Therapists for college students near Portland State University
I work with folks who identify outside of the box and don't fit into the "norm." My practice specializes in serving the queer community, folks in larger bodies, and those who find themselves to be “other.” I provide neurodiversity-affirming care for individuals who think, feel, and experience the world differently. I specialize in working with autistic and ADHD clients, as well as those who identify as neurodivergent in any way. I strive to bring empathy, compassion, and openness to every session. I value a collaborative approach where clients can guide treatment in the direction that feels most meaningful to them. Everyone’s story is unique, and I am here to honor yours. I believe that we all deserve a safe space to grow, heal, and be truly seen.
I'm Skylar first, therapist second. This means that while I take professionalism and the American Counseling Association's Code of Ethics very seriously, I bring my authentic self to each session. The relationships I form with clients are real, and necessarily so, because it is through genuine human connection that clients find their way. I am not one who finds utility in elaborate hypotheses filled with flowery psychobabble. I work primarily within frameworks of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, as well as Existential Therapy, and I consider psychodynamics to be a crucial component of the therapeutic process. I am LGBTQ+ affirming and welcome clients from all walks of life, experiences and identities. On a personal note, I grew up on the southern Oregon coast and I am a member of an indigenous community, the Tolowa Dee-Ni Nation. I have taught in Oregon public schools, traveled throughout various countries as an ESL teacher, worked in port administration as well as local politics. I enjoy spending time in nature, dancing Argentine tango, sailing and frolicking with my corgi Scuttle. My life experiences have left me with a deep appreciation for how many different ways there are to live meaningful lives, and as a counselor I consider it a great privilege and honor to be a witness to yours. -Skylar p.s. I accept clients on the following Oregon Health Plans: CareOregon, Health Share, Trillium
Hello, I’m Emma (she/they) and I'm glad you're here! I support LGBTQIA+ and neurodivergent clients, and those working through burnout, religious trauma, life transitions, and grief. I especially love working with highly masking folks who are ready to confront burnout and live more authentically! My approach as a counselor is collaborative, trauma-informed, and grounded in curiosity, compassion, and social justice. My hope to create a space where you don’t have to filter or shrink yourself—where we can explore what matters to you, dismantle what doesn’t, and help you feel more at home in your life and body. My style is eclectic and anchored in self-exploration, cultural awareness, and self-compassion. I draw from frameworks like IFS, Feminist, and Existential Therapy that explore how our different parts intersect and how the world around us shapes our reality, values, and relationships. Therapy with me highlights authenticity, compassion, depth and laughter.
I find that the people I work best with are curious about their own patterns and are seeking to create better relationships with themselves and the other important people in their lives. Together lets figure out which parts of your life would benefit from trying something new and which parts would benefit from some compassionate acceptance. We can re-write the parts of your story that feel the most stuck and find new ways to grow into the person you want to be.
Hi there! My name is Catherine (she/hers). I enjoy working with identity development, recovering from trauma, stress, anxiety, and ways to better one's relationship with others. I like to show up authentically in session, and have more of a conversational back-and-forth style. My hope is to provide a safe space for you to explore your thoughts and emotions and to also give you tangible tools that you can use out in the world too.
I specialize in helping young adults who are detransitioning or desisting, or otherwise struggling with the current culture of identity politics and groupthink on college campuses. If you value nuance over black-and-white thinking, and would rather see yourself as a strong, resilient person than a perpetual victim of forces outside your control, we might be a match. I respect patients of diverse cultural, religious, and political backgrounds, as well as sexual orientations. Use the link below to book a free discovery call.
William Temple House works with 26 or more volunteer, staff, and intern therapists to provide affordable counseling to the people of Portland. We offer sessions for low or no cost - our hope is that finances are not ever a barrier to people receiving counseling. We are committed to providing supportive and impactful counseling services that are based on the client's preference and need. Our services are all person-centered, strengths-focused, and trauma-informed. Because we work with so many therapists the information about our providers, modalities and approaches, and specialties changes regularly - if you are looking to work with someone of a particular identity or specialty that you do not see listed now, check back in the future. All of our counselors are trained and supported to work with people of identities different from their own with intentionality, sensitivity, and thoughtfulness and they all undergo continuous supervision to ensure they are meeting the needs of the individuals they work with.
Virtual sessions offered in Indiana and Oregon, licensed in both states. 15 years of therapy experience (5 years working with Purdue University students). Experience with International population, LGBTQIA+. Treats academic functioning issues, social anxiety, anxiety, mood disorders, ADHD/ADD, ASD. Experience with trauma, sexual assault/abuse, family of origin issues, relationship problems.
