Therapists for college students near Portland State University
Are you feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or disconnected in your relationships? You don't have to navigate it alone, whether you're struggling with life transitions, the current political climate, complex emotions, or past experiences that continue to shape your present. Many people try to push through independently, seeking advice from friends, reading self-help books, or burying themselves in work—only to find that the same patterns keep repeating. When nothing seems helpful, therapy can offer lasting change. As a therapist, I provide a compassionate, culturally sensitive space for individuals.
Nutrition counseling for adults 18+ struggling with a history of dieting/eating disorders looking to improve their relationship with food, movement, and body image. We practice within the Health at Every Size (HAES) paradigm and use a values-based approach to help our clients ditch dieting for good so that they can find freedom with food and body. We also specialize in sports nutrition and see current and retired athletes at the collegiate level and beyond.
My goal is to support your growth and well-being through a collaborative, compassionate counseling relationship. Together, we’ll identify challenges, explore thought and emotional patterns, and work toward meaningful goals. My approach is practical, affirming, and values-based. I specialize in supporting individuals who have experienced trauma and work with concerns including anxiety, depression, chronic illness, life transitions, burnout, and relationships. I enjoy helping clients build coping skills, improve communication, and navigate identity, grief, stress, and women’s health. I use Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, CBT, DBT, Mindfulness, Interpersonal Neurobiology, Collaborative Problem Solving, and Solution-Focused Therapy. My approach is shaped by specialized training in trauma-informed practices, emphasizing trust, choice, and connection. In addition, I’m trained in clinical supervision and writing WPATH letters for gender-affirming surgery. If you’re feeling stuck or overwhelmed, you don’t have to face it alone. Together, we’ll create a supportive space to explore what matters to you and find practical ways to move forward. Your feelings are valid, and I’m here to help you discover the strength and clarity within yourself.
EMDR and Trauma Informed Therapy provider, via Telehealth, in Oregon and Washington.
Starting therapy can feel intimidating, whether it's your first time or you're looking for something different than what you've tried before. You may be feeling overwhelmed, stuck in familiar patterns, or simply ready for something to change — especially in the middle of the demands of student life, work, or both. I've worked in mental health since 2000, with over 25 years of experience with adolescents, young adults, and adults. I'm licensed in Oregon, Washington, and Colorado, and I see clients through secure telehealth. I work with anxiety, depression, trauma, ADHD, grief, chronic illness, relationship concerns, burnout, and major life transitions. I have particular experience with college and graduate students, helping professionals, and people navigating the emotional weight of chronic or invisible illness. My approach is collaborative and active. Insight matters, but understanding why a pattern exists doesn't always change how it feels — so alongside talking, we work toward new emotional, relational, and nervous-system experiences that let change happen on a deeper level. I draw on attachment theory, interpersonal neurobiology, and approaches like Somatic Experiencing, AEDP, IFS, and EMDR, depending on what fits you. Some sessions focus on practical strategies and current challenges. Others slow down to explore what's happening underneath. We'll find the pace that actually helps.
I support neurodivergent, disabled, queer folks, and all of the intersections in between. Existing as ourselves, we are living in a world that is not made for us. Many experience anxiety, depression, or trauma along with their autism or ADHD. I can join you in discovering what your unique needs may be.
Having trained at the University of Notre Dame (Ph.D., M.A.), UC Berkeley (APA-accredited internship) and Stanford (post-doctoral fellowship), I bring rigorous scientific expertise into my clinical work with college students. In fact, I worked at the University Counseling Centers at all three of these schools and have continued to develop a specialized private practice that focuses almost exclusively on college students. I also teach for Pepperdine University in their Graduate School of Education & Psychology. I help clients with a range of concerns including: anxiety, depression, career and academic concerns, ADHD, relationship concerns (situationships, am I right? :) ), body image and eating disorders, perfectionism, college/life transitions, as well as family of origin challenges (let's say it together, boundaries...). I often work with high-achieving students who often are managing academically but struggling internally. My clients often put others first and themselves last. By the time they come to therapy, concerns have been going on for some time and they've reached a breaking point. They may feel they "should" be able to handle things on their own. As a recovering perfectionist and someone who was riddled with anxiety throughout college, I get it. It wasn't until my own training in CBT that I learned how destructive such thought patterns were. It inspired my clinical approach, as well as three clinical workbooks I've published on Solution-Focused Therapy, CBT, and Positive Psychology with the top mental health publishers. Many of my clients who have been to therapy before often remark how "easy" I make the process. We laugh, we learn, and talk like old friends. Therapy doesn't have to be stuffy or stressful. It's about feeling respected, validated and heard. Learning to take care of yourself, set appropriate boundaries, and thrive! I'd LOVE to work with you! Please feel free to book a complimentary 15 minute consultation at my website below so we can connect!
