Attachment-based Therapists in Portland, OR
Heather Mitchell
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, LMHC
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97202
Waitlist for new clients
Depending on the goals you have, Heather may utilize a variety of techniques within your sessions that include mindfulness, attachment-based therapy, internal family systems therapy (IFS) and existential/humanistic questioning.
Heather is a compassionate guide who listens deeply and accepts you where you’re at. She helps you explore your strengths and limitations within a safe context where your thoughts and emotions can be felt, communicated, and understood. Heather is experienced in working with clients struggling with depression, grief and loss, trauma, anxiety, relationship stress, and personal growth/exploration. She is specialized in helping women who have experienced infertility or loss due to miscarriage & is an Enneagram expert.
Depending on the goals you have, Heather may utilize a variety of techniques within your sessions that include mindfulness, attachment-based therapy, internal family systems therapy (IFS) and existential/humanistic questioning.
Heather is a compassionate guide who listens deeply and accepts you where you’re at. She helps you explore your strengths and limitations within a safe context where your thoughts and emotions can be felt, communicated, and understood. Heather is experienced in working with clients struggling with depression, grief and loss, trauma, anxiety, relationship stress, and personal growth/exploration. She is specialized in helping women who have experienced infertility or loss due to miscarriage & is an Enneagram expert.
My approach is highly relational, attachment-based, and trauma-informed.
Therapy is a wonder to me. It’s a powerful space where we can nurture a safe environment to explore the painful aspects of the human experience. At times, we can undergo a profound feeling of being stuck or lost without knowing how to find relief. I love coming alongside people on that journey, bringing a curious, non-judgmental stance to your healing process. I'd want to give more gentle attention to both your light and shadow in hopes to reduce inner conflict and promote a deeper and more kind self-inquiry. Through compassion, warmth, and much-needed humor, my hope is to bring ease as you travel uneasy waters.
My approach is highly relational, attachment-based, and trauma-informed.
Therapy is a wonder to me. It’s a powerful space where we can nurture a safe environment to explore the painful aspects of the human experience. At times, we can undergo a profound feeling of being stuck or lost without knowing how to find relief. I love coming alongside people on that journey, bringing a curious, non-judgmental stance to your healing process. I'd want to give more gentle attention to both your light and shadow in hopes to reduce inner conflict and promote a deeper and more kind self-inquiry. Through compassion, warmth, and much-needed humor, my hope is to bring ease as you travel uneasy waters.
Marilyn Pool
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97215
Not accepting new clients
Together we'll address your patterns of thought, emotion, behavior, and relating via Sensorimotor, Humanistic, Attachment-based, and Cognitive-Behavioral methods.
Effective therapy depends on a good client-therapist match. We'll work collaboratively to address relationship problems, life changes, losses, self-worth, anxiety, depression, trauma, and overwhelming emotions. My work is built on a foundation of compassion, pragmatism, and humor. We'll explore new perspectives, and experiment with tools for managing emotions, communicating effectively, and changing behaviors. We'll expand your capacity to cope with strong feelings and we'll deepen your sense of self.
Together we'll address your patterns of thought, emotion, behavior, and relating via Sensorimotor, Humanistic, Attachment-based, and Cognitive-Behavioral methods.
Effective therapy depends on a good client-therapist match. We'll work collaboratively to address relationship problems, life changes, losses, self-worth, anxiety, depression, trauma, and overwhelming emotions. My work is built on a foundation of compassion, pragmatism, and humor. We'll explore new perspectives, and experiment with tools for managing emotions, communicating effectively, and changing behaviors. We'll expand your capacity to cope with strong feelings and we'll deepen your sense of self.
Annie Vail
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, CHT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97211
Waitlist for new clients
I am also trained in multiple trauma and attachment-based modalities, IFS & Gestalt, compassionate communication (NVC), PACT couples therapy, and authentic relating.
