Therapists for college students near Portland State University
I work with students navigating anxiety, relationship struggles, family dynamics, identity questions, and the pressures inherent in being in college like how hard it is to have it all figured out or to transition to new phases of life. My approach is grounded in warmth and honesty, using Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy (AEDP) to help you feel seen, supported, and be able to really access your emotions and thoughts with out judgement. I care deeply about this time in your life and believe meaningful change happens when we feel safe enough to be ourselves, even the messy parts.
I use experiential, mind-body therapies such as EMDR, IFS, Sensorimotor Psychotherapy to assist with a holistic experience to help reduce reactivity rooted in the past and increase people's ability to be choiceful in the current moment.
Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.
The heart of what I do is support couples and relationships in our community. When I work with individuals, I'm interested in helping you sink into being fully you while being in relationship with others. That might mean learning more about who you are, discovering your needs in relationship, getting support with boundaries and saying "no," processing your childhood and past, or growing your ability to being more vulnerable with others. I want to support you in being your full, authentic self. I am affirming of ethical non-monogamy (ENM), polyamory and open relationships. I am LGBTQIA+ affirming, actively learning anti-racist, body positive, sex positive, and kink positive.
All bios and profiles can be viewed on our website: portlandpsychotherapy.com. At Portland Psychotherapy, we are committed to helping our clients who are struggling with anxiety, depression, and other life problems so that they can live fuller and more meaningful lives. Our commitment is not just to help our clients feel better, we help them to live better.
PostScript Therapy offers LGBQ and transgender affirmative counseling for individuals, families, couples and relationships, through the process of narrative therapy and attachment theory. I am committed to equity in relationships, as I believe equitable relationships are essential to establishing and maintaining healthy and valued relationships. I believe in fostering a shared sense of community, responsibility, and social consciousness with the goal of valuing relationships and empowering individuals and families. In order to foster such a community and create a space of healing and increased awareness, it is vital to recognize how our experiences and perspectives are shaped by the interactions of our family legacies, intimate relationships, social climate, societal expectations and different aspects of our identities including, but not limited to our race, gender, nationality, age, sexual orientation, religion, body type, relationship orientation, ability, and socio-economic status. In addition to my work with transgender youth, adults and families, I am body and fat positive, polyam and kink friendly, and specialize in working with queer, transgender/non-binary, and LGB individuals, relationships, and families. Using narrative therapy and attachment theory, I facilitate and create space for exploration of my clients' stories and examining strategies for maintaining connection learned in childhood that may impacting growth and connection in current relationships such as with work, family, , friends, and intimate relationships. I also incorporate solution-focused, experiential, and intergenerational therapy interventions to build on strengths, establish attainable goals, and uncover family patterns of interactions that may be influencing current distress.
I believe in therapy as a mutual journey of healing and discovery, where both client and therapist grow together. I specialize in working with refugees, immigrants, their first-generation children, and individuals with LGBTQIA2S+ identities. My clients have genuine desire to explore their authentic selves despite having navigated complex trauma, cultural displacement, or identity-based discrimination, they are ready to engage in deep, transformative work towards liberation.
I provide individual teletherapy for adults across the state of Oregon. I have a passion for helping people heal from trauma, decrease anxiety, and improve their self-esteem. Before patients come to see me, they “feel bad” almost reflexively and frequently experience high anxiety. They are wracked with feelings of guilt and may be afraid of upsetting people. They often over-extend themselves in the name of service to others. On the outside, my clients look like they have it together but feel internally like they are just treading water. If that sounds familiar, you’ve come to the right place. Counseling may be for you if: You find it easier to focus on other’s emotions and needs than on your own. You like to think and are insightful, but don’t always know how to feel. You have difficulty experiencing emotions beyond an overwhelming sense of guilt or just “feeling bad.” You feel resentful that other people don’t work as hard as you, but are terrified to ask for what you want or need from others. You are often anxious or tense; relaxation and rest feel nearly impossible. You feel trapped by family pressures or relationships that refuse to evolve. I specialize in treating trauma (especially complex or childhood trauma), anxiety, and difficulties with self-esteem.