The human experience presents unique challenges, opportunities, victories, and struggles for us all; we experience life and our feelings on various spectrums in shared systems: Sometimes the universal feelings of sadness become clinical depression. Sometimes the universal feeling of nervousness can become clinical anxiety. We describe difficulties in processing life events in terms of trauma. We look at compounding impact of transitions as stress. Therapy presents a unique opportunity to join with a trained helper in a safe environment for growth, healing, and change: both in feeling differently and exploring life changes. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor who relies upon the experiential approaches of Gestalt Therapy and story-shaping techniques of narrative therapy. I regularly incorporate the techniques from evidenced-based interventions in cognitive-behavioral therapy, person-centered therapy, and solution-focused brief therapy in treatment planning and assessment. I encourage you to give therapy a chance - say 3 sessions and consider how you feel about continuing. Let's explore your goals and consider a plan for growth, healing, and change. I will work collaboratively with you in treatment planning, providing regular clinical assessments to gauge your progress, and give you practical homework to make change happen.
Have you been longing for a more fulfilling, meaningful life? If you are feeling paralyzed or trapped by worry or sadness, you may benefit from an in-depth psychotherapy approach that allows you to break old patterns and grow into a deeper understanding of yourself. I offer online (video-based) therapy to treat trauma, grief/loss, anxiety, and depression. I use CBT and Mindfulness based techniques in my work, but the foundation of my therapeutic approach is from an Existential Therapy perspective, which allows us to slow down and look closely at your current experience so that together we can shape the future you want to have. I feel honored to be a part of helping people grow, fulfill their potential, and thrive in areas that correspond to their values. I have lived in several countries and speak English, Spanish, and Portuguese. Both as a therapist and professor, I have served individuals of many cultures as well as marginalized populations which informs my practice & worldview. If you are invested in personal growth toward a life of purpose, I invite you to contact me or visit my website to learn more about how you can find healing & meaning in your life. Take that step and schedule a free consultation!
Hello, and welcome! I am glad you’re here. My name is Madz (she/they). I am a white, able bodied, queer person. I truly believe there is bravery in slowing down with someone else and beginning to consider that your pain could use another heart to hold it. In our work together, I hope to help empower you to build a curious and understanding relationship with the distressed, normal, and brilliant parts of you that have been managing your suffering within the context of relationship challenges, family of origin difficulties, systemic injustice, and isms. Equally as important, I hope to support you in connecting with and caring for your younger self that might still be holding the burdens of past trauma. I deeply value working to offer folks a new relationship in therapy. One where collaborative planning with your nervous system will help to support us in centering a reparative experience. My approach is warm, compassionate, and curious. As someone who has struggled with knowing where myself and another ends and begins, I prioritize highlighting all that you already know about yourself and will support you in noticing and listening to your own voice. I draw from Internal Family Systems, Narrative Therapy, Emotionally Focused, Psychodynamic, Polyvagal, Intercultural Counseling, and Somatic Interventions. I have historically worked with trauma survivors, LGBTQ/Queer identified folks, folks with challenging family of origin relationships, and relationship issues.
Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.
I specialize in college and high school students that are experiencing anxiety, depression and academic stress. Today, young people are faced with prospects for a future that seems uncertain and confusing. Issues such as Covid not only create mental health challenges, but intensify those that were already present. I can help! I'll work one on one with you to overcome the stress, worry and sadness that is blocking you from living fully and reaching your goals. Having been an anxious kid myself, I create an atmosphere of understanding, creativity and humor to help you find strategies to face your fears and move towards your goals with renewed flexibility and confidence. It takes courage to seek out therapy. Give me a call to begin your journey away from stress and towards your strengths and values.
I find deep fulfillment in supporting individuals who are motivated to understand themselves more fully, release the weight of their past, & step into their true potential. My passion is working with clients who are ready to heal old wounds, strengthen their sense of self, & create a more meaningful, authentic, and fulfilling life. My experience includes supporting those navigating anxiety, depression, PTSD/trauma, relationship/communication struggles, & attachment challenges. I also walk alongside those exploring their spirituality or re-examining their religious background—encouraging curiosity, self-discovery, & growth. I hold space for those seeking deep healing, offering personalized counseling that meets you where you are while gently encouraging growth. Using ART (similar to EMDR), DBT, CBT, somatic therapy, and mindfulness, my goal is to help foster resilience, presence, and a more compassionate relationship with yourself.