I believe in your capacity to find the healing you seek and create the life you envision. Perhaps you are dealing with anxiety or depression, grieving the death of a loved one or a painful breakup, struggle with belonging, or just feel stuck and know that you are ready to do something about it. Do you want more intimacy, connection, and joy in your relationships? Let me help you uncover unconscious patterns and beliefs and heal from old wounds that may be keeping you from living from your best self. Together we can bring more love, capacity, skill, and presence into your relationships.
I am also trained in multiple trauma and attachment-based modalities, IFS & Gestalt, compassionate communication (NVC), PACT couples therapy, and authentic relating.
I believe in your capacity to find the healing you seek and create the life you envision. Perhaps you are dealing with anxiety or depression, grieving the death of a loved one or a painful breakup, struggle with belonging, or just feel stuck and know that you are ready to do something about it. Do you want more intimacy, connection, and joy in your relationships? Let me help you uncover unconscious patterns and beliefs and heal from old wounds that may be keeping you from living from your best self. Together we can bring more love, capacity, skill, and presence into your relationships.
Krista Diane Ryan
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97232
My foundation as a therapist is attachment-based and client-centered, which means that I will meet you where you are at and support you through mapping where you want to go.
We are all wired to seek connection, love, belonging, and to be understood. Our internal messaging often tells us we are not good enough to receive these things because of the dominant culture we are in. In therapy, we can work together toward the belief that you are enough. Here, LGBTQIA+ individuals and allies will find a safe and nonjudgmental space to explore who you are, realize your full potential, find meaning, and increase serenity and joy.
My foundation as a therapist is attachment-based and client-centered, which means that I will meet you where you are at and support you through mapping where you want to go.
We are all wired to seek connection, love, belonging, and to be understood. Our internal messaging often tells us we are not good enough to receive these things because of the dominant culture we are in. In therapy, we can work together toward the belief that you are enough. Here, LGBTQIA+ individuals and allies will find a safe and nonjudgmental space to explore who you are, realize your full potential, find meaning, and increase serenity and joy.
As a Professional Counselor Associate, with an attachment-based lens, I will provide an intentional setting to help heal, release, reconnect, and/or set boundaries with yourself and the people around you.
There are many different ways to heal, just as there are many different ways to grieve and process emotions. I believe that you do not need to have something “wrong” with you in order to seek help. Whether you have hit your personal rock bottom, or just a blip in the road, I will provide a safe and healing space to come along side you, and work collaboratively in order to find what feels authentic for you and your life. I care about my clients feeling acknowledged, comfortable and challenged when appropriate. Growth with a hefty side of warmth.
As a Professional Counselor Associate, with an attachment-based lens, I will provide an intentional setting to help heal, release, reconnect, and/or set boundaries with yourself and the people around you.
There are many different ways to heal, just as there are many different ways to grieve and process emotions. I believe that you do not need to have something “wrong” with you in order to seek help. Whether you have hit your personal rock bottom, or just a blip in the road, I will provide a safe and healing space to come along side you, and work collaboratively in order to find what feels authentic for you and your life. I care about my clients feeling acknowledged, comfortable and challenged when appropriate. Growth with a hefty side of warmth.
My approach is rooted in a person-centered, trauma-informed, and attachment-based perspective, with an emphasis on harm reduction, which focuses on collaboration between therapist & client.
My unique blend of life experiences and professional education gives me a distinct outlook on the complexities surrounding identity, mental health, and resilience. I hold a special interest in aiding individuals grappling with attachment traumas, particularly those exploring non-monogamous relationships. The ideal client for me is someone conscious of their challenges and in search of a therapist willing to accompany them on the sometimes uncomfortable journey towards healing and self-discovery, focusing on building healthy attachments and reevaluating personal beliefs and life narratives.
My approach is rooted in a person-centered, trauma-informed, and attachment-based perspective, with an emphasis on harm reduction, which focuses on collaboration between therapist & client.
My unique blend of life experiences and professional education gives me a distinct outlook on the complexities surrounding identity, mental health, and resilience. I hold a special interest in aiding individuals grappling with attachment traumas, particularly those exploring non-monogamous relationships. The ideal client for me is someone conscious of their challenges and in search of a therapist willing to accompany them on the sometimes uncomfortable journey towards healing and self-discovery, focusing on building healthy attachments and reevaluating personal beliefs and life narratives.