You feel alone, prioritize the needs of others, and wonder if things will change, asking: "What am I protecting? Who am I trying to be? What do I want?" Relationships (breakups, separation, dating, divorce) can bring up anxiety, regret, fear and self-judgment. These effect the relationship we have with ourselves. Resentments, anger, and guilt - toward others and within ourselves make us feel disconnected and alone. As a therapist, my aim is to help you reconnect with your SELF. Everyone is different. Our expectations and ideals are influenced by family history, surrounding cultural expectations, and unique experiences. Our therapy sessions help you develop tools to define relationships you want, conquer anxiety, past regrets, self doubt, negative self-image, and slowly dispose of the negative loud inner-monologue (which comes up frequently, when you are trying to navigate your road ahead.) I am an Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapist using Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT), Gottman therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) tools to develop a solid foundation of self - (via telehealth, online) in both Oregon and Washington State. Specialties: Individuals dealing with sleep issues/insomnia, difficulty with focus (ADHD); folks going through separation/divorce to develop purpose, motivation and intention; individuals in relationships cultivate/improve connection; single individuals build a sense of self (aligned with values) which can be applied toward dating and future relationships. __________________________________________ Interested in seeing if we connect? Feel free to text me/call me at 503-498-6879 for free consultation. Want to learn more about me? Check out my website: https://heatherackles.com/ _______________________________________________________
Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.
Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.
Whether you’re interested in: - Healing from Eating Disorders with a Harm Reduction Approach - Navigating Motherhood as a Complex Trauma Survivor - Recovering from Childhood Trauma with Compassion All while going through the rigors of college, I am passionate about co-creating a culturally affirming space where all of you is honored and welcomed. You will find and engage in life-giving relationships and activities, while advancing your education. I will collaborate with you to feel empowered to embody healing with compassion, not shame, for yourself and the next generation.
Are you struggling with transitioning into being a college student or an adult? New to Oregon or the US and not sure how to fit in? Need to work through trauma that is keeping you feeling stuck? I have spent over a decade working with teens, young adults and college students who struggle with everything from anxiety, depression, trauma or fitting into a new culture to time management, test anxiety and study skills. Together we will look at what is getting in the way of you living your best life and create a plan to get you back on track.
My approach to counseling is collaborative, compassionate, patient, and kind. I will focus on understanding you where you are at without judgement, so that you can have greater acceptance of yourself and your experience, and be able to be vulnerable and honest with someone who cares as you navigate the challenges you face. I don't believe that there are any "quick fixes" in therapy - rather, I see counseling as more like a journey of lasting change, personal growth, and self-development, one that can be achieved in relationship with someone who can support you and your process. My work focuses on people at all stages of life who are working through developmental transitions (leaving home, starting or ending a relationship, experiencing big life changes, etc.) who want to better understand who they are, and how they can become the best version of themself using the strengths they have within themselves. I help people to understand themselves and their patterns so they can identify and gain insight about their thoughts, feelings, and identify blind-spots to be able to make choices and move forward in a direction that feels best for them.
I have been in the social work field since 2017. I understand life experiences can be overwhelming, causing depression, anxiety, or stress. I am passionate about walking alongside you as you explore your inner strength to overcome your struggles while honoring your values, beliefs, and story. I am experienced in working with clients with chronic medical conditions such as breast cancer and kidney disease. I value collaboration between you and I to help you achieve your goal. I believe spirituality can be a source of strength in overcoming life's struggles. I believe you are the expert in your live experiences and my approach is to meet you where you are. I utilize Strength Based, CBT, Solutions Focused to support you to achieve your goals. I strive to provide a supportive and non judgmental environment where you can discover your strengths and capabilities to create the change you want to see. I believe in showing compassion, respect, dignity, and care to support your ability to create change. I am able to empower you to overcome your struggles to attain your highest personal growth and spiritual well-being. Whether you are looking to improve your quality of life or looking for tools to help you cope, I am here and available to you.
