Therapists for college students near Portland State University

If you feel unheard, disconnected, or at the end of your rope, maybe you are feeling lost after losing your faith, or are in a relationship that leaves you unseen. I offer therapy that starts with your emotions, lived experience, and focuses on compassion as a tool for healing. I utilize a trauma-informed, nature-based therapy and believe nature is a powerful tool for keeping us grounded when things in our lives feel out of control. Together we can work on helping you feel more grounded, connected, and at peace. I offer telehealth counseling across Oregon, including Portland, Salem, Eugene, Bend, and Medford. Much of my work has involved trauma and helping people make sense of what happened and how it shows up now. I listened first, reflect what I'm hearing, and then look at what emotions that brings up for you, in a warm, non-judgmental, calming space. I also offer walk-and-talk, nature-based sessions for people who feel better processing outdoors. Finding the right fit matters. Schedule a free 15-minute consultation on my website. Evening hours available.

You've gotten so good at being who everyone needs that you're not sure anyone actually knows the real you. Nothing is technically wrong, but something’s missing. Maybe you’ve gone looking for answers before, and you’ve seen reel after reel of picture-perfect lives, and you felt more alone than you did before you started. I help people in your shoes build a life where you get to be fully yourself and still feel deeply connected to the people around you. If you're sick of combing through wellness content and never seeing yourself, if you walk away from each reel feeling more invisible, I've been there. Let's talk. I'm a chronically ill therapist with specialized experience in complex trauma and identity formation. I work with teens and adults on PTSD, anxiety, depression, living with neurodivergence, identity shifts and development, social and relational struggles, and big life changes. My background gives me distinct expertise in working with childhood sexual abuse. My therapy is person-centered and attachment-focused, and I emphasize genuine accessibility in all my work. Starting therapy is a vulnerable process, and you've already taken the first big step. You deserve a safe environment to take up space, and it's my honor to hold that space with you. Reach out, and let's talk about what therapy for you can look like.

With my client-centered focus, I work hard to build a therapeutic relationship that creates a safe, comfortable, and non-judgmental space for clients to present themselves to their fullest potential. My priority is to guide and support each client in their journey to develop their sense of self-love, confidence, and peace of mind and body. Some of the issues I work with are relationship issues, academic stress, ADHD, parenting support, parent-child relationship issues, peer conflict, family conflict, anxiety, depression, cultural adjustment, life transitions, coping skills and general stress. I have extensive experience working with high-risk children, teens, and families experiencing a diverse range of emotional and behavioral problems at home and school, and symptoms resulting from disrupted attachment. I also have experience working with clients from minority cultures and marginalized groups. Growing up in another country, having knowledge and experience around a diversity of cultures allows me to be more open-minded, compassionate, and humble in supporting clients through a more holistic lens. It is never easy to take the first step, know that my goal in the therapeutic process is to create a safe and supportive environment for you.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

The foundation of counseling is a nonjudgmental, empathetic, and collaborative therapeutic relationship. My first goal is to create a safe and accepting relational space where my clients can be their true selves and explore their emotions and experiences. I tailor treatment to the needs of each client, drawing on several different approaches, including AEDP (Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy) and CBT (Cognitive Behavior Therapy). Depending on the goals of my clients, I help them process past trauma, work through difficult emotions, address anxiety, and arrive at what attitude they want to adopt towards their struggles. AEDP is my primary approach to counseling, and I receive ongoing training in it. It is particularly well suited to processing past trauma. It is attachment based, meaning we look at the impact of past childhood relationships. I am also helping my clients raise their awareness of their bodies and increase their ability to both access and regulate emotions. I earned a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling from Walden University in February of 2024. I have been working at Empowering Choices Counseling and Consultation as a counseling associate since the summer of 2024. My previous professional experience includes working as a treatment aide with youth and men at a residential addiction treatment program and a nine-month counseling internship I did at Empowering Choices as part of my master’s program. I work with adults of all ages, specializing in helping people work through trauma, depression, and anxiety. Over time, the counseling journey can help you process difficult emotions, heal from trauma, find inner strength, and gain clarity on life. Like other vehicles of personal growth, counseling involves challenging yourself in new ways, but an empathetic, non-judgmental, and encouraging guide can provide the support and safety needed to navigate the challenges.

The demands of life, as well as ever growing expectations, can cause us to feel disconnected from ourselves, our dreams and the people around us. And as we move through life we can experience challenges that may prompt change, but we may not feel prepared for these challenges. This can cause us to feel overwhelmed and uncertain about how to navigate our future, but these challenges can also be opportunities for growth that can be discovered with the help of a therapist.