Thanks for stopping by! I am here to support you wherever you are in your journey. Whether you are navigating life transitions, relationship distress, or seeking healing and healthier ways of coping after trauma or loss therapy can help. My goal is to support my clients in creating the change that will lead to living a more fulfilling life.
Thanks for stopping by! I am here to support you wherever you are in your journey. Whether you are navigating life transitions, relationship distress, or seeking healing and healthier ways of coping after trauma or loss therapy can help. My goal is to support my clients in creating the change that will lead to living a more fulfilling life.
Douglas W Pullin
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LPC, LLC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97239
Not accepting new clients
I utilize Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Internal Family Systems, Gottman Method Therapy, attachment-based psychotherapy, and mindfulness-based body centered therapy.
Would you like to free yourself from patterns that lead to stress, conflict, and/or withdrawal from life? Are you feeling reactive or shut down in dealing with anger, fear, and/or sadness? Are you dissatisfied with life and do not know why? Having the courage to admit that things are not going well is the first step to changing them. My mindfulness-based approach supports you in being less identified with habitual ways of thinking and feeling that can keep you stuck in patterns that no longer work. I have helped many clients learn to be less reactive and more compassionate with themselves and others
I utilize Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Internal Family Systems, Gottman Method Therapy, attachment-based psychotherapy, and mindfulness-based body centered therapy.
Would you like to free yourself from patterns that lead to stress, conflict, and/or withdrawal from life? Are you feeling reactive or shut down in dealing with anger, fear, and/or sadness? Are you dissatisfied with life and do not know why? Having the courage to admit that things are not going well is the first step to changing them. My mindfulness-based approach supports you in being less identified with habitual ways of thinking and feeling that can keep you stuck in patterns that no longer work. I have helped many clients learn to be less reactive and more compassionate with themselves and others
Izy Leighton
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97232
Waitlist for new clients
I specialize in working with individual, relational, and sexual issues from a sociocultural and attachment-based lens.
I believe that engaging in therapy is a radically courageous act. Exploring and sharing our stories can be terrifying, and doing so may go against the messages you internalized and survival strategies you adopted. Regardless of what brings you in, therapy can help you feel more fulfilled and more richly connected with yourself and others. I know that living in this time and culture can be confusing, painful, and isolating, and believe everyone deserves a space to make sense of it all, to be deeply seen and heard, and to be supported in cultivating a more meaningful and joyful life.
I specialize in working with individual, relational, and sexual issues from a sociocultural and attachment-based lens.
I believe that engaging in therapy is a radically courageous act. Exploring and sharing our stories can be terrifying, and doing so may go against the messages you internalized and survival strategies you adopted. Regardless of what brings you in, therapy can help you feel more fulfilled and more richly connected with yourself and others. I know that living in this time and culture can be confusing, painful, and isolating, and believe everyone deserves a space to make sense of it all, to be deeply seen and heard, and to be supported in cultivating a more meaningful and joyful life.
Maire Murphy
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MS
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97239
Not accepting new clients
I utilize evidenced based and trauma-informed care practices, including EMDR, DBT, ACT, and attachment-based theory.
I want you to leave each therapy session feeling more hopeful than when you started. I love working with clients motivated to make changes, and also clients who feel uncertain about their ability to feel better—it’s a big step to start therapy! As a therapist with extensive experience working with clients coping with anxiety, trauma, OCD and dissociation, I consistently see how traumatic events unconsciously block and inhibit an individual from feeling hopeful and making change in their lives. My goal is to provide a safe, trusting space to address what's burdening you and empower your sense of agency.
I utilize evidenced based and trauma-informed care practices, including EMDR, DBT, ACT, and attachment-based theory.
