Therapists for college students near Portland, OR

Liberation Institute is a community mental health clinic that offers therapeutic services on a sliding scale. It first opened its doors on October 7, 2008, in San Francisco, then expanded to Portland in June 2020. Between the two locations, Liberation Institute helps 600 individuals, couples, and families a week by a staff of therapists, supervisors, artists, activists, meditation teachers and others who are committed to serving the community together.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker providing individual therapy for adolescents and adults, and family therapy for children (4-18 years old) and their caregivers. I have over a decade of experience working in healthcare, social services, and mental health treatment, and seek to create a peaceful, trauma-informed atmosphere where my clients can feel safe processing their emotions and experiences. I hold a Master of Social Work Degree from Portland State University, and have undergraduate education in public health, aging across the lifespan, and substance use counseling. I grew up in a large, diverse city and had the opportunity to interact with people of all different cultures, ages, and life paths. This has directly influenced my counseling perspective. I offer an eclectic approach, providing different therapy models and interventions to match the diversity of the client experience. What helps one person may not be ideal for another, and I am here to support each client as they explore the routes that inspire them. I draw from psychodynamic therapy, nondirective therapy, motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, Jungian therapy, and others. I also offer psychoeducation and coaching in anger management, conflict resolution, and nonviolent communication. I offer play therapy, parent coaching, and collaborative problem solving for families with young children. I regularly attend seminars, trainings, and other forms of continuing education to better serve my clients and expand my treatment offering. Here are some of the challenges and symptoms I work with: -Anxiety -Trauma -Depression -Anger -Loneliness -Substance use disorders -Compulsive behaviors and process addictions -Grief and other major life losses and changes -Men’s issues -Romantic relationship difficulties -Eating disorders and body image challenges -Difficulty with finding meaning and self-actualization -ADHD -Sensory processing issues -Dissociation and dissociative identity disorder -Communication and conflict -Processing the return home after periods of incarceration -Stigma and prejudice -Chronic health diagnoses When I’m not working with clients, you’ll usually find me spending time with my family and pets (two dogs and a cat!), playing chess, reading everything from Stephen King to historical nonfiction, playing guitar, and watching all types of films.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

While I’ve worked with clients from all different kinds of communities, I’m particularly passionate about supporting young adults who are working through sexual shame, sexual trauma, social anxiety, neurodivergence, ethical non-monogamy, and those who identify as queer/BIPOC and/or men. I focus on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy with a strengths-based and healing focus & Narrative Therapy. Because pain and trauma are realities of our world, our past selves often inform our present relationships, even when we don’t want them to. Together we’ll work to help you understand and identify what parts of yourself show up in your life today. We’ll unpack your history and upbringing to discern how they’re potentially impacting your current relationships. We often feel like we’re “missing the mark” in our relationships - that despite all our efforts, we’re still falling short. Effectively communicating with your partner or other people in your life is a skill I’ll help you develop. Generally, my style of work is a mixture of collaborating with clients, while also challenging them to dig deeper. But above all, I approach my clients with gentleness, compassion, and I will always keep our focus on healing. I was raised in a conservative Christian environment where sex, sexuality, and gender were defined by my religion. This in turn created internalized feelings of shame about who I was. Since then, I’ve done a lot of educating and relearning to shape my identity into who I am today. As a black, brown, and queer woman, my identities inform my work and the way I show up for my clients and community. My desire is for you to feel empowered to be your authentic self and transform your relationship with sex and sexuality into a positive one. Cultivating a relationship built on trust with the people I collaborate with is something I value deeply. Having the ability to trust your therapist allows you to bring more of your true self to the table, which directly affects the quality of the work we’ll do together. I’ll work with you to build a mutual and trusting relationship, because a therapeutic relationship models relationships out in the world.

I work dynamically and intuitively with a focus on mind body awareness. I combine my knowledge from natural medicine, energy healing, authentic relating, social justice work, ecofeminism, conscious philosophy, yoga, meditation, nonviolent communication, to serve in a holistic and transpersonal approach. I believe that we are all whole and complete. I believe learning is remembering. I believe that each person deserves to be seen, heard, held and loved. I have worked intimately with the concepts of being and belonging. I take into account systemic issues and intersectionality with every client I work with. Some of these populations include: LGBTQI+, BIPOC, Buddhist contemplative, kink/sex positive, body positive communities. I have also worked intimately with survivors of domestic abuse, those dealing with codependent tendencies, eating disorders, chronic illness/pain, developmental trauma and grief. Overall, I work best with those who are curious about being more in their bodies and are dedicated to the growth and learning process.

