Counseling Services of Portland - CSP

11/12/2024

Post Election Emotions?

Here are some tips and resources to help with managing your Mental Health:

*Know you're not alone
*Use happy, healthy distractions
*Limit "doomscrolling"
*Seek help if needed

The Trevor Project - for LGBTQIA+ youth looking for free, confidential crisis support, call 1-866-488-7386, text 'START' to 678-678, or visit their website to chat with a gender affirming and queer-friendly counselor. https://www.thetrevorproject.org/get-help/

Veterans' Crisis Line - call 988 then press 1, or text 838255

Substance Abuse Support - https://www.aa.org/ and https://na.org/ have resources on their website, including virtual meetings.

SAMHSA's National Helpline for mental and/or substance use disorders can be reached at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).

We encourage you to reach out to your current therapist if you are needing extra support during this time. If you do not have a provider please give us a call at 503-342-2510 or visit our website at counseling-portland-oregon.com.

We are here to help!

11/11/2024

Please welcome our newest CSP provider!

Tami Sipp, Professional Counselor Associate

This is where you are in the driver’s seat, and can choose what may mesh well with you. Also attain a greater understanding of the “who, what and how”; that has shaped my therapeutic approach: Integrative methods of enabling growth positively forever on the continuum of change. As a Registered Associate, that has been equipped from a lengthy experience in mental health. My modalities are listed as follows:

Seeking Safety an evidence-based model for Trauma and Addiction

Naloxone and Overdose Awareness

Cultural Competence

Solution Focus Behavioral Therapy

Narrative

Christian Counseling

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Mindfulness

SUDS, ASAM (I) & ASAM (II)

Applied Behavioral Analysis

Professional Background

Since 2009 I have had gainful experiences in acute care and school-based settings, case management, utilization management, sub-acute care/detox, managed health care, residential, IOP, PHP, step-down unit(s) etc.

Offering psychoeducational classes in anger management and parenting. The anger management course was taken from George Andersen, who was the technical advisor for the movie Anger Management with Jack Nicholson and Adam Sandler. Parenting class was achieved from a healthy relationships course. Teaching state-grant-funded parenting classes in the inner city, state work source center for the community. This was a multicultural, court-ordered, and self-development clientele program.

Running sessions of morning and evening reflection groups in a women’s treatment center. Also, as a certified addiction counselor sessions are completed during treatment and detox.

Subsequently, I’ve also had a radio-show where content ranged from women’s empowerment, faith, and community.

Academic Background

Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice

Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology, with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy

Personal Background

I am a Christian, grandmother, and mom. A product of an immigrant parent, who had many predicaments involving acculturation and traumatic experiences. It has shaped and strengthened my view of relationships and an awareness of cultural diversity. I am a survivor of domestic violence. Raising my children as a single parent, has provided a greater understanding of the plight of the African American experience.

Supervisor: Annie Johns, LCSW, License No. L8387

07/31/2024

WELCOME our newest Registered Associate! Current openings for virtual appointments or in-person at the SE Portland and Canby offices.

Gage Nguyen-Solis, CSWA
Virtual - SE Portland - Canby

Independent Contractor Therapist

I’m a licensed CSWA (Clinical Social Work Associate) in the state of Oregon, with 6 years of experience in the mental health field and community based work. A CSWA is a social worker with a Master’s degree who, upon graduating, is gaining clinical hours under supervision to acquire their LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker license).

I have worked with everyone in the age range of 5 to 70 years old, and in various populations that have given me the opportunity to grow and learn exponentially. I approach those I help with a cultural, social, and vigilant lens of equality, empathy, and grace. I am committed to your well-being, and helping you overcome the challenges you may be facing with empowerment and advocacy.

There are many things that come into question with therapy that folks may, or may not, be grappling with. I feel it is essential to gain your trust, respect, and insight as your therapist. My experience draws from very diverse communities, including children, young adults, and our elders.

I am a disabled Veteran of the United States military, serving multiple deployments in OIF/OEF from 2004-2008. In that modality, I am well-versed working with those struggling with their mental health, including trauma from PTSD, anxiety, depression, and interpersonal struggles, such as burnout, college mental health, and confidence building.

Together, we will identify, break down, and step through barriers in your life with new coping skills, a renewed focus and energy in your mental health, and an emphasis on your well-being as a whole. I utilize a psychodynamic approach in therapy, including cognitive-behavioral and narrative techniques. I am also trained in Brainspotting, a technique derived from EMDR, and is a leading clinical intervention in the world today that allows clients to process trauma.

