Family Therapy in Portland, OR
Jenette A. Arellano
Professional Counselor Associate, MS, NCC
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97206 (Online Only)
As we focus on the present moment, we will explore attachment styles, family dynamics, generational cycles, habitual patterns, and relational roles - together.
My clients are mostly adults in individual and couples therapy who are navigating the stressors of relationships, adulthood, life transitions, communication, dating, anxiety, and attachment. You may be someone who is struggling to live in the uncertainty that life often brings, or maybe you are navigating boundaries in your relationships - all things that bring about anxiety and fear for many people. Despite what it may be, I am here to support you and talk through it with you. I can offer support in areas of anxiety, depression, grief, family/relationship/dating challenges, identity formation, sexuality, and personal growth.
As we focus on the present moment, we will explore attachment styles, family dynamics, generational cycles, habitual patterns, and relational roles - together.
My clients are mostly adults in individual and couples therapy who are navigating the stressors of relationships, adulthood, life transitions, communication, dating, anxiety, and attachment. You may be someone who is struggling to live in the uncertainty that life often brings, or maybe you are navigating boundaries in your relationships - all things that bring about anxiety and fear for many people. Despite what it may be, I am here to support you and talk through it with you. I can offer support in areas of anxiety, depression, grief, family/relationship/dating challenges, identity formation, sexuality, and personal growth.
I've served as President of the Oregon Psychological Association, published in the Journal of Marriage and Family Therapy and received honors for therapy effectiveness from two large health organizations.
For help with communication, conflict resolution, emotional intelligence or relationship enhancement, I provide research-proven coaching and therapy skills customized to meet your specific needs. For over 25 years I have helped straight couples, LGBT couples and individuals address relationship issues such as: Improved communication; Deepening of affection; Problem solving; Dual career / family business challenges; Problems with depression, anxiety or anger; Divorce or commitment issues; Parenting skills; Sexual enhancement; Infidelity & trust; Rekindling romance.
I've served as President of the Oregon Psychological Association, published in the Journal of Marriage and Family Therapy and received honors for therapy effectiveness from two large health organizations.
For help with communication, conflict resolution, emotional intelligence or relationship enhancement, I provide research-proven coaching and therapy skills customized to meet your specific needs. For over 25 years I have helped straight couples, LGBT couples and individuals address relationship issues such as: Improved communication; Deepening of affection; Problem solving; Dual career / family business challenges; Problems with depression, anxiety or anger; Divorce or commitment issues; Parenting skills; Sexual enhancement; Infidelity & trust; Rekindling romance.
I have worked in the field of psychotherapy for over 20 years. I love supporting people in their journey of self-exploration. We all have so many aspects of ourselves and helping others to unearth these aspects, reflect upon them, and make positive changes gives me great joy. This may include working on family of origin dynamics to mental health symptoms to wanting to make changes with your relationship to substances. So many aspects to explore individually and in relationship to each other. Check out my website for more information about specialities and how I work!
I have worked in the field of psychotherapy for over 20 years. I love supporting people in their journey of self-exploration. We all have so many aspects of ourselves and helping others to unearth these aspects, reflect upon them, and make positive changes gives me great joy. This may include working on family of origin dynamics to mental health symptoms to wanting to make changes with your relationship to substances. So many aspects to explore individually and in relationship to each other. Check out my website for more information about specialities and how I work!
I draw from other paradigms, such as Somatic Experiencing, Internal Family Systems, and Nervous System regulation practices, to assist my clients in becoming more embodied and familiar with different facets of themselves.
I'm all about helping people become more of themselves. If you are looking to discover and implement your own unique path forward, I may be the right counselor for you. I work with individuals and couples to resolve anxieties, manage the impact of chronic illness, and unravel old and constricting patterns, as well as resolve relationship conflicts and deepen emotional intimacy. Every person has strengths they are not yet aware of, as well as capacity to develop the skills and awareness needed for their life situation. It's my job to support your growth and flourishing, as well as deep self-care.