Hello, my name is Sarah Nelson (she/her/hers), I come to my work as a therapist holding tight to the knowledge that all people want to live meaningful lives with deep loving connection to others. Perhaps you are feeling a loss of meaning, a loss of connection, or are in the midst of a life transition and that has led you here. Whatever has led you to seek therapy, I am glad you are here and I welcome you as you are, as you were, and as you would like to be. I approach my work with a desire to connect and to understand, to hold hope, and to guide towards insight. As a counseling psychologist I am trained to work with a wide variety of presenting concerns and within many modalities. My approach to therapy is rooted in warmth and connection and you: who you are, where you come from, and what is meaningful to you. Our work together will be deep and relational. Within this person-centered approach I bring attention to early attachment and current relationships through the lens of feminist liberation psychology. This lens means that I see your context on a historical, local, and cultural scale as inextricable from your current mental health. INDIVIDUAL THERAPY: I provide person-centered, holistic, and contextualized individual counseling that is rooted in attachment, connection, liberation and social justice. I am trained to work with a variety of concerns and using a variety of modalities and most often work with: anxiety, depression, identity development and transitions, grief and loss, relationship concerns, sleep concerns, transgender mental health, sexuality, and existential concerns. COUNSELING FOR TRANSITIONS: The transitions into and out of college and into and out of careers and jobs are frequently moments of fear and anxiety. These transitions can also be seasons of growth in self-understanding and moments for powerful shifts in identity. I have specialized training in career and academic counseling as well as business consultation and leadership development. I offer person-centered, compassionate, and contextualized therapy for these seasons of transformation, whether you are: transitioning from college, moving between jobs, reentering the job-market after family leave, longing for a more balanced work and home life, or developing your ability to lead. PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT: I offer psychosocial affirming evaluations for gender affirming and confirming surgeries and interventions following the WPATH standards of care guidelines. I am able to provide these assessments and letters of support to any resident of Oregon. I am committed to making such assessments accessible. PERINATAL AND PARENTING SUPPORT: The seasons of pregnancy and parenthood are marked by layered, sacred, and complex transitions and changes in identity and relationships. I offer inclusive, holistic, and holding therapy for individuals who are trying to get pregnant, are pregnant, have experienced pregnancy loss or fertility concerns, abortion, miscarriage, or for those who are transitioning to parenthood or have parenting concerns. I am particularly interested in helping individuals build intentional parenting patterns through better understanding of their own relationships and mental health. I have specialized training in life-span development, particularly in prenatal and postpartum counseling and in parenting.
Online and in-person therapy for making beautiful things happen in hard times. So, what might make me a helpful person to hear your story? First, I love building relationships. I’ve worked with teens and young adults in so many places over the last 16 years: backpacking trips, schools, therapy offices, beaches, camps. Specifically, I’ve worked mostly with adolescents and young adults who were also: immigrants, refugees, dreamers, queer, trans, non-binary, BIPOC, LGBTQ+. We can talk about who you’re becoming, relationships, dreams, and the hard stuff that keeps you up at night. I’m here because I genuinely like what I do and I’m excited to meet you. Second, I take the time to get to know more about your world and our world. I’m a queer person with a disability, and I’ve had to learn the power of believing in my own value, even when other people don’t see it. Maybe you have a similar experience. It helps to learn about how the world around us affects us so we can work to let go of things that aren’t our fault and change what we can. Third, I never stop training to be a more helpful therapist. One of my favorite methods is called Accelerated Resolution Therapy. It has some similarities to EMDR, but does not involve talking about trauma in great detail, unless of course that feels helpful! It often provides great relief!
My clients are often women (but not always) seeking clarity and support around their current life situations, changes, and challenges - Maybe it's trying to work on their self-esteem, while balancing work and/or their studies and social and interpersonal relationships. Maybe it's processing loss/grief/change - including an influential person, a job, a move to a new city, a role in life (parenting). We can identify and practice shame resilience skills. We go through change all the time, and you don't have to be alone with it. My approach is described as active and supportive. I work with clients to address current issues and long-standing challenges. Applying sensitivity, empathy, and compassion, I help individuals bring resolution to a wide range of life challenges and clinical psychological issues. I have also worked in the addictions arena for 17+ years and have experience in alcohol and other substance addiction work. As well as some experience in working with compulsive behaviors such as gambling, shopping, and internet usage.