I work with folks struggling with depression, grief, anxiety, life transitions, and the countless other stressors life throws at us. My hope is to create a space where you can show up fully human—to laugh, cry, and talk about the hard stuff without fear of judgment. I invite you to bring yourself and all of the parts that come along with you. This is a privilege I do not take lightly and will honor as we walk through this journey together. If this resonates, I’d love to connect and see if working together feels right. My work is informed by systems-thinking and anti-oppressive frameworks, drawing from Narrative, Emotion-Focused, and Internal Family Systems approaches. I’m especially interested in how our relationships and identities shape who we are and who we’re becoming. I know finding a therapist can feel like a big step, and I believe connection really matters. I’m a relational therapist who values building a collaborative, compassionate, and supportive relationship. I see you as the expert of your own life, and my role is to walk alongside you as you reflect, explore, and grow.
Do you struggle with stress that affects your day-to-day life, relationships, or school? Do you feel exhausted by the pressure to do more with less? Do you wish that you could experience more balance in your life? Now more than ever, people are feeling overwhelmed and stuck, struggling to craft a more peaceful, positive lifestyle. I believe finding balance between all of life’s demands shouldn’t be just a “maybe one day” dream. I offer individual counseling for adults ready to commit to building their best lives. We’ll start by exploring your current challenges and past experiences to help inform the best approach. We’ll co-create a treatment plan designed to help you build the skills you’ll need on your journey, and I’ll help you navigate the pathway toward your ideal life. I offer a supportive, safe space and virtual appointments to flexibly meet your scheduling needs. As an experienced psychologist who has helped many individuals establish better boundaries and experience more joy in their daily lives, I am passionate about helping others achieve a greater balance between work and play and adapt to shifting environments. Ready to take the first step toward living your best life? Schedule your free consultation today!
Are there old patterns stuck on repeat in your relationship that you’ve tried to change but can’t seem to? Is relationship stress or anxiety in general getting in the way of your feeling satisfied or in flow with your life? Maybe you feel invisible or unappreciated. Perhaps you feel a sense of powerlessness or frustration due to your boundaries being overstepped. You may have even stopped trying due to repeated failures trying to "fix" what isn't working. The truth is every now and then we need support from someone who has the knowledge, training, and personal experience to help you with something like this. I help clients heal and learn from old relationship wounds and improve their relationship with themselves and others. I help people get to the heart of the matter and go beyond learning and implementing coping skills. In this way we can get to know what is creating barriers to joy, calm, and flow in your relationships and in your life. Please note that addition to qualifications listed within this profile, I am a certified Narcissistic Abuse Treatment Clinician. Whether working through anxiety, contemplating/preparing for a breakup or moving on from a relationship, healing from the fallout of antagonistic relational stress and/or narcissistic abuse, strengthening your boundaries, or you're just wanting to give that critical inner voice the boot so that you simply feel better about you, I'm here to help. * I am contracted with Care Oregon and am able to work with Trillium Community Health of OHP via single case agreement.
I’m passionate about spirituality, self love, self forgiveness and radical acceptance. I’ve witnessed clients heal and cure many emotional and physical health challenges through the power of self forgiveness. I love working with anxiety, career transitions, family conflict, relationship challenges, codependency, non-traditional relationships such as poly and kink, positive sexuality, life transitions, queer folks, spiritual or religious trauma, exploration and growth, neurodivergence, sensitivities, health challenges and trauma in the body.
Are you struggling with irritability, anxiety, low mood, poor focus, substance use, or lack of motivation that is impairing your relationships, your career, or your overall quality of life? Have you perhaps tried therapy, but found that your problems persisted? Have you tried medications, but found that psychiatric appointments were too impersonal or that your concerns about possible side effects or worsening symptoms were met with indifference? I provide evidence-based mental health treatment via telemedicine to residents of Oregon. I strive to create a warm, welcoming environment for clients. I offer a free ten-minute initial phone consultation to determine if we are a good fit for each other.
I provide individual counseling services for adults residing in the state of Oregon. I am deeply committed to and passionate about working with my LGBTQIA++ community, and identify as Queer and Lesbian. I have primarily worked with the Queer community for the past three years. I also have a special heart for the Indigenous community and exploring and supporting our unique challenges and spiritual and ecological connections. I have experience working with: BDSM/KINK, polyamory/relationship anarchy, BIPOC, parenting, trauma, and disability. Learn to connect to yourself and your deep inner wisdom. Explore self compassion and develop a broader understanding of your personal needs, desires and core values. Begin to listen to what your body is telling you, it holds so much information about who we are, our ancestral roots, and our raw needs. Individual therapy gives you a brave space to be seen and witnessed, to be gently held, to express what you hold dear to your heart,.. it is a sacred container for your fears, hurts, trauma, and triumphs. It is a gift to yourself. It is a place where you can come as you are, without judgment, to be validated and challenged, and to explore your rich inner life and access the gold of your spirit.