I draw from other paradigms, such as Somatic Experiencing, Internal Family Systems, and Nervous System regulation practices, to assist my clients in becoming more embodied and familiar with different facets of themselves.
I'm all about helping people become more of themselves. If you are looking to discover and implement your own unique path forward, I may be the right counselor for you. I work with individuals and couples to resolve anxieties, manage the impact of chronic illness, and unravel old and constricting patterns, as well as resolve relationship conflicts and deepen emotional intimacy. Every person has strengths they are not yet aware of, as well as capacity to develop the skills and awareness needed for their life situation. It's my job to support your growth and flourishing, as well as deep self-care.
Marriage and Relationship Counseling
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT, MA, MBA
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97232
I am a Relationship Specialist, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, and the founder of The Portland Couples Counseling Center.
Hello, my name is Steven Cohn. Since the onset of Covid 19 I am currently conducting all of my couples sessions via teleconferencing. I meet with couples who live anywhere in Oregon, including Bend, Eugene, and Ashland. My clients are reporting that our online sessions feel just as meaningful and productive as our in-office sessions. If love, intimacy, and passion has faded from your relationship, then I'm here to help. Poor communications, financial problems, low sexual desire, blending a family, child rearing, an affair, in-laws, and/or health concerns can slowly erode relationship vitality in even the most loving unions.
I am a Relationship Specialist, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, and the founder of The Portland Couples Counseling Center.
Hello, my name is Steven Cohn. Since the onset of Covid 19 I am currently conducting all of my couples sessions via teleconferencing. I meet with couples who live anywhere in Oregon, including Bend, Eugene, and Ashland. My clients are reporting that our online sessions feel just as meaningful and productive as our in-office sessions. If love, intimacy, and passion has faded from your relationship, then I'm here to help. Poor communications, financial problems, low sexual desire, blending a family, child rearing, an affair, in-laws, and/or health concerns can slowly erode relationship vitality in even the most loving unions.
Emily Anne Weidlich
Professional Counselor Associate, MA
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97215
Everyone needs support and encouragement, and though our friends and family play an integral role in our lives, they often struggle with finding the words to say when we face truly troubling experiences. As a trained counselor, my goal is to skillfully and empathetically help you navigate your challenges by working together to develop greater insight into your experience, foster an honest and compassionate stance towards your previous efforts, and develop more adaptive skills and perspectives to aid you moving forward.
Everyone needs support and encouragement, and though our friends and family play an integral role in our lives, they often struggle with finding the words to say when we face truly troubling experiences. As a trained counselor, my goal is to skillfully and empathetically help you navigate your challenges by working together to develop greater insight into your experience, foster an honest and compassionate stance towards your previous efforts, and develop more adaptive skills and perspectives to aid you moving forward.
Steven Hayes
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-S
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97205 (Online Only)
My therapeutic approach is deeply rooted in evidence-based practices, primarily utilizing Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Internal Family Systems (IFS.
The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear. -Nelson Mandela. Sometimes we really want growth, change and/or to just feel better, but the fear of change is real. Men, in particular men of color, find seeking help as a sign of weakness. One of the bravest things you could ever do and the rewards are limitless when you face this challenge. If you are up for the challenge, I am ready to assist!
My therapeutic approach is deeply rooted in evidence-based practices, primarily utilizing Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Internal Family Systems (IFS.
The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear. -Nelson Mandela. Sometimes we really want growth, change and/or to just feel better, but the fear of change is real. Men, in particular men of color, find seeking help as a sign of weakness. One of the bravest things you could ever do and the rewards are limitless when you face this challenge. If you are up for the challenge, I am ready to assist!
Relationship Gardening
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LMFT, LPC
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97209
LGBTQ shows up all over my family and friendships, and many clients.