I consider it a privilege to sit with individuals who feel driven to take on the challenge of personal growth. It’s hard to face the messiest parts of ourselves. We tend to avoid this at every cost, often with behaviors and habits that keep us distracted and numb. But therapy is about waking up. It’s about committing to the work of undoing old patterns that no longer serve us so we can show up more fully in our lives. I specialize in working with adults and teens (16+) who struggle with anxiety, depression, eating disorders and/or body image concerns. There isn’t one approach that works for everyone. I enjoy getting creative and finding a framework that best serves each client.

As a therapist, I’m inspired by being a part of the growth and healing process. Personally and professionally, I value bringing more kindness, vulnerability, self-compassion and creativity to the world. I enjoy working with a large range of clients and I specialize in helping clients heal from depression and anxiety, improve their interpersonal skills and overcome unwanted habits. I focus on creating a therapeutic atmosphere where people can truly feel safe, grounded, and open to exploration. Working with me means we will explore evidence based approaches and techniques, in a flexible way with attention to your needs.

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor with over 15 years experience in the field. I earned my Masters in Counseling from George Fox University in 2010 and my Bachelors in Psychology from PSU in 1993. My clinical specialties include trauma, anxiety, depression, grief/loss, life transitions, addictions and burnout. I believe we all have our own inner wisdom and guidance, and therapy is a process of getting in touch with that. Insight is valuable and yet we often need more than that, including a compassionate witness, and skilled guidance through the change process. I value the therapeutic relationship and am an engaged therapist, doing my best to attune to where you are and what can best serve you in our work. I use evidence-based practices that are client-centered and Mind/Body/Spirit oriented. I have been trained in multiple modalities including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Heart-Centered Hypnotherapy and Internal Family Systems (IFS). I am also currently enrolled in the IFS certification program after having completed Level 1 training. Outside of therapy I enjoy the great outdoors, especially hiking and trail running, caring for stray/feral cats, meditating, listening to music and connecting with friends/community. I welcome all races, all religions, all socio-economic status, all sexual orientations, all gender identities and expressions, all abilities, all ethnicities, all bodies, ALL PEOPLE.

With over 12 years experience providing mental health therapy, I pride myself on my ability to connect and build strong relationships with all kinds of people. My therapy is based in our relationship – it’s the vessel for building trust, rapport and from which change emerges. My style is energetic and conversational, using the language of emotion to explore our body’s responses and reactions to issues. I specialize in investigating trauma, relationship difficulties, substance use issues and have many years of experience treating depression, anxiety and other frequently experienced mental health conditions. Equity is a major foundation of both my work and my personal ethic – I have experience treating people from many diverse backgrounds, with recent experience working with folks navigating sexual and gender identity questions. I am open and friendly toward working with individuals exploring kink and other non-traditional relationship styles. Outside of therapy, my passions include music (creating It, listening to it, going to see it!), gardening and preserving food, and spending time with my partner and dog and our friends. I am a keen enjoyer of all things nerdy – from video games to comics and most especially heavy metal music of all kinds. Because I believe in balance, I am also an avid enjoyer of sports, especially soccer and baseball!

I am a Queer Neurodivergent (AuDHD) mental health, sex, and relationship therapist with over 20 years of experience working in the behavioral health field. I work with teens, adults, and relationships. I help clients work through issues around trauma, depression, anxiety, abuse, gender issues, relationship problems, religious trauma, LGBTQIA+ issues, ENM/Poly, and sex therapy! I utilize various modalities to help you on your journey, including CBT, EMDR, DBT, Mindfulness, ACT, Jungian Dream Analysis, parts work/IFS, and TF-CBT.

I love working with college students as it is such a formative time as a young adult. College can be challenging as you navigate your way along the path while figuring out your direction in life. I work best with those who are not afraid to do the work that comes along with being in therapy. You get out of it what you put into it, basically. It is important for me that my clients feel comfortable and that they can be themselves around me. I like to check in with my clients on occasion to make sure we are on the right track to achieving your therapy goals. I mostly do talk therapy and have been trained in EMDR, which is a modality that is used to resolve traumatic memories and events.

My clients are often struggling to find peace in their relationships to food, movement, and themselves. They are often motivated to find healing but unsure of where to start. They may have struggled with an eating disorder or disordered eating, but not always. I believe my clients are already holding the tools they need to work towards a more harmonious life.

EMDR and Trauma Informed Therapy provider, via Telehealth, in Oregon and Washington.

