Therapists for college students near Portland, OR
Seeking therapeutic support can be a crucial step in a journey towards growth and healing. You are the expert of you -- You can help decide what your process in therapy will look like - whether that is getting support around a life transition, seeking coping strategies for pandemic fatigue, managing anxiety, processing body image concerns, navigating boundary issues in relationships, coming to terms with identity, or struggling with feelings of shame, I am here to listen without judgment and sit beside you with care. My hope is to hold space and offer tools along the way that help to build upon your unique identities and strengths. I use a client-centered, trauma-informed, relational, collaborative and transparent approach. I have experience in supporting clients with histories of complex and oppression-based trauma, domestic and sexual violence, and substance use. I am passionate about working with folks around body acceptance and/or LGBTQ+ identities and experiences. I approach my clients with compassion, empathy, and unconditional positive regard, providing them with support and validation while helping them to meet their therapeutic goals. I am a white, cisgender, queer, fat therapist with an awareness of how social identities impact life experiences and the therapeutic relationship.
I have always had a passion for giving back to my community and supporting the creation of positive change in ways that are meaningful and respectful to the unique beliefs, needs, and cultures of others. As a therapist I strive to fulfill this passion by helping folks feel empowered to heal, grow, and live authentically. My work is grounded in the belief of the inherent strength of each person, and I am dedicated to helping clients build resilience, self-compassion, and agency in their lives. The approach we decide is best for you will be tailored to your unique needs. Whether you're navigating major life transitions, processing trauma, or exploring gender and sexual identity, I am here to provide a safe, empathetic, and judgment-free space—with just a touch of humor. Together, we’ll identify meaningful strategies to help you build the skills and confidence to move forward in ways that align with your values and goals. Originally from the Midwest, I earned my Bachelor’s in Social Work from Saginaw Valley State University (2017) before moving to Portland. In 2022, I completed my Masters of Social Work from the University of Denver, with an emphasis on trauma and social justice, and have since had the privilege of providing therapy at a local community mental health agency, serving a wide range of folks struggling with complex generational trauma, major life transitions, relationship issues, grief, and gender/sexual identity exploration. Through this experience, I had the privilege of further developing skills specific to LGBTQIA+ folks, a group of individuals near to my heart, which has allowed me to more meaningfully connect with, and help, my community. When I’m not working, you’ll likely find me running around the city or Forest Park training for the next half-marathon, at the coast or a hiking with my two wiener dogs, and most importantly spending time with my friends and loved ones. How I Can Help If you're looking for LGBTQIA+ affirming therapy in Portland or support for anxiety, trauma, relationships, or life transitions, I’m here to help. My goal is to provide compassionate, trauma-informed care that empowers you to create meaningful change. Whether you're seeking CBT for anxiety, trauma therapy, or support navigating gender identity, I offer a collaborative, affirming, and client-centered approach to help you move forward. I offer both in-person and telehealth therapy, making it easier to access care in a way that fits your needs. Education & Licenses MSW, University of Denver (Trauma & Social Justice Focus) Clinical Social Worker, OR License #L30027
Do you ever feel like you’re trying to meet everyone else's expectations while quietly struggling yourself? I work with teens, adults, and couples in unpacking childhood trauma, navigating infidelity, tackling life transitions, and motivation struggles. Whether you’re an overwhelmed overachiever, or feeling stuck in a “failure-to-launch” phase, I help clients gain clarity, strengthen relationships, and move forward with greater confidence. If you're looking for a therapist who will support and challenge you through grace, humor, an honesty, I look forward to working with you! :) My approach is rooted in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) with elements of Internal Family Systems (IFS). Together, we’ll explore how past and present relationships shape your patterns, emotions, and sense of self—so you can better understand yourself, reduce shame, build confidence, break unhelpful cycles, and create lasting change. Life is full of taboos. The self-doubts, the drama, the ‘I-probably-shouldn’t-say-this’ thoughts. In my office, nothing is too weird or too heavy, and we’ll sort through it together. My hope is that you leave each session feeling a little more seen, a little less alone, and more connected to the parts of yourself you’ve been carrying quietly for too long.
I support clients wanting to change persistent beliefs of not being good enough, heal from their past, and build more connection, joy, and fulfillment in life. Many of my clients initially come to therapy feeling stuck, overwhelmed by self-critical or anxious thoughts, and wanting more confidence navigating emotions, relationships, and everyday stressors. I believe meaningful therapy happens through genuine human connection. My approach is grounded in a compassionate therapeutic relationship that is client-centered and supportive of gentle challenge. My work integrates several evidence-based therapies, including cognitive-behavioral therapies, mindfulness-based approaches, and EMDR. Together, we address patterns and underlying factors contributing to your concerns, build a kinder relationship to yourself, and develop practical tools and insight to confidently navigate life moving forward. I welcome you to reach out for a free consultation.
Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.