I want you to leave each therapy session feeling more hopeful than when you started. I love working with clients motivated to make changes, and also clients who feel uncertain about their ability to feel better—it’s a big step to start therapy! As a therapist with extensive experience working with clients coping with anxiety, trauma, OCD and dissociation, I consistently see how traumatic events unconsciously block and inhibit an individual from feeling hopeful and making change in their lives. My goal is to provide a safe, trusting space to address what's burdening you and empower your sense of agency.
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Heather Leilani Simpson
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, LMFT-A
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97214 (Online Only)
I use therapy techniques including Mindfulness, Contextual and Attachment-Based strategies to provide you a culturally competent space to process and reflect, to gain knowledge of attachment patterns, and to focus self-agency.
Whether you are struggling with stress, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, or any other concerns, you deserve a therapist who will be open and supportive yet willing to challenge you gently when needed. With an approach that combines connection and boundaries, we can work together to help you find the agency you need to move through life with pleasure. I specialize in working with BIPOC, LGTBQIA, Polyamory/Non-Monogamous, and Kink/BDSM communities to provide comprehensive, evidence based, trauma informed, sex positive therapy, that meets the needs of sexual marginalized populations.
I use therapy techniques including Mindfulness, Contextual and Attachment-Based strategies to provide you a culturally competent space to process and reflect, to gain knowledge of attachment patterns, and to focus self-agency.
Whether you are struggling with stress, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, or any other concerns, you deserve a therapist who will be open and supportive yet willing to challenge you gently when needed. With an approach that combines connection and boundaries, we can work together to help you find the agency you need to move through life with pleasure. I specialize in working with BIPOC, LGTBQIA, Polyamory/Non-Monogamous, and Kink/BDSM communities to provide comprehensive, evidence based, trauma informed, sex positive therapy, that meets the needs of sexual marginalized populations.
Jess Gunderson
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97225 (Online Only)
Not accepting new clients
As an attachment-based and systemic therapist, Jess believes that therapy is most successful when the client, family and therapist are working collaboratively.
New clients-please contact me via email. Jess Gunderson is a licensed marriage and family therapist through the Oregon Board of Licensed Professional Counselors and Therapists. Jess holds a Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy from Saint Mary’s University, an AAMFT approved and COMAFTE accredited program. Jess has received specialized training in non-directive play therapy, sand tray therapy, art therapy, and somatic experiencing. Jess specializes in trauma-based work with children, teens, adults, couples, and families.
As an attachment-based and systemic therapist, Jess believes that therapy is most successful when the client, family and therapist are working collaboratively.
New clients-please contact me via email. Jess Gunderson is a licensed marriage and family therapist through the Oregon Board of Licensed Professional Counselors and Therapists. Jess holds a Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy from Saint Mary’s University, an AAMFT approved and COMAFTE accredited program. Jess has received specialized training in non-directive play therapy, sand tray therapy, art therapy, and somatic experiencing. Jess specializes in trauma-based work with children, teens, adults, couples, and families.
Stacey Nixon
Counselor, MS, LPC, LMHC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97219
Waitlist for new clients
My approach to therapy is relational, collaborative, trauma-informed, and attachment-based.
We all can get stuck at times. Trauma, life stressors, uncomfortable emotions, and relationship concerns can throw us off balance. Maybe you feel constantly stressed, disconnected from your partner, or the impacts of trauma. The weight of these challenges can take a toll on your daily life. You might feel ready to process your trauma and find healing, or perhaps you're motivated to deepen your connection and improve your communication with your partner. This is where counseling can offer support and relief, empowering you to find ways to process and cope with your specific concerns and life stressors.
My approach to therapy is relational, collaborative, trauma-informed, and attachment-based.
We all can get stuck at times. Trauma, life stressors, uncomfortable emotions, and relationship concerns can throw us off balance. Maybe you feel constantly stressed, disconnected from your partner, or the impacts of trauma. The weight of these challenges can take a toll on your daily life. You might feel ready to process your trauma and find healing, or perhaps you're motivated to deepen your connection and improve your communication with your partner. This is where counseling can offer support and relief, empowering you to find ways to process and cope with your specific concerns and life stressors.