I believe that therapy is an investment in oneself, a space to learn about your personal emotions, life patterns, and ways you want to live your life. Everyone deserves to have a non-judgmental individual in their corner! As an old soul, I have a deep well of compassion which I balance with some "real talk" that encourages one to examine their lives. I enjoy working with people throughout the life spectrum.
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.
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.
I am a licensed psychologist with a private practice, Blume Therapy, LLC, in Portland, Oregon. I have worked at multiple universities and college counseling centers, both as a therapist and as an educator, and I am passionate about working with young adults at this extraordinary time of life. There are many reasons that people seek therapy. No matter the specific reason, you are probably here because you are struggling with something that matters to you a great deal. I have training and experience in treating anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties (family, peer), trauma, grief and loss, academic stress, issues related to identity, chronic illness and chronic pain, and dissatisfaction with one’s life and oneself. In all of the work that I do, I strive to provide culturally-oriented care and am committed to my own professional training and growth in regards to systems of oppression and social justice. My goal is to offer affirming work with individuals of diverse racial, cultural, sexual and gender identities. In therapy, my work is emotion-focused, trauma-informed, strengths-based and attentive to interpersonal processes. My style is compassionate, collaborative, curious and warm. I believe that having a strong connection with your therapist is the foundation of successful work. I also believe that understanding how our past experiences and early relationships impact us in the present is an important part of lasting change. I have a personal interest in mindfulness, and this influences my work. In all of the work that I do, I strive to provide culturally-oriented care, where the many intersections of your identity are at the heart of understanding who you are and the strengths you possess.
please check out my website for the best overview of my practice.
I have lived in Oregon since 2006. As an active person and outdoor enthusiast, I enjoy hiking, yoga, kickboxing, cycling, and paddle sports. I spend my time relaxing with my husband, friends, family, and 7-year-old adorable black Labrador mix. I enjoy traveling and have been able to explore Africa, Central America, South America, Asia, and Europe. Don’t worry…Australia and Antarctica are on the list! I have been practicing therapy since 2009 and working in mental health services since 2001. I received my Master’s in Applied Psychology in Mental Health Counseling from Southern Oregon University in 2009 and my bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of California in Santa Cruz in 2003. I have worked in a variety of therapeutic environments including a sub-acute hospital for adults with severe and persistent mental illness, a residential treatment program for adolescents, treatment foster care for children and youth, community-based services for families in crisis, foster care settings for children, youth, and young adults, outpatient mental health for adults, and in clinical research for youth and young adults struggling with suicidal thoughts and self-harming behaviors. I am a licensed professional counselor in the state of Oregon. My license is registered under my maiden name: Kristen Semelsberger. License number is C5039.
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.
Are you seeking therapy to better understand yourself—how you think, feel, and move through the world? How you relate to the world, and yourself? Are you curious about the deeper, more elusive questions that live beneath the surface? Are you navigating breaking generational cycles, processing sudden life shifts, grief, trauma, anxiety, or depression? I’m here to support you. We are the cartographers of our inner world—and therapy is the mapmaking. My role is to walk beside you in that discovery, offering a collaborative pace where every part of you is welcome. Grounded in evidence-based practices, and guided by warmth, humor, and deep respect, I create a safe, gently challenging environment where real healing and transformation can begin. Since 2022, I’ve supported individuals from all walks of life in Oregon and Washington through telehealth therapy. Therapy offers relief. It lightens the burden of carrying it all alone—and makes space for clarity, possibility, and change.
I believe that darkness is an opportunity to find our own true light. Pain is a guide that leads us to be fully present with our experiences and unearth their true meaning and wisdom. We all have the ability to find and know our truth. We hold our own healing and answers deep within ourselves. My role is to provide a nurturing, respectful environment where I stay connected and present with you in this discovery process. Although this may be challenging and uncomfortable at times, it will lead you to more self-appreciation and self-love in your healing journey. I use an eclectic and integrative approach unique to you which includes Client-Centered, Attachment Theory, Gestalt Therapy, Mindfulness, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and Hakomi. I do not take this work lightly and am deeply humbled and privileged to walk with you through your individual healing journey. I have a deep appreciation for the human experience and I value diversity. I work with people of all races, spiritual faiths, and LGBTQ community. Together, we will honor all of your experiences and find meaning for your past to propel you into a more compelling future.
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.