I love supporting college students at every stage — first-year to returning adult learners — who are navigating a season full of change, uncertainty, and big questions. Maybe you're struggling to make friends or be yourself. Maybe friends aren't the issue, but your romantic life feels chaotic and it's something you'd like to develop. Perhaps relationships aren't it at all — school feels overwhelming and stressful, and you're not sure what you want to do. I work with students experiencing anxiety, depression, loneliness, relationship challenges, academic stress, and the emotional overwhelm that often comes with this stage of life. I want to help you understand yourself more clearly and experience yourself with confidence. Sometimes concrete skills can help with that, but mostly, I want to offer a space that feels safe to talk about whatever's showing up in your life right now. Together, we can figure out what you need.

I work primarily with queer and trans individuals and those navigating identity, transition, and healing from systemic and interpersonal harm. I am also passionate about supporting medical providers, neurodivergent folks, and those that have experienced chronic and/or complex trauma. Drawing from Relational-Cultural Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Narrative Therapy, and components of Dilectical Behavioral Theapy, I support clients in deepening self-understanding, building meaningful connections, and moving toward lives aligned with their values. My work is rooted in harm reduction, Health at Every Size, and a commitment to collective liberation and decolonial practice.

Welcome to Stargazer Therapy. We are looking forward to working with you on accomplishing your goals and treating your mental health conditions so you can regain hopefulness, tap into your strengths, improve thinking and mindset, and experience an improved sense of agency over your life. As a Clinical Social Worker Elizabeth’s approach to therapy is rooted in systems and person-in-environment models. Elizabeth primarily uses a Bioecological/Neo-ecological Systems Theory, Trauma-informed, Client-Centered and Strengths-Based lens with a clinical focus on Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT and TF-CBT) and Mindfulness. Call or email to schedule a 15 minute phone or video consultation at no charge.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

I am a board licensed clinical social worker (LCSW/LICSW) in the state of Oregon and Massachusetts with a particular passion for working with youth and adults navigating life transitions. I have advanced training in perinatal (pregnancy and postpartum) mental health and am honored to support you on the profound journey to parenthood. Therapy is not about “fixing” or “changing” who you are; it is an ongoing process of self-reflection and discovery. Together we will work to identify areas of your life that are not working and make shifts towards well-being. I work from a relational model and primarily use acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), mindfulness, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and elements of internal family systems (IFS). Please explore my website to learn a bit more about who I am and what services I can offer. If you feel like we might be a good fit, please fill out some information about yourself and I will reach out to you for a consultation.

Starting therapy can feel daunting, so take a moment to acknowledge that you have come this far in recognizing therapy may be a helpful approach for you. Therapy requires self-reflection, an open heart, and a curious mind into learning about ourselves and the way in which we interact with the world and those around us. Although it may be daunting, it is incredibly rewarding to unpack and understand what is getting in the way of happiness, growth, intimacy, and self-compassion. My purpose as a therapist is to provide a supportive, nonjudgmental space where individuals can explore the deep rooted issues and patterns that make them feel "stuck". I support clients with strategies pulled from EMDR, mindfulness, yoga, and other person-centered approaches.

No one's more critical of you than YOU. No matter what you do, it feels like it's never right. Objectively you're doing just fine! But you constantly question yourself. Wondering if you said something stupid, if you made someone mad, or obsessing about how you could be better. It feels like it's never, ever good enough. And while you're always trying to be better...you're getting sick of this. Part of you suspects this isn't necessary and it's a game you can't win. You've got a good life. You're a good person. There's so many things to be proud of. But you just keep feeling bad, waiting to be at peace with yourself. Yikes! This is so, so painful. But it doesn't have to be this way. I can help you get out of this anxious spiral of self-critical thinking. Get skills to help calm the whirlpool of churning emotions and treat yourself with kindness and compassion. Have someone 100% in your corner to help you finally fine the peaceful, balanced life you've been longing for. When you do, you'll feel better about you. With skills to still get things done well, but from a place of ease and care. You can do MORE efficiently, AND enjoy yourself and the life you've built in the way you truly want. This is totally possible. You CAN do this...with some help. Reach out to me today schedule a free consultation, and let's talk!

I provide a holistic, strengths based, and non-pathologizing approach to wellness. I am a compassionate listener and active participant in helping people realize self-compassion and acceptance so they can heal past wounds and make changes in their lives that allow them to fully realize who they are at their core. Through use of sensorimotor/somatic therapy, EMDR and IFS (you can read more about these on my website), I help people learn to listen to their bodies and their internal wisdom so they can make choices that are in line with their values and hold themselves with more confidence and ease. While I work with all kinds of concerns, I specialize in helping individuals and their partners, who are having difficulty with intimacy due to a history of sexual abuse. I also honor and celebrate diversity and create a safe and affirming place for people who identify as LGBT, genderqueer or questioning and for people who are non-monogamous. So many of us have experienced physical and emotional traumas that have created barriers for us to live the lives we are meant to. I offer EMDR sessions to help people resolve those past experiences so memories are no longer held in the body in the same distressing way and they are free to feel safe again and enjoy more security in their relationships.