Jon Haley is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). He was born and raised in Michigan and received bachelors degrees in Spanish Language and Political Science from Alma College, and his Master’s in Social Work (MSW) from the University of Nevada, Reno. Jon has work experience in the government, non-profit sector, child welfare, in-patient, and outpatient mental health. Jon enjoys working with, adolescents, adults, and couples. His specialties include Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT-informed), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Gottman Couples Therapy and providing mental health support for the LGBTQ+ and veteran communities. Jon has experience working with depressive disorders, anxiety disorders and personality disorders. His therapeutic framework is person-centered and environment focused. When outside of the office, Jon likes to spend time in the outdoors, take care of his plants, walk his miniature poodle Harvey Milk and listen to NPR. A message from Jon: “Thank you for reading my profile. It’s truly a privilege to be allowed into my client’s lives. I believe that everyone is trying the best they can with the resources available to them. I help my clients balance between acceptance of their current situation, and implementing change strategies to build the “life worth living” that they want and deserve. This is the essence of DBT - engaging in the dialectic, the balance of two opposite ideals. Taking that first step in seeking out help is often the hardest, but can also be the most rewarding. I look forward to working with you.” “You cannot think yourself into a new way of acting, you can only act yourself into a new way of thinking.” –Marsh Linehan

I work with those who are committed to the long-term work of healing complex trauma and attachment wounding through experiential work. I specialize in working with activists, artists and healers, and particularly those who are ready for deep transformative healing, so they can better do their work in the world, from a place of clarity and internal peace.

With over 14 years of experience as a licensed psychotherapist, Marilyn is a thoughtful listener who uses a trauma-focused, collaborative approach. She works to foster a resilient therapeutic relationship and empower her clients to take an active role in treatment. Marilyn is a Licensed Professional Counselor who earned her master’s degree in counseling psychology from Pacific University in Hillsboro, and a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Portland State University. She incorporates a combination of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Written Exposure Therapy and Schema Therapy. Marilyn works with clients from age 18 to 80, across a broad range of adult needs and life circumstances. She works with clients experiencing depression, anxiety, trauma, problems with self-esteem, attachment problems, discrimination, domestic violence, relationship problems, oppression, childhood abuse and mood disorders. Marilyn grew up in Las Vegas, Nevada, and has a passion for experiencing life in different countries. She is a US Army veteran, and enjoys listening to jazz music.

I help college students cope with mental health challenges that get in the way of school and relationships. Having 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 problems like anxiety, depression, disordered eating, obsessive-compulsive behaviors, and intimacy avoidance. You don’t have to struggle alone–I’ve been a therapist working with LGBTQIA+, BIPOC, and other overcontrolled folks for over 10 years. Together, we can get you unstuck. Using practical (and fun!) research-validated strategies, you’ll learn to harness your self-control as a strength and break free from patterns that burn you out. Finding a therapist who gets you can be stressful. Let’s make this process easier for you: email me, call me, or visit waveways.org, and we’ll schedule a free consultation to discuss your hopes and needs.

The therapeutic relationship is always at the core of my work with clients, and I aim to establish a sense of trust and safety with each individual. It is important to make therapy a place that feels positive and supportive… and even fun! I am trained in both traditional therapy and art therapy, and I allow my clients to choose what works best for them. I believe that most people are doing the best they can, despite the many challenges, behaviors, emotional roller coasters, and transitions that come up in life. My mission, as a therapist, is to come alongside others in a way that can support and draw out their best selves. I especially enjoy working with folks who might be struggling with issues related to identity development, anxiety, depression, or past trauma. I have training and expertise in the area of attachment and working youth who have been in foster care or adopted.

I believe that everyone deserves an opportunity to foster understanding of their own mental health and create insight into what is needed to build healthy, personalized approaches to self-care and coping. Building this type of self-awareness and reaching the point of implementing these skills is often daunting, so connecting with a therapist to support you in processing these experiences will help lead to genuine change. My focus is to work with adult individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, perfectionism, and high sensitivity (HSPs). My approach incorporates person-centered, psychodynamic, and relational modalities that allow us to explore lifelong, underlying patterns of thinking and behavior in a safe and connected environment. I have experience in providing therapy for young to middle-aged adults from various backgrounds of ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, and SES. I am currently accepting new clients! Please contact me for a phone consultation where we will determine whether my therapy services and availability fit your needs.

Our practice utilizes evidenced-based treatments, which anchor your care in the best scientific evidence available. The therapeutic approaches we employ are gold standard treatments based on large-scale randomized clinical trials. Our skilled psychotherapists will develop a tailored treatment plan based on current clinical research, as well as your preferences, values, culture, and life experience. This goal-directed and science-backed approach, coupled with your active engagement in the therapeutic process, will guide you along the path toward meaningful change.