I have experience in the areas of attachment-based treatment, foster and adoptive family therapy, CBT, and a play-based, developmental approach to working with neurodiverse children.
Do you sometimes feel lonely, frustrated, or unsure about how to parent your child (neurotypical, neurodiverse, highly sensitive, biological, foster, adopted, step-child or inner child)? Has your child received a recent diagnosis and you are wondering what it means and how to start helping them? Is your family experiencing high parental conflict or has been through a recent life transition and needs guidance and support? Or, perhaps, raising your child has caused you to re-examine your own childhood and relationships with members of your family of origin? If so, I would love to be on your "team".
I have experience in the areas of attachment-based treatment, foster and adoptive family therapy, CBT, and a play-based, developmental approach to working with neurodiverse children.
Do you sometimes feel lonely, frustrated, or unsure about how to parent your child (neurotypical, neurodiverse, highly sensitive, biological, foster, adopted, step-child or inner child)? Has your child received a recent diagnosis and you are wondering what it means and how to start helping them? Is your family experiencing high parental conflict or has been through a recent life transition and needs guidance and support? Or, perhaps, raising your child has caused you to re-examine your own childhood and relationships with members of your family of origin? If so, I would love to be on your "team".
Elliot Townley
Counselor, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97215 (Online Only)
Not accepting new clients
I offer support through an attachment-based and trauma-informed lens.
The clients I work with have oftentimes felt disenfranchised and misunderstood. They put forth amazing effort, but continue to struggle in finding a path out of cycles of survival, trauma, and scarcity. They are interested in their own growth and change across a variety of realms - relationships, family, identity, and purpose. They are open to self-reflection, even though it can be scary. Goals include: learning to be interdependent instead of people pleasing, finding a sense of self after a life of trauma, slowing cycles of self-harm & suicidal ideation, moving from self-loathing to peace, and navigating systemic violence.
I offer support through an attachment-based and trauma-informed lens.
The clients I work with have oftentimes felt disenfranchised and misunderstood. They put forth amazing effort, but continue to struggle in finding a path out of cycles of survival, trauma, and scarcity. They are interested in their own growth and change across a variety of realms - relationships, family, identity, and purpose. They are open to self-reflection, even though it can be scary. Goals include: learning to be interdependent instead of people pleasing, finding a sense of self after a life of trauma, slowing cycles of self-harm & suicidal ideation, moving from self-loathing to peace, and navigating systemic violence.
Gabrielle Knight
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97212
Waitlist for new clients
Hello! I'm Gabrielle (she/her). I am a somatic and attachment-based therapist. I offer a collaborative, relational approach that is warm and empathetic as well as direct. My goal is to help you develop a foundation of self-trust, so that you can feel more like yourself, respond adaptively to challenges in your life, and experience greater intimacy and fulfillment in your relationships.
Hello! I'm Gabrielle (she/her). I am a somatic and attachment-based therapist. I offer a collaborative, relational approach that is warm and empathetic as well as direct. My goal is to help you develop a foundation of self-trust, so that you can feel more like yourself, respond adaptively to challenges in your life, and experience greater intimacy and fulfillment in your relationships.
As a counselor, my goal is to provide a nonjudgmental, trauma-informed space to process complex emotions while also challenging old patterns of behavior that are no longer serving my clients. My approach to therapy is collaborative. Together we can uncover strengths, foster coping tools to improve daily functioning and quality of life. I am a psychodynamic, attachment-based therapist, which means we will explore past experiences including messages about self, others, and the world and how they can be hindering current patterns and overall well-being.
As a counselor, my goal is to provide a nonjudgmental, trauma-informed space to process complex emotions while also challenging old patterns of behavior that are no longer serving my clients. My approach to therapy is collaborative. Together we can uncover strengths, foster coping tools to improve daily functioning and quality of life. I am a psychodynamic, attachment-based therapist, which means we will explore past experiences including messages about self, others, and the world and how they can be hindering current patterns and overall well-being.
My counseling approach is rooted in person-centered, attachment-based therapy.
