even sure you want to repair it, and the uncertainty itself is exhausting. Maybe you tried therapy before and it was too slow, too passive, or spent too much time on feelings and not enough on changing anything.
My approach is different. Our sessions are structured, the work is specific, and you'll know exactly what you're working on and why each step of the way. You'll have a clear direction, a defined timeline, and skills that actually hold.
I specialize in supporting adults struggling with codependency, Adult Children of Alcoholics (ACOA), anxious attachment, and loss of self in relationships.
Many people come to therapy after spending years caring for others while losing touch with themselves. My hope is to offer a space where you can slow down, listen inward, and reconnect with your own voice. If you're wondering whether we're a good fit, I welcome you to reach out.
I specialize in supporting adults struggling with codependency, Adult Children of Alcoholics (ACOA), anxious attachment, and loss of self in relationships.
Many people come to therapy after spending years caring for others while losing touch with themselves. My hope is to offer a space where you can slow down, listen inward, and reconnect with your own voice. If you're wondering whether we're a good fit, I welcome you to reach out.
I am here to support you on your own journey. I want to celebrate and embrace your autonomy. My approach to therapy centers you, the individual, and works to create a space where we collaborate to effectively achieve your goals. I am here to help you create the world you desire to exist in. I want to build a space with you that is rooted in trust, allowing for the vulnerability that is necessary in this work. My adaptive, person centered approach is tailored to your specific needs.
I am here to support you on your own journey. I want to celebrate and embrace your autonomy. My approach to therapy centers you, the individual, and works to create a space where we collaborate to effectively achieve your goals. I am here to help you create the world you desire to exist in. I want to build a space with you that is rooted in trust, allowing for the vulnerability that is necessary in this work. My adaptive, person centered approach is tailored to your specific needs.
I enjoy working with individuals looking for short or longer term therapy. I strive to work collaboratively with you to understand the issue that you bring to therapy, to explore any meanings attached to the issue and to work together to find some resolution. I find it is helpful to start with developing compassion towards yourself and your present life situation as I believe empathy for yourself will grow as well as towards others.
I enjoy working with individuals looking for short or longer term therapy. I strive to work collaboratively with you to understand the issue that you bring to therapy, to explore any meanings attached to the issue and to work together to find some resolution. I find it is helpful to start with developing compassion towards yourself and your present life situation as I believe empathy for yourself will grow as well as towards others.
If you tend to know more about what everyone else feels than how you feel, we may work well together. I’d love to help you strengthen (or soften) your relationship with yourself as a catalyst for change where you want it, and acceptance where you need it.
Those that work best with me tend to be at the intersection of two categories: Unmet emotional needs (or relational trauma and survivors of abuse) and neurodivergence (ADHD, Autism, or Highly Sensitive Person). You may describe yourself as a people-pleaser or co-dependent, or you know that you could take care of yourself better than you do.
If you tend to know more about what everyone else feels than how you feel, we may work well together. I’d love to help you strengthen (or soften) your relationship with yourself as a catalyst for change where you want it, and acceptance where you need it.
Those that work best with me tend to be at the intersection of two categories: Unmet emotional needs (or relational trauma and survivors of abuse) and neurodivergence (ADHD, Autism, or Highly Sensitive Person). You may describe yourself as a people-pleaser or co-dependent, or you know that you could take care of yourself better than you do.
I specialize in working with people on: anxiety and critical inner-dialogue; codependency issues; reactivity in personal relationships; depression; individuals and families in recovery from addiction; parenting issues; children; and people experiencing developmental and life transitions.
I work with clients on a short-term model, identifying strengths and enhancing coping skills. I also do long-term insight-oriented work; identifying patterns of feelings, thoughts, and behaviors which reflect unconscious conflict and create barriers in relationships with oneself and others. Symptoms of anxiety and depression are often what prompt people to enter therapy. Some people want to learn tools and behaviors to alleviate symptomology; while others continue with therapy, after symptom reduction, and explore internal themes from their family-of-origin and how they are impacting their relationships today. I believe change occurs through the therapeutic relationship.