I believe that anyone can benefit from therapy. Whether you’re facing life’s challenges, experiencing anxiety or depression, or you are just interested in growth and strengthening your sense of self; we all need a neutral person to talk to from time to time. I carry with me a warm, grounded presence. I have a nonjudgmental demeanor and prefer to avoid giving advice, but instead work together to explore options and possible solutions to issues. I have an eclectic approach that is primarily rooted in psychodynamics and tailored to the needs of the individual and their circumstances. I am open to working with anyone interested in pursuing therapy; some examples of challenges I am skilled at working with are anxiety, depression, interpersonal challenges, grief, life transitions, relationships, gender, sexuality, family issues, existential challenges, and individuation. I am LGBTQ+ friendly and poly friendly
Mike Mihalas, LCSW offers individual psychotherapy to adults and teens. He works to promote mental wellness and treat conditions that contribute to unwanted thoughts, feelings, behaviors, and relationship patterns. In therapy you will find new ways to cope and manage distress, as well as explore what may be happening unconsciously in your psyche. Mike Mihalas has been a practicing therapist since 2011 and received his graduate degree from the University of Southern California's School of Social Work. He is trained in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), trauma focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), and completed two years of post-graduate supervised training in psychoanalytic psychotherapy. Mike Mihalas specializes in long-term psychotherapy and is accepting new clients interested in 2x / week sessions.
Living in a world filled with poverty, marginalization, oppression, and pandemic(s) can feel daunting and lead people to feel as though they have little agency. Therapy can be a helpful place to explore the places in our lives where we do have agency, where we are able to make tangible changes-often times this is in our interpersonal relationships. I work from an attachment focused and relational cultural perspective that is grounded in feminist practice which prioritizes the exploration of identities, oppression, intersectionality, and their impact on social and emotional functioning. I draw upon interventions from psychoanalytic psychotherapy, attachment focused therapy, emotionally focused therapy, radical acceptance, and health at every size. I have experience working with people struggling with issues related to depression, anxiety, life transitions, gender identity, queer issues, and relationship and family challenges. I take a non-pathologizing approach to working my clients, with a particular focus on those have been marginalized by the mental health profession in the past.
My goal will ultimately be to help you change your patterns, address relationship issues and/or anxieties, and find your inner wisdom. Through a combination of traditional talk therapy and ancient healing practices, we will journey towards a deeper understanding of yourself and your inner world. I utilize a holistic framework with clients; incorporating the unique experiences of mind, body and spirit. Diversity and authenticity are essential to becoming who we truly are, thus I aim to hold safe and inclusive spaces during our journey together. I welcome you here with an open mind & heart.
We specialize in working with youth ages 5-24. Mindhues will connect you with a qualified youth therapist to talk about anxiety, identity, depression, grief, or anything else on your mind. We create a safe space where you can share your truth. With the help of a licensed therapist you can get mental health treatment to feel your best. Visit us at www.mindhues.com or call 720-334-7610. We accept most insurances and Medicaid.
Welcome. Thank you for being here. I offer a warm, person-centered environment where I work collaboratively with clients to help foster positive change that aligns with each person's values and goals. Whether you are experiencing anxiety, depression, PTSD or grief, navigating a life transition or relational issues, or healing from trauma, chronic pain or illness, I welcome the opportunity to support you on your healing path. I utilize a trauma-informed approach to work with work with teens,adults and couples, and I am an ardent LGTBQIA+ and BIPOC ally who welcomes people from all cultural backgrounds. Since we are all unique, I first strive to understand your life history, your current challenges, and your goals for therapy. I then utilize techniques, tailored specifically for you, that promote healing. My approach draws upon an eclectic blend of mindfulness and somatic therapies that is informed by over 20 years of teaching yoga and meditation. I believe that everyone can heal and grow, and that having respectful, caring, and attentive support can facilitate profound transformation. If you are going through a challenging time and would like some support, I invite you to reach out. Together we can work towards creating positive change that helps you live a happier, more fulfilling life
After working in the mental health field for nearly 15 years, specifically in crisis intervention, I set out on a new path to work with people before life becomes unbearable. Most recently, I served as a high school mental health counselor. Flexibility and openness are two of my core values. Do you know what you value? Understanding what we care about most and what brings meaning to our lives is essential to living with intention and living well. I believe therapy is about exploring these values along with memories, current circumstances, and feelings in order to help the present-self move forward. Too often we drift through our days without asking for the support we need because it can feel as though we are not worthy of that focus. Please know that you are worthy of that focus because once you do, positive change and growth are not only possible, but inevitable. My passion is to center each person I work with and learn how they experience the world around them. My background thus far has been working with youth and adults experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, suicidal ideation, identity issues, self-harm, and school frustration. I hold a bachelor's degree in Spanish and a masters in social work (MSW) from Portland State University. Outside of my work, I love to run, play video games, and have always been into playing/watching sports. There is no song I wouldn't try to karaoke even though I'm, like, an objectively bad singer.