Couples (any age, race, gender identity) find relief from gridlock arguments, lost connection, or painful broken trust. Walk & Talk or Zoom (CA or OR) w/Shannon Batts, marriage specialist. You want practical how-tos for deeper understanding & validation from your mate, keeping disagreements from getting all wonky, or finding your way through coming out trans? Workshops, retreats, support groups outside. Visit Relationship Gardening website for marriage help gift. Many clients also are health professionals. Black American couples' Resource Redirection available. Need fees reduced? Call or email today!
LGBTQ shows up all over my family and friendships, and many clients.
Couples (any age, race, gender identity) find relief from gridlock arguments, lost connection, or painful broken trust. Walk & Talk or Zoom (CA or OR) w/Shannon Batts, marriage specialist. You want practical how-tos for deeper understanding & validation from your mate, keeping disagreements from getting all wonky, or finding your way through coming out trans? Workshops, retreats, support groups outside. Visit Relationship Gardening website for marriage help gift. Many clients also are health professionals. Black American couples' Resource Redirection available. Need fees reduced? Call or email today!
I am interested in helping people with primary attachment issues. I work with couples dealing directly with their attachment problems with each other. I work with individuals who are looking internally to figure out their obstacles to developing intimate partnerships. In both my individual and couples work I usually explore the family of origin as one source of understanding and improving love relationships. My style is collaborative and exploratory while I maintain a hopefully transparent point of view. I look at psychotherapy as an unusual conversation where both people are focused on one to help that person grow and change.
I am interested in helping people with primary attachment issues. I work with couples dealing directly with their attachment problems with each other. I work with individuals who are looking internally to figure out their obstacles to developing intimate partnerships. In both my individual and couples work I usually explore the family of origin as one source of understanding and improving love relationships. My style is collaborative and exploratory while I maintain a hopefully transparent point of view. I look at psychotherapy as an unusual conversation where both people are focused on one to help that person grow and change.
Korel Ponti-Foss
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MA
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97203 (Online Only)
I have strong roots in social justice, family therapy, art therapy and research-based therapy.
My goal is to help you regain purpose, be more authentic, and enjoy life and your relationships again. I am trained in Brainspotting therapy which provides a brain-body processing option for difficult-to-change issues that talk therapy has struggled to change. Brainspotting is useful for such things as difficult to treat trauma, anxiety, depression, or impulse control, as well as improving things such as performance anxiety, physical pain, and addiction. I also offer a LGBTQ and polyamorous safe counseling experience and provide informed relationship and family counseling for these communities.
I have strong roots in social justice, family therapy, art therapy and research-based therapy.
My goal is to help you regain purpose, be more authentic, and enjoy life and your relationships again. I am trained in Brainspotting therapy which provides a brain-body processing option for difficult-to-change issues that talk therapy has struggled to change. Brainspotting is useful for such things as difficult to treat trauma, anxiety, depression, or impulse control, as well as improving things such as performance anxiety, physical pain, and addiction. I also offer a LGBTQ and polyamorous safe counseling experience and provide informed relationship and family counseling for these communities.
I have over 35 years of specialized training and experience in trauma informed care, collaborative problem solving, child and family therapy, couples and individual life transitions.
Everyone goes through challenges situations in life and while you my have successfully navigated through other difficulties you've faced, there's nothing wrong with seeking out extra support when you need it, in fact, therapy is for people who have enough self-awareness to realize they need a helping hand, and that is something to be admired. If you struggle with anxiety, depression, marital/relational difficulties and are committed to making long lasting changes in your life by acquiring the long-lasting benefits and tools you need to avoid triggers, re-direct damaging patterns, and overcome those challenges-take the first step.
I have over 35 years of specialized training and experience in trauma informed care, collaborative problem solving, child and family therapy, couples and individual life transitions.
Everyone goes through challenges situations in life and while you my have successfully navigated through other difficulties you've faced, there's nothing wrong with seeking out extra support when you need it, in fact, therapy is for people who have enough self-awareness to realize they need a helping hand, and that is something to be admired. If you struggle with anxiety, depression, marital/relational difficulties and are committed to making long lasting changes in your life by acquiring the long-lasting benefits and tools you need to avoid triggers, re-direct damaging patterns, and overcome those challenges-take the first step.