Specialties:

Trauma(PTSD, Military/First responder, Childhood)

Depression

Anxiety

Grief

Interpersonal skills

College Mental health

Stress/Coping Skills

LGBTQIA+

Foster/Adoption/Child Welfare adjustment

Stress Management

Education:

I began my career in mental health and social work in 2010, when I worked in an inpatient rehabilitation center for addiction and mental health crisis. In addition, I have worked in community based mental health in all three counties of Portland, as an inpatient social worker at a major hospital, and as a DHS child welfare worker specializing in foster care and adoptions.

Master of Social Work, Portland State University, 2024

Bachelor’s of Social Work, Portland State University, 2019

Clinical Social Work Associate, State of Oregon,

We are in this together, plain and simple. I deeply appreciate the opportunity to help you in your journey!

Supervisor: Angelica Amaya, LCSW, LICSW, License No. L5353

07/09/2024

Hello!!! We have openings with the following providers. Please give us a call at 503-342-2510 or visit our website at counseling-portland-oregon.com to submit an inquiry. We'd love to get you scheduled!

Tami Sipp, RA
Tracy Christ, LPC
Ebonie Henderson, LCSW
Allyson Thornsberry, LPC
Rachel Soto, LCSW
Fiona Everett, LPC
Jolene Cady, LPC
Angelica Amaya, LCSW
Eric Oswald, LCSW

06/18/2024

"Taking care of your mental health is an act of self-love."
Give us call to schedule an appointment with one of our wonderful providers! 503-342-2510

06/17/2024

Virtual openings available!!

Alise Campbell, LCSW

Philosophy of Therapy

The relationship between a therapist and a client is essential to successful therapy. In therapy, it is important that you, as the client, feel safe and comfortable. Special emphasis on “Safe”. Whenever a person decides to allow me to assist them with their therapeutic journey, I feel honored as the journey you are about to take is a very personal journey. For your journey, I bring over 30 years of experience in the mental health/medical field. Due to my eclectic background, I utilize multiple evidenced-based therapeutic interventions to present to you a customized treatment modality to meet your diverse needs. Because of my Pre-Med training, my approach to the therapy experience has a focus on the “Body and Mind” connection or a systemic approach to the problem-resolution process.

Education

AS in Mortuary Science

BA in Sociology

MA in Social Work (focus Psychopharmacology)

Doctoral Candidate in Geriatric Neuropsychology

Certifications

Licensed Clinical Social Worker- Oregon, New York and Pennsylvania

Masters Addictions Counselor (MAC)

Board Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist (NLP and EMDR training)

Clinical Geriatric Social Worker

Experience/Specialty

I specialize in individual and couples counseling.

I also work with Couples Therapy to address relationship concerns and develop relationship-building skills by increasing communication, becoming emotionally present, and developing greater awareness of self and their partner.

The goal is to care for and seek balance for mind, body, and soul, working on a wide variety of concerns:

Anxiety

Depression

Cultural/Racial issues

Grief, death and dying (Hospice)

Mood disorders

Self esteem

Medical/Chronic pain

Work conflict/stress

Spirituality issues

Existential issues

Work/Caretaker burnout

06/17/2024

Virtual and in-person openings at the Tigard office!

Alayna Pilney, Marriage and Family Therapist Associate

Welcome! My name is Alayna, and I am a Marriage and Family Therapist Associate dedicated to helping individuals, couples, and families navigate life’s challenges and find fulfillment in their relationships. With a passion for understanding the complexities of human connection and commitment to fostering growth and healing, I am honored to accompany my clients on their journey towards greater emotional well-being. I am especially passionate about helping couples as they face difficult situations including infertility, infidelity, and family transitions.

My Approach:

I wholeheartedly believe that you are the expert of your own life and that you already possess the skills needed to live a happy, healthy, and successful life. As a therapist, I am deeply committed to creating a collaborative and empowering therapeutic relationship built on trust, respect, and empathy. I believe in the inherent strength and resilience of my clients and am determined to support them in harnessing their inner resources to overcome challenges and achieve their goals.

