Find a therapist in Portland, OR — covered by insurance

Hi, I’m AJ. I’m a licensed therapist with over 20 years of experience supporting individuals, couples, youth, and families.

You might be feeling anxious, depressed, stuck or overwhelmed. Maybe you're facing something painful—loss, addiction, past trauma—or finding it hard to connect with others. Whatever you're carrying, you don’t have to carry it alone.

I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 13 years of experience in community-based services, hospitals, and outpatient therapy settings. I specialize in working with adolescents (13+) and adults, with a focus on supporting Black and Brown communities through culturally affirming care. My goal is to help you build self-awareness, strengthen relationships, and cultivate the skills needed to navigate life’s challenges and thrive as your authentic self.

Matrescence, or the identity shift at the heart of becoming a mother, is a deep, confronting process. So much surfaces during this transition. Maybe you're feeling far away from yourself and unsure when the ground will steady itself again. Maybe old losses, traumas, and wounds are returning to you in new ways, or you're feeling lost in the forest of change. Maybe you feel far away from your partner and unsure how to find each other again. Maybe you're navigating pregnancy loss or fertility challenges, or struggling to decide if you want to become a parent at all.

I'm a psychodynamic therapist specializing in perinatal mental health, matrescence, and family of origin wounds, including trauma. I'm a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (T2574) and hold a Master of Arts in Marriage, Couple, & Family Therapy from Lewis & Clark College. I have formal training in perinatal mental health, and basic training in perinatal EMDR.

I'm a licensed professional counselor with over 20 years of experience working with adults navigating some of life's hardest seasons — infertility, adoption, depression, anxiety, life transitions, and the kind of grief that doesn't have a clear name yet. I'm faith-integrated in my approach, which means I honor the role spirituality plays in your life without ever making it a requirement. My clients describe me as warm, easy to talk to, and refreshingly direct. I don't do one-size-fits-all therapy — every treatment plan starts with your story.

My own healing journey led me to discover the incredible power of Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy. This model changed my life, and I knew I had to share its transformative power with others who might be struggling in the same ways I was.

I know what it's like to feel conflicted, anxious, overwhelmed, and confused. I also know the relief, understanding, and confidence that come from doing this work.

One of the most fulfilling moments for me as a therapist is walking a client through an IFS dialogue and witnessing the unburdening of a part that has been waiting so long for support and healing.

I provide a safe, non-judgmental, and allied space for all, including the LGBTQ+ community and clients exploring gender identity. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the state of Oregon (License: LPC-C9920) and a member of the American Counseling Association (ACA).

Educational Background

• MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Bushnell University in Eugene, OR
• BA in Philosophy from UC Santa Cruz (Go Banana Slugs!)

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). I approach counseling as a joint relationship in which you and I collaborate in a supportive, safe environment. I work with adolescents, adults, and couples and specialize in anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship conflict, parenting, and women's issues.

I have worked in the field of social services for over 31 years. I have experience working with adult survivors of child abuse, child neglect, domestic violence, commercial exploitation, and rape. I have experience working with adults dealing with anxiety, depression, divorce, family separation, and caretaker fatigue. I also have experience working with adults dealing with significant life/career changes, and those dealing with crisis situations.

Bachelor's in Child Development and Family Relationships, focused on all stages of the life span

Master's in Counseling Psychology, Family Therapy, Gender Development

Research Thesis: Depression in Wives of Alcoholics, The Alcohol Recovery Project

Continuing Education: Genetic and Nutritional factors in Mental Health; Anxiety, Depression, ADHD, Autism, Narcissism and Gaslighting, Neurotransmitter function

Life Experience: Remarried Widow, Raised six children, some with ADHD, one with schizophrenia

My journey stems from my own story of resilience in the face of hardships. I became a therapist because I have always wanted to help people through some of their darkest hours. Being exposed to some dark hours myself, I know that it is difficult to do it alone. When you have someone to confide in, assist you through the hard times, and just let you know that you are not alone, makes a difference.

My therapeutic approach includes CBT, Person-Centered Therapy, Relational Therapy, DBT, Motivational Interviewing, SFT, EFT, IFS, and just speaking like a human being. I offer a compassionate, trauma-informed space where you can feel safe, seen, and supported. My approach is relational and personalized—we'll explore your story together, build coping tools, and move toward healing with curiosity, courage, and care.

Therapy with me is real, down-to-earth, and never boring. I mix honesty, humor, and heart to make the process comfortable. I help adults manage emotions, build confidence, and tackle life's challenges with tools that work. Think of it as a safe space to be yourself, grow, and maybe laugh along the way. Please book here or at https://evolvetothrive9.com.