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Dr. Scott Christie
Counselor, PhD, LMFT, LMHC, CADCIII
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97202 (Online Only)
I successfully work with those struggling with addictions, compulsions, anger and relationship issues and complex family dynamics.
Choosing a counselor is an important. I have 30+ years of experience helping individuals, couples and families. My support is to help clients manage emotions and reactions, increase communication skills, self-esteem and confidence. As I come alongside your journey I also understand the difficulties with self-disclosure and the barriers to change. I can provide a brief consultation to determine fit, and determine how I might support your goals.
I successfully work with those struggling with addictions, compulsions, anger and relationship issues and complex family dynamics.
Choosing a counselor is an important. I have 30+ years of experience helping individuals, couples and families. My support is to help clients manage emotions and reactions, increase communication skills, self-esteem and confidence. As I come alongside your journey I also understand the difficulties with self-disclosure and the barriers to change. I can provide a brief consultation to determine fit, and determine how I might support your goals.
Susan Driver
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97225 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
With my extensive training and experience in Family Systems, Cognitive, Person Centered and Solution Focused Therapies I will collaboratively tailor therapy especially for you that will discover ways to overcome these barriers and enable you to build a better present and future with stronger, healthier relationships.
Making the decision to seek professional help takes courage when feeling overwhelmed and sometimes hopeless that nothing will change. I believe therapy works and can help make that change easier and quicker than you might think. I work with individuals, families and children with compassion, persistence and skills to identify these changes and create a plan that is designed for you. My clients are families that may be facing a difficult transition or grief, a child or teen anxious, withdrawn, angry or out of control. Parents that are exhausted, feeling overwhelmed, and fearful of what is happening to their child.
With my extensive training and experience in Family Systems, Cognitive, Person Centered and Solution Focused Therapies I will collaboratively tailor therapy especially for you that will discover ways to overcome these barriers and enable you to build a better present and future with stronger, healthier relationships.
Making the decision to seek professional help takes courage when feeling overwhelmed and sometimes hopeless that nothing will change. I believe therapy works and can help make that change easier and quicker than you might think. I work with individuals, families and children with compassion, persistence and skills to identify these changes and create a plan that is designed for you. My clients are families that may be facing a difficult transition or grief, a child or teen anxious, withdrawn, angry or out of control. Parents that are exhausted, feeling overwhelmed, and fearful of what is happening to their child.
I use many modalities in a blended way, such as Internal Family Systems, Emotionally Focused Therapy, Nature Based Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, DBT, Mindfulness, and psycho-education.
Are you looking for help with your relationships, have past trauma, anxiety, depression, or experiencing life transitions or grief? All of these impact how we feel about ourselves and our world, and can leave us feeling emotionally tired. I work with clients to untangle it all, find strengths, unlock stuck relationships, better understand and address anxieties, and practice new ways of thinking and being. Come learn more effective ways to communicate, while using better boundaries. Together, we create change based on new, healthy thoughts and beliefs, build self-esteem, and develop more fulfilling relationships.
I use many modalities in a blended way, such as Internal Family Systems, Emotionally Focused Therapy, Nature Based Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, DBT, Mindfulness, and psycho-education.
Are you looking for help with your relationships, have past trauma, anxiety, depression, or experiencing life transitions or grief? All of these impact how we feel about ourselves and our world, and can leave us feeling emotionally tired. I work with clients to untangle it all, find strengths, unlock stuck relationships, better understand and address anxieties, and practice new ways of thinking and being. Come learn more effective ways to communicate, while using better boundaries. Together, we create change based on new, healthy thoughts and beliefs, build self-esteem, and develop more fulfilling relationships.
Sheila Somers, LPC
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97202
I provide a comforting presence to those with a life-limiting illness or family members caring for those with a chronic illness.