I specialize in working with people on: anxiety and critical inner-dialogue; codependency issues; reactivity in personal relationships; depression; individuals and families in recovery from addiction; parenting issues; children; and people experiencing developmental and life transitions.
I work with clients on a short-term model, identifying strengths and enhancing coping skills. I also do long-term insight-oriented work; identifying patterns of feelings, thoughts, and behaviors which reflect unconscious conflict and create barriers in relationships with oneself and others. Symptoms of anxiety and depression are often what prompt people to enter therapy. Some people want to learn tools and behaviors to alleviate symptomology; while others continue with therapy, after symptom reduction, and explore internal themes from their family-of-origin and how they are impacting their relationships today. I believe change occurs through the therapeutic relationship.
Couples & Relationship Therapy @ Connections First
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Portland, OR 97210
At Connections First, our Couples and Relationship Therapy team is committed to helping partners navigate the complexities of modern relationships. We understand that relationships can be challenging, and seeking support is a significant and courageous step. Whether you’re facing a crisis or looking to strengthen your connection, we're here to support your journey together. We blend evidence-based practices with a personalized approach, guiding couples toward deeper understanding and resilience.
At Connections First, our Couples and Relationship Therapy team is committed to helping partners navigate the complexities of modern relationships. We understand that relationships can be challenging, and seeking support is a significant and courageous step. Whether you’re facing a crisis or looking to strengthen your connection, we're here to support your journey together. We blend evidence-based practices with a personalized approach, guiding couples toward deeper understanding and resilience.
Whether you experienced prolonged abuse and neglect in childhood or adulthood, or have experienced an acute event, we can attend to issues of depression, anxiety, addiction, anger, codependency, and more that can arise from unresolved past experiences and current struggles.
We all have the ability to heal and grow from our sources of wounding. My focus and passion are working with those who are experiencing the lasting effects of trauma. My collaborative therapeutic approach is rooted in mindful awareness and acceptance, informed by relational and attachment models, and guided by an appreciation of each person’s unique existential search for meaning. I aim to foster a space where you can engage in your present experience, show up as you are, and access choice in the life that is in alignment with you and your true values.
Whether you experienced prolonged abuse and neglect in childhood or adulthood, or have experienced an acute event, we can attend to issues of depression, anxiety, addiction, anger, codependency, and more that can arise from unresolved past experiences and current struggles.
We all have the ability to heal and grow from our sources of wounding. My focus and passion are working with those who are experiencing the lasting effects of trauma. My collaborative therapeutic approach is rooted in mindful awareness and acceptance, informed by relational and attachment models, and guided by an appreciation of each person’s unique existential search for meaning. I aim to foster a space where you can engage in your present experience, show up as you are, and access choice in the life that is in alignment with you and your true values.
When the tunnel vision comes on, you hunker down. When your heart starts to speed up, you move too fast. You lose time. You slip into autopilot. You spend time with people but you never feel connected.
Sleep isn't easy. You're too busy wondering, what did I do wrong today? You spin it all through your mind. You're not a "perfectionist," per say but you criticize your every move. So many mistakes. You want to do relationship right. You care. And it's hard to stay. You get mixed up in your partners problems or their expectations. You're exhausted and as much as you love your partner, you wish they could step up and do more.
When the tunnel vision comes on, you hunker down. When your heart starts to speed up, you move too fast. You lose time. You slip into autopilot. You spend time with people but you never feel connected.
Sleep isn't easy. You're too busy wondering, what did I do wrong today? You spin it all through your mind. You're not a "perfectionist," per say but you criticize your every move. So many mistakes. You want to do relationship right. You care. And it's hard to stay. You get mixed up in your partners problems or their expectations. You're exhausted and as much as you love your partner, you wish they could step up and do more.
I welcome you to come as you are.