Hello! I work with people from all different backgrounds and identities that are struggling with anxiety, self-doubt, traumatic experiences and more. It might show up as perfectionism, constant worrying, people pleasing, unhealthy relationships, being hard on yourself, difficulty setting boundaries, struggling with body image, conflicts with friends or family, a lack of confidence, motivation or just feeling overwhelmed by your thoughts and feelings. Whatever it is that you are noticing, I take the time to really get to know you and your inner world and from there, provide the support needed to build a path forward that feels right for YOU. Please reach out if you have any questions or want to see about getting started!
It’s important to me that that therapy is a space for all people to feel safe and accepted. I have extensive experience working with people from diverse backgrounds and belief systems. I specialize in working with LGBQIA+, Trans*/GNC, and poly-identified clients. My approach fosters a space where you can be unapologetically YOU. My perspective is warm, accepting, and uses a harm reduction lens. It is important to me that we find what works for you, so I truly value your feedback in the therapeutic process.
COMMON CONDITIONS TREATED: • Anxiety • Bipolar Disorder • Depression • Alcohol Use Disorder • Trauma and Stress-Related Disorders • Schizophrenia • ADHD • Schizophrenia • Psychosis • Anger management • Military trauma • grief Session Our first session will be scheduled for around 50-60 mins. Our goal will be to systematically explore the past and present elements affecting your life so we can establish and/or confirm a diagnosis and the appropriate level of care for you. Before our session, you will receive documents for you to fill out. Assessment can be lengthily at times and prefilled documents can ease us into a more enjoyable conversation. We will also go over the rules and regulations to preserve safety and lay the framework for your treatment. After our first session, follow up appointments are usually between 25-30 mins long and the frequency of the sessions can be decided by medication management and therapeutic outcomes. Because every case can be different from the next one, your treatment will be tailored to your need. The complexity of your case will determine the adjustments to your treatment plan. When pertinent, we will do our best to provide you with complementary services from around your community. I hope to do this all while helping you feel as comfortable as possible. Given that some topics can be challenging, some questions can be addressed in more detail in following sessions as you become more acquainted with me and the rest of our team. We will treat you, not just your symptoms and diagnos
I am informal, goofy, sometimes loud, curious, imperfect, and you get all that and more when we start working together. Therapy with me commonly looks like laughing together, sometimes until we cry; actually crying together; laying on the ground; understanding that dark humor is often a necessary coping strategy for whatever life throws at us; talking with my hands; and my facial expressions being apart of the conversation (AKA having real reactions to real shit). Growing up between worlds can get messy, that weird in-between of always trying to fit in. As a transracial/international adoptee, I know how frustrating that pull between cultures and identities can be. Whether you're a fellow adoptee, mixed raced, or 1st gen, we’ll explore those layers - the deep identity stuff, aka the “laugh so you don’t cry” stuff, and find your way back home within the complexity. As a relational, trauma-informed therapist, I believe healing happens through connection. I focus on how your relationships, past and present, shape how you move through the world. My work blends somatic awareness with curiosity and compassion to help you build relationships that feel nourishing, real, and aligned with who you are. Finding the right fit may be time consuming, but shouldn’t be draining. Consults are a brief window into what the therapeutic relationship will look like - like a vibe-check. And if the vibes are right, the hard stuff will come naturally and not feel forced. This is why I offer 25-min consults. Reach out for a consult and let’s take it from there!
My practice is attachment-based, trauma-informed therapy that is neurobiologically grounded. I am an EMDR-certified (EMDRIA-approved) therapist and integrate EMDR with Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Somatic Processing Therapy (SPT), and Motivational Interviewing to support healing at both cognitive and body-based levels. I believe the mind and body heal together — sometimes one leads, sometimes the other — but sustainable change happens when we address both.
I'm a provider with 16 years experience working with LGBTQIA+ adult clients. My work often involves supporting folks around gender, sexuality, and family of origin issues, among all the other things people seek therapy for. I am trained in two different types of trauma therapy (EMDR and Flash) that are less talk-therapy focused, for folks who need different ways to approach things.
At Assert Your Boundaries Counseling, we provide trauma-informed therapy for adults, couples, and professionals across Oregon and Washington. We specialize in EMDR therapy, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, burnout, life transitions, and culturally responsive mental health care. Led by Dr. Pauline Botchway, our practice offers compassionate, evidence-based support for individuals seeking healing, growth, and healthier boundaries. We work with clients navigating trauma, stress, identity concerns, workplace challenges, and emotional overwhelm. Our practice also provides clinical supervision for LPC associates and supports clients seeking accessible, inclusive care in a welcoming environment. We offer both in-person and telehealth therapy sessions.
I specializing in working with young adults using a relational, collaborative approach. I am queer/gender- and neurodiversity-affirming.