I am a psychotherapist working with individuals and couples. I provide counseling psychotherapy and integrate mindfulness psychotherapy, attachment theory, emotionally focused therapy, existential-humanistic and insight to encourage acceptance, balance and peace for the mind, body and spirit. I advocate and support couples from a variety of races, cultures and sexual orientations using Emotionally Focused Therapy to understand patterns and cycles and to build a better connection and a stronger relationship.
I provide a comforting presence to those with a life-limiting illness or family members caring for those with a chronic illness.
I am a psychotherapist working with individuals and couples. I provide counseling psychotherapy and integrate mindfulness psychotherapy, attachment theory, emotionally focused therapy, existential-humanistic and insight to encourage acceptance, balance and peace for the mind, body and spirit. I advocate and support couples from a variety of races, cultures and sexual orientations using Emotionally Focused Therapy to understand patterns and cycles and to build a better connection and a stronger relationship.
Hope's Horizon Counseling Services, LLC
Licensed Professional Counselor, LMHC-S, LPC-S, LCMHC, LPC-MH, LCPC
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97201 (Online Only)
I am a Certified Advanced Grief Counseling Specialist (CAGCS), a Certified Family Trauma Professional (CFTP), a Certified Telemental Health Professional (CTMH, pending Board Cert), and Certified in Brainspotting (BSP-C).
Life happens; the effects of loss vary; and the impacts of stress/trauma are more ‘normal’ than most people realize. You are not alone; your struggles are real; and your mental wellness is and should be treated with as much vigor as your need for food and shelter. It is natural for our bodies to want to heal themselves; and our human strength and natural behavior is to adapt and evolve. We develop negative coping skills as we adapt to stress/trauma, grief/loss, major life changes/transitions, chronic illness/pain, identity struggles, and relationship conflicts.
I am a Certified Advanced Grief Counseling Specialist (CAGCS), a Certified Family Trauma Professional (CFTP), a Certified Telemental Health Professional (CTMH, pending Board Cert), and Certified in Brainspotting (BSP-C).
Life happens; the effects of loss vary; and the impacts of stress/trauma are more ‘normal’ than most people realize. You are not alone; your struggles are real; and your mental wellness is and should be treated with as much vigor as your need for food and shelter. It is natural for our bodies to want to heal themselves; and our human strength and natural behavior is to adapt and evolve. We develop negative coping skills as we adapt to stress/trauma, grief/loss, major life changes/transitions, chronic illness/pain, identity struggles, and relationship conflicts.
April Smith - Thrive Counseling and Life Coaching
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, CADC II, LMHC, SUDP
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97215
Whether it’s related to relationships, work, family, or even nothing that you can identify at all.
Providing over 20 years of experience. Services offered include Individual, Marriage, Premarital, Couples, Teens, Families, and Substance Abuse. Utilizing a Solution Focused, Cognitive approach, working with negative, fearful, and traumatic thoughts and perceptions and renewing and/or replacing them with enabling and productive thoughts. I provide help for individuals, families & or couples to gain coping skills to help manage or decrease problematic symptoms. The initial session begins with exchanging background and history to gain information to formalize a treatment plan. Accepting clients for days, evenings, & Saturday appts.
Whether it’s related to relationships, work, family, or even nothing that you can identify at all.
Providing over 20 years of experience. Services offered include Individual, Marriage, Premarital, Couples, Teens, Families, and Substance Abuse. Utilizing a Solution Focused, Cognitive approach, working with negative, fearful, and traumatic thoughts and perceptions and renewing and/or replacing them with enabling and productive thoughts. I provide help for individuals, families & or couples to gain coping skills to help manage or decrease problematic symptoms. The initial session begins with exchanging background and history to gain information to formalize a treatment plan. Accepting clients for days, evenings, & Saturday appts.
Blythe Dolores Utz
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MS
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97202 (Online Only)
I specialize in clients healing from narcissistic family systems, middle-age-related wellbeing, shame, complex (relational) trauma, grief, anxiety, and depression.