I work with individuals and relationships from a systemic, decolonial, and anti-oppressive lens. This means that when working with you, I will take into account all the micro and macro systems around you that are affecting you on your day to day, and making you feel like there is something wrong with you. I work with individuals who experience stress, anxiety, depression, and trauma due to problems with their family of origin, major life changes and transitions, relationship issues, work stressors, and the state of the world. I like to pay close attention to how our current social and political climate is also affecting you at a personal level and at a communal level. I do my best work with people who are ready to… - look closely at the stories they've been carrying and gently question which ones no longer serve them, - discover and honor their own needs—not just those of others, - sort through the values they've inherited from family, culture, or society to uncover the ones that truly belong to them, - align values, thoughts, and actions in ways that create deeper integrity and wholeness, and practice setting healthy boundaries and asking for their needs to be met with clarity and self-respect. I may not be the right fit for you if… - you are seeking couples therapy for infidelity or relational violence, - you are unwilling or not yet ready to look at your own patterns or make changes, - you want quick fixes without engaging in the deeper inner work, - or you are looking for therapy that does not center justice, culture, or liberation.

My approach is integrative and trauma-informed, drawing from psychodynamic therapy, humanistic therapy, and mindfulness. I have particular experience working with grief, identity exploration, chronic illness, spirituality, LGBTQ health, and women’s health. I also work with clients who feel disconnected from their purpose or who are navigating major shifts in their sense of self. Our work will begin with your story, and from there, we will collaboratively create a plan to address your goals. My aim is to help clients access their own wisdom, find relief from emotional distress, deepen self-awareness, and experience greater self-compassion. In addition to my work as a psychotherapist, I have worked as an interfaith hospital chaplain, supporting patients, families, and staff during moments of intense vulnerability and uncertainty. This experience informs my work, allowing me to hold space for life’s deepest questions and existential concerns. My approach to spirituality is non-prescriptive, honoring each person’s unique beliefs, values, and ways of making meaning.

The typical challenges people face are embedded in fear of rejection, loneliness and disconnection - not feeling likable and lovable. Meaningful living can be achieved by acknowledging this fear and acting intentionally to create love, authenticity, and congruence. I believe effective counseling is grounded in a trusting and affirming working alliance. I work from an interpersonal perspective, meaning our professional relationship is the key to a positive and productive experience. Grounding my training in Existential-Humanistic theory, I seek to support your effort to find personal meaning and self-understanding, to explore your lived experience and discover the most genuine you. I offer support to achieve insight and the tools to cultivate purposeful transformation, enabling you to live a meaningful life in the face of uncertainty and potential suffering. We all take turns with suffering; we all take turns with joy. You can feel accomplished and connected; I can help.

With 27 years of experience in the counseling field, I am dedicated to helping individuals navigate life’s challenges and move toward meaningful, lasting change. I have worked with diverse populations facing a wide range of concerns, including depression, anxiety, emotional regulation difficulties, grief and loss, addiction, relationship challenges, insomnia, and major life transitions. I also have extensive experience supporting individuals living with ADHD, Panic Disorder, Bipolar Disorder, Schizophrenia/Schizoaffective Disorder, and Borderline Personality Disorder. Many come to therapy feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure how to cope, but motivated for change. I help by providing a safe, nonjudgmental space built on trust, empathy, and active listening. Using evidence-based approaches such as CBT, DBT, Person-Centered Therapy, Harm Reduction, and Illness Management and Recovery, I tailor treatment to each individual. Reaching out for support can feel difficult, but you don’t have to face things alone. I offer a safe, compassionate, and nonjudgmental space where you can be heard and understood. When you’re ready, I invite you to take that next step toward healing and meaningful change.

At the heart of every thriving relationship and meaningful life is one core ingredient: human connection. Yet, over time, communication breaks down, life transitions pile up, or stress leaves us feeling disconnected from the people and goals that matter most. If you are feeling stuck, struggling to navigate conflict, or simply wanting to build a life that feels authentic and worth living, you do not have to figure it out alone. I bring 20 years of clinical experience in the mental health field to guide our work together. But more than my years in practice, I bring deep empathy, honesty, and an unwavering commitment to your growth. Therapy is most powerful when you can show up as your complete, authentic self. My practice is grounded in affirmative, culturally responsive care, welcoming individuals from all walks of life, cultural backgrounds, and lived experiences. En este espacio bilingüe y culturalmente afirmativo, podemos trabajar en Español, respetando sus valores y necesidades. Instead of focusing solely on "fixing symptoms," we focus on expanding your life. Combining relational therapies with mindfulness tools, we build concrete life skills for real change. Learn to communicate with kindness, cultivate emotional resilience against stress, and align daily habits to build thriving relationships and a life worth living.