Welcome! I'm so glad you are here. I offer therapy to individual adults in Oregon facing concerns including anxiety, depression, relationship and family issues and self-esteem. I often focus on supporting clients through life transitions including those working through mid-life concerns, career and family changes, transition to college, cancer diagnosis and survivorship and grief and loss. My style is warm, compassionate, and accepting. I want you to know you are safe, seen and heard. I will partner with you in moving toward change through gaining fresh insight, feeling self-compassion, and seeing your strengths.
My counseling approach is rooted in person-centered, attachment-based therapy.
Welcome! I'm so glad you are here. I offer therapy to individual adults in Oregon facing concerns including anxiety, depression, relationship and family issues and self-esteem. I often focus on supporting clients through life transitions including those working through mid-life concerns, career and family changes, transition to college, cancer diagnosis and survivorship and grief and loss. My style is warm, compassionate, and accepting. I want you to know you are safe, seen and heard. I will partner with you in moving toward change through gaining fresh insight, feeling self-compassion, and seeing your strengths.
Marc•francis Otto
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, RSMT/E
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97213 (Online Only)
As a body-oriented and attachment-based therapist, I help people change and transform from the inside out.
I'm a Somatic Psychotherapist for people who want more nourishing relationships. I help unwind trauma and reweave the patterns that limit. I offer a gentle, collaborative approach to heal the deep hurts that hold you back. Everyone has adapted to our life circumstances as best we can. The patterns we learn are rooted in our early relationships and in our body. These patterns precede words and thought. Together, I help you attune to, unwind, and reweave these patterns. In each session, I offer simple and effective practices to support your growth. My goal is to help you cultivate more resilience, ease, and wholeness in your life.
As a body-oriented and attachment-based therapist, I help people change and transform from the inside out.
I'm a Somatic Psychotherapist for people who want more nourishing relationships. I help unwind trauma and reweave the patterns that limit. I offer a gentle, collaborative approach to heal the deep hurts that hold you back. Everyone has adapted to our life circumstances as best we can. The patterns we learn are rooted in our early relationships and in our body. These patterns precede words and thought. Together, I help you attune to, unwind, and reweave these patterns. In each session, I offer simple and effective practices to support your growth. My goal is to help you cultivate more resilience, ease, and wholeness in your life.
See more therapy options for Portland
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Attachment-based Therapists
Is attachment-based therapy the same as attachment therapy?
Attachment-based therapy may be confused with what is called “attachment therapy” (sometimes called “holding therapy”), a discredited and dangerous approach to treating children with attachment disorders, autism, or other mental health concerns. Attachment therapy—not attachment-based therapy—may involve restraining a child, forcing eye contact, and other coercive or abusive techniques. None of these practices are used in attachment-based therapy and the two modalities are in no way related.
What should I expect from attachment-based therapy?
Attachment-based therapy is based on attachment theory, which posits that children’s early relationships with their caregivers strongly influence their ability to navigate the world later in life. Thus, adults who seek attachment-based therapy should expect to deeply explore their childhood, identifying the dynamics or experiences that disrupted their attachment and the steps necessary to overcome challenges that arose as a result. Parents and children should expect to explore the possible factors that disrupted the parent-child relationship and work toward restoring trust and connection.
How long does attachment-based therapy last?
Certain forms of attachment-based therapy, especially those designed for parents and children, last for a set number of sessions; for example, Attachment and Biobehavioral Catch-Up, a specific attachment-based approach for young children who have undergone early adversity, unfolds over 10 one-hour sessions. When attachment-based therapy is practiced on adults or combined with other modalities, it may not last a specific length of time; clients may wish to ask prospective therapists how long they expect treatment to take.
Does attachment-based therapy work?
Most of the research on attachment-based therapy focuses on children and adolescents. Some of this research shows a positive effect, especially for attachment-based family therapy (ABFT). Other studies, however, have found that attachment-based therapy is no more effective than other approaches to childhood depression, anxiety, or suicidality. Less is known about the therapy’s efficacy on adult populations.