My work is primarily with LGBTQ communities with a specialty in transgender identities. This includes letter writing, supporting individuals, families, and relationships through social, spiritual, medical, and/or the multiple ways one can transition. I also work with LGBTQ individuals and families surrounding day-to-day concerns that may have little to do with their gender and/or sexual orientation. This may include relationship conflict, grief/loss, life transitions, and/or mental health concerns such as anxiety and depression. I currently work with children/teens and adults 10 and up in a private practice setting.

As a Professional Life Coach and Consultant, for over 20 years I have dedicated my life to the betterment of individuals, families, relationships and various companies. After graduating from SUNY Stonybrook with a Bachelors Degree in psychology I proceeded to Hofstra University to earn my Masters Degree in Psychology and systems theory. I have been featured on radio talk shows and have had the pleasure of supervising many upcoming providers in the role of Director in various organizations. I also have a strong entrepreneurial history including developing products from idea to market including the well known AtmoSphere trackballs.

We are a nonprofit organization happy to help couples, families, individuals, children, adults and older adults enhance their ability to cope with life's difficulties in healthy ways. Our services are provided by students in their final year of training in the George Fox University Counseling Department, Portland, who's status as interns allow us to provide services that range from $5 - $40. We offer services in anxiety, depression, grief and loss, self- esteem, life changes, and much more. *Formally known as Individual and Family Matters.

I love relationships, connection, and the feeling you get when you are able to truly connect with others. This passion has driven me to found a practice where I specialize in working with individuals, couples, and families on relationship issues. If you are struggling in your marriage, wanting more emotional connection, or finding yourself constantly arguing with loved ones, I can help.

(She, her, hers) Life and relationships are full of challenges for all of us. I work in collaboration with clients to increase connection and awareness of core values so they can make lasting change. My style is positive, warm and direct. For those working to find increased joy and stability within themselves and their relationships, we can explore together the areas that feel stuck and ways to increase functioning and open up more choice.

Now accepting new clients for telehealth appointments. Somethings just not right. You're not connecting the way you used to. They seem distant or uninteresting. Something needs to change and talking about feelings doesn't cut it. We have served and grown used to one life. Making changes creates challenges, and any great effort has unintentional and unexpected consequences: culture shock, personal relationships, grief, anxiety, depression, institutionalization.

You are a self aware, intelligent, generally high functioning person going through a period of unrest, confusion, transition, or other uncomfortable life experience. You know you'll make it through, but are seeking a skilled, compassionate ally to ease and speed the process. Maybe you've tried coaching or therapy before, but were frustrated by a lack of action, assertiveness, empathy, or engagement by the practitioner. Your family history isn't necessarily short on trauma, nevertheless you survived and even thrived. You sense that if you could just understand it all better life would improve, personally and professionally.

Are you looking for holistic support that includes both mind and body medicine? Perhaps talking about your struggle hasn't been as helpful as you hoped, and you are looking for a more embodied style of counseling. My whole person approach includes mind-body counseling, screening for underlying imbalances that can mimic mental illness, and prescribing medications if needed.

We here at Brave Acorn help people in the greater Portland area align body, mind, and emotions in their daily lives. We are trauma-trained, take a Health at Every Size approach to food and weight issues, and encourage people to work with their body and emotions as allies (rather than enemies) on their journey towards growth and healing. Sarah Alexander, LCSW and Melina Larkin, LCSW work with adults only, while Valentina Pishchanskaya-Cayanan, LMFT and Kelly Mach, LPC work with ages 12 and up (Valentina can also do therapy in Russian).

It's not what problems you have, it's how you solve them. Can you identify the conflicts in your relationship? Learn skills to communicate effectively. Solve conflicts with emotional intelligence. Together you can soothe your anxieties and fears. Feel truly seen. Feel truly heard. You can heal through your relationship.

Do you need a specialist who understands PTSD from the inside out? Have you been or are you now in therapy, but feel like you need a healer who really gets traumatic stress? Are you a person of extreme sensitivity, unusually empathic, spiritual or psychic? I would like to offer you a path out of the extreme suffering of PTSD and traumatic stress. I work with many people whose previous therapies have not worked out for them, including folks who have suffered from extreme traumas such as ritual abuse and/or mind control. Attachment, compassion and practicality characterize my work.