Currently adding telehealth individuals to a short waitlist. My approach to therapy is wholehearted and views clients contextually, recognizing people as interconnected with and influenced by everything from biology and belief to society and the natural environment. I seek to understand my clients holistically and integrate a spiritual/somatic/humanistic approach to encourage healing and self-belonging, which may include breathwork, somatic and emotional literacy, mindful self-compassion, and inspirational contemplation/practice. I may be best suited for clients who are spiritually curious/open or seeking/practicing.
I specialize in clients healing from narcissistic family systems, middle-age-related wellbeing, shame, complex (relational) trauma, grief, anxiety, and depression.
Currently adding telehealth individuals to a short waitlist. My approach to therapy is wholehearted and views clients contextually, recognizing people as interconnected with and influenced by everything from biology and belief to society and the natural environment. I seek to understand my clients holistically and integrate a spiritual/somatic/humanistic approach to encourage healing and self-belonging, which may include breathwork, somatic and emotional literacy, mindful self-compassion, and inspirational contemplation/practice. I may be best suited for clients who are spiritually curious/open or seeking/practicing.
Our family and friends care about us.
I believe most of what people need, lie deep inside of themselves. However, it gets so scattered and splattered we have a hard time connecting the dots! Through a collaborative effort, I am here to help guide you in connecting the dots. And when need be, help bridge the gaps with resources and education to support your mental health goals. Often, people know what they "should" do, but don't or even can't. Together we will find solutions to get out of your own way- for a healthier and happier life.
Our family and friends care about us.
I believe most of what people need, lie deep inside of themselves. However, it gets so scattered and splattered we have a hard time connecting the dots! Through a collaborative effort, I am here to help guide you in connecting the dots. And when need be, help bridge the gaps with resources and education to support your mental health goals. Often, people know what they "should" do, but don't or even can't. Together we will find solutions to get out of your own way- for a healthier and happier life.
Danielle Jediny-Racies, MFT
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97086 (Online Only)
Hello. My name is Danielle Jediny-Racies. I am a practicing licensed marriage and family therapist since 2009 providing care for people who live in Oregon, California, Florida, South Carolina, Washington, New York State, and Georgia. My therapeutic approach is informed by system-centered, attachment, trauma-informed methods of care and psychobiological approach to couples therapy (PACT). I am steady, engaging, and compassionate.
Hello. My name is Danielle Jediny-Racies. I am a practicing licensed marriage and family therapist since 2009 providing care for people who live in Oregon, California, Florida, South Carolina, Washington, New York State, and Georgia. My therapeutic approach is informed by system-centered, attachment, trauma-informed methods of care and psychobiological approach to couples therapy (PACT). I am steady, engaging, and compassionate.
See more therapy options for Portland
Family Therapy
What do family therapists do?
A family therapist facilitates the process of understanding and improving how a family functions. The therapist will help family members develop empathy for one another. They’ll seek to understand existing patterns, misunderstandings, and conflicts that arise, in order to help the family arrive at a realistic, unified understanding and develop the coping skills they need to build stronger relationships.
How long does therapy for families take to work?
Therapy manifests differently in every family; a common time frame is 12 weekly sessions, but some families may see improvement after just a few weeks. Families should discuss their goals with the therapist at the beginning of the process and periodically revisit those goals to assess their progress together.
How can you encourage a family member to attend family therapy?
You can encourage family members to attend therapy by expressing with both love and concern the challenges you see and explaining how a therapist could help the family navigate those challenges together. An outside perspective can help everyone feel heard, get on the same page, and develop new skills. If family members are still hesitant, it may be helpful to emphasize that family therapy is short-term—it won’t last forever.
Is therapy for families effective?
Family therapy can significantly improve family dynamics and relationships. Research suggests that family therapy can help individuals understand their role in the family, communicate and solve problems together, reduce conflict and draw boundaries when necessary, and develop coping skills for stressors, major life changes, and mental or physical illnesses within the family.