I help folks who grew up in highly stressed, conflictual, and/ or dysfunctional families of origin, who didn’t receive emotional attunement or support from their parent(s), who were neglected, abandoned, excessively criticized, and/ or abused - often in the presence of parental narcissism, substance abuse, and/or mental illness. I offer support with grieving that experience, growing internal self-worth and confidence, managing anxiety. I’ll coach you in recognizing and honoring your feelings and needs, finding your voice, setting boundaries, and asserting your needs in all sorts of relationships.
I welcome you to come as you are.
I help folks who grew up in highly stressed, conflictual, and/ or dysfunctional families of origin, who didn’t receive emotional attunement or support from their parent(s), who were neglected, abandoned, excessively criticized, and/ or abused - often in the presence of parental narcissism, substance abuse, and/or mental illness. I offer support with grieving that experience, growing internal self-worth and confidence, managing anxiety. I’ll coach you in recognizing and honoring your feelings and needs, finding your voice, setting boundaries, and asserting your needs in all sorts of relationships.
Many of the clients I work with struggle with OCD, anxiety, and codependency, often feeling stuck in cycles of fear, self-doubt, and people-pleasing.
You might feel stuck in certain patterns or relationships and want a better understanding of yourself. Maybe you are struggling with anxiety, self-doubt, emotional overwhelm, or feeling disconnected from others or from yourself. You may be carrying past experiences that still affect you in ways you do not fully understand. You want support that is grounded, compassionate, and genuinely helpful. You are looking for something that helps you feel more like yourself again. I work with people who are seeking meaningful change, even if they are not sure where to start.
Many of the clients I work with struggle with OCD, anxiety, and codependency, often feeling stuck in cycles of fear, self-doubt, and people-pleasing.
You might feel stuck in certain patterns or relationships and want a better understanding of yourself. Maybe you are struggling with anxiety, self-doubt, emotional overwhelm, or feeling disconnected from others or from yourself. You may be carrying past experiences that still affect you in ways you do not fully understand. You want support that is grounded, compassionate, and genuinely helpful. You are looking for something that helps you feel more like yourself again. I work with people who are seeking meaningful change, even if they are not sure where to start.
See more therapy options for Portland
Nearby Codependency Therapists Searches for Portland
- Aloha
- Beaverton
- Clackamas
- Damascus
- Fairview
- Gladstone
- Happy Valley
- Lake Oswego
- Milwaukie
- Tigard
- Tualatin
- West Linn
Codependency Therapists
What therapy types help with codependency problems?
Both couples and family therapy and cognitive and behavioral therapy (CBT) can help with the relationship difficulties referred to as codependency. Such problems typically include inappropriate feelings of responsibility for a loved one’s destructive behavior, irrational patterns of thinking about such behavior, and family interaction patterns in which the needs of one troubled member override the needs of others in a household.
What happens in therapy for codependency?
Spouses and family members learn and practice how to interact and support each other in a healthy way without sacrificing their own needs or well-being. They learn the limits of their responsibility for their loved ones and correct faulty patterns of thinking and feeling that underlie codependent behavior. Individuals may be encouraged to nurture an array of social relationships and to cultivate their own talents and interests so that they develop a healthy sense of self outside the family.
How does therapy help a person or couple overcome codependency?
Therapy helps people establish healthy ways of being in a relationship. Spouses and family members learn how to nurture and support one another without sacrificing their own needs or allowing the needs of one person to dominate the dynamic. Individuals learn how to say no and set boundaries, and how to maintain their own identity and self-esteem. Therapy helps people understand that they are not responsible for the feelings and actions of others. It also helps individuals deal with the turbulence that can come from living with a person suffering from such conditions as substance abuse and mental illness.
What is the goal of therapy for codependency?
One goal of therapy for codependency is to alleviate feelings of responsibility for and correct irrational patterns of thinking about loved ones whose behavioral problems override the needs of others in a household. Therapy helps people establish healthy boundaries of behavior and speak up for their own needs in a relationship. In addition, people learn how to maintain a healthy relationship, one in which both parties give and receive equally and are able to retain their own identity.