My aim is to help you discover your own potential through a journey of self-discovery, understanding, and growth. We will do this by creating an environment and relationship where you feel safe and comfortable. When working with me you can expect a nonjudgmental approach that is genuine, encouraging, and educational. Through the use of various tools and theories listed below, we will engage with the strengths you already possess and incorporate self-compassion, self-acceptance, and self-confidence. I have been trained in an integrated approach and I plan to draw upon various theories including: Structural Family Therapy, Bowen Family Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy, Person-Centered Therapy, and Gottman methodology for couples.

Whether you’re facing communication issues with your partner, struggling with family dynamics, or seeking support for personal growth and self-discovery, I will strive to create a safe space where all parts of you are welcome, seen, and heard.

Background and Experience:

I have worked with individuals and couples ranging in age from mid-20s to 65+. In my Marriage and Family Therapy program I received specialized training in relational dynamics and systemic interventions. Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of working with individuals, couples, and families from diverse cultural backgrounds and life experiences, addressing a wide range of concerns, including anxiety, depression, trauma, work challenges and relational conflicts.

I welcome all races, ethnicities, religions, genders, gender expressions, sexual orientations, socio-economic status, and cultural backgrounds.

BA in Journalism, Public Relations

MA in Marriage and Family Therapy

Marriage and Family Therapist Associate (R9189)

Let’s Connect:

If you're ready to take the next step towards positive change and greater relational harmony, I invite you to reach out. Together, we can explore how therapy can help you cultivate deeper connections, foster emotional resilience, and live a more fulfilling life.

Thank you for considering me as your partner in healing and growth. I look forward to the opportunity to support you on your journey.

Supervisor: Jessica Calcagni, LMFT, License No. T1348

06/14/2024

Virtual and in-person availability at the Tigard office!!

Melanie Ahlf, Professional Counselor Associate

Hello, I’m Melanie, a Professional Counselor Associate who looks forward to hearing from you, should you feel that we are a good fit! I believe that life is difficult in a myriad of ways, but that we, as humans, have the resiliency necessary to lead fulfilling lives. People need support to heal and I am here to offer that. Through empathy, gained trust and positive regard I believe that we can create a genuine connection that will foster growth and change in your life. Clients have told me that I offer them a calm, safe/grounded space to discuss their issues, open up and explore paths to expansion. As a client-led therapist, I will take your lead, but am not afraid to gently guide you, when necessary, toward confronting the things that are getting in your way.

I joined Counseling Services of Portland after graduating from a Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program with a master’s degree. I have a B.S. in Editorial Journalism from the University of Colorado at Boulder. I spent a year working in Portland at an anxiety clinic where I specialized in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and specifically Exposure and Response Prevention, which is an evidence-based intervention used to treat anxiety disorders, specific phobias, PTSD, Panic Disorder and OCD. I also work with Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, which is a modality that encourages the use of mindfulness and facilitates understanding, mental flexibility and the choice to change. I have worked with depression and adjustment disorder as well.

I welcome people from all cultural backgrounds, ethnicities, races, gender expressions and sexualities and enjoy working with a diverse population of clients. I have experience working with clients on the Autism Spectrum as well as people with ADHD. I’ve had the opportunity to work with clients aged 8 to 57.

I have lived in many places throughout the U.S. including Colorado, NYC, New Mexico and Guam, but have called Portland home for the past two years. Prior to being a therapist, I was a hairstylist for ten years, which helped me hone my interpersonal skills. When I’m not working, I enjoy hanging out with my wife and our two dogs, getting outdoors, watching TV and spending time near the ocean when I can make it out to the coast. I also like playing board games with friends, creative writing and reading novels & memoirs.

I have personally experienced therapy that has been incredibly helpful and some that was less so—it all depends on the therapist, so I encourage you to listen to yourself and honor your needs when choosing someone to work with.

Specialties & Modalities:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy

Person-Centered Therapy

Exposure and Response Prevention

Behavioral Activation

Self-compassion

Mindfulness

Trauma Informed Care

Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Specific Phobias

OCD

Intrusive Thoughts

Social Anxiety Disorder

Panic Disorder

Depression

Adjustment Disorder

Relationship/Interpersonal Issues

Exploring Identity

Increasing Self-Awareness

LGBTQAI+

Existential Questions

Body Positivity

Supervisor: Annie Johns, LCSW, License No. L8387

02/14/2024

Please visit our new website!

Expert support and advice in a safe, nurturing environment. Counseling Services of Portland is a collection of independently contracted therapists that provide a diverse range of mental health services to the Portland Metropolitan area with in-person and virtual therapy. Client Portal Crisis Resourc...