In today's society it is not easy being "different". As humans, we need connection, but sometimes it's hard to build relationships if who you are doesn't match the expectations of family or loved ones. Lack of connection can lead to depression and anxiety, especially if you believe you don't fit in or experience real oppression. Relating authentically to family, friends and co-workers presents unique challenges and counseling can help, especialliy if it's done together with partners and family members. I believe in the power of relationship--to ourselves, our loved ones, our co-workers, our animal companions, and our environment.

My approach to therapy is collaborative, creative, and compassionate. My goal is to create a safe and warm space so each client feels comfortable sharing what's on their mind and in their heart. This may include diving into trauma, grief, and other challenging life experiences that prevent a person from feeling at peace and operating at their highest potential. The philosophy that guides my work is that everyone has the inner wisdom needed to thrive. My role is to help clients access this inner wisdom so they can heal, grow and live the fulfilling life they are seeking.

I work with people having a wide range of concerns. Areas of specialty include identity formation, relationship dynamics, loss, and issues of spirituality (both questioning and growth). I work especially well with persons who are curious about themselves and their ways of interacting with the world. I practice relationally-based psychoanalytic psychotherapy; meaning that, where relevant, we talk about relationships in your life impacting your way of navigating the world. We have each found ways to survive our world as best we can; at some point, we may consider wanting to shift these ways because they do not work as well as they once did.

Confidence, connection, and clarity. Good therapy makes these qualities more available to you. With respectful attention, I offer help to meet personal challenges, strengthen relationships, and stand your ground. I aim to understand your concerns with sophistication and insight. I believe that vitality, purpose, and enjoyment can be a regular part of life.

Specializing in relationship and intimacy issues, I offer person-centered behavioral therapy to individuals and couples. I also work with teens/adolescents on transition, anxiety and identity issues. My approach to therapy is relational, inclusive and trauma-informed. I serve as an ally to my clients and provide them with a space to explore their deepest truths without fear of judgment. I’m interested in working with clients to cultivate compassion towards themselves and to accept and embrace their humanity. The journey of therapy is one of courage, constructive discomfort, and ultimately, clarity.

Seeking therapy is a courageous act. In the context of a safe, therapeutic relationship, I work to assist you in developing a greater sense of self-awareness and a clear internal sense of what is right for you as a unique individual. I assist you in discovering constructive ways to cope with challenges and to manage difficult feelings. I may also be proactive in respectfully challenging perceptions and behaviors that may contribute to your suffering. I work well with adolescents, as well as adults.

Coming to therapy is a brave choice that takes vulnerability, courage, and energy. You may be experiencing pain, anxiety, anger, dissatisfaction, or numbness, and looking to experience your life differently. I prioritize the therapeutic relationship, and bring a warm, steady, and grounded presence into the therapy space. I empower, and encourage my clients toward exploring their emotions, body experiences, thoughts, memories and desires. I support clients in navigating their internal and relational worlds toward fullness, freedom and agency. I am a holder of hope and offer my clients deep compassion along with direct guidance.

Therapy is an opportunity for personal development in a safe, nonjudgmental, respectful, private, and supportive environment. It is natural to feel overwhelmed at times and it is not a sign of weak character to seek help. Through therapy we can learn to manage our emotions more effectively, improve our relationships and communication, bolster our confidence and self-esteem, and minimize our distress. In my work, I strive to create a comfortable environment in which I can assist clients in identifying thoughts, feelings, beliefs, and recurring patterns of behavior that may be impinging on the capacity to experience and create a fuller, more satisfying life.

All families deserve support and guidance amidst the challenges of parenting, the transitions in life, and the struggles in school. My counseling practice is twofold in providing individual therapy to children and adolescents as well as parenting support. Caregivers are offered the opportunity to pause, reflect, and problem solve with an experienced therapist. I seek to create an authentic relationship with children and teens through play and talk therapy where their true selves can blossom and emotional intelligence thrive.