Therapists for college students near Portland State University
I am a licensed clinical psychologist and a licensed school psychologist. I hold a Ph.D. in clinical psychology from Long Island University in Brooklyn, NY. Urban and rural, inpatient and outpatient work settings have taught me about the many challenges an individual may face including experiences of oppression and injustice, as well as a deep appreciation for the richness of the human experience. My style is described as warm, analytical and collaborative, balancing deep emotional work with elements of humor and lightness when appropriate. I aim to help clients address the root of complex challenges, in a safe and supported way. I most enjoy working with anxious kids and families, neurodivergent humans, queer clients, and folks working with depression, trauma, attachment, and identity including DID. I use insight-oriented, mindfulness-based, and systemic approaches including family therapy, Internal Family Systems therapy, and emotion-focused work. I seek to help clients understand patterns that may not be serving them, and to hold a safe and empowering space in which positive shifts can occur. I am a student and teacher of yoga and meditation and I often weave these practices into my work with clients. I currently offer virtual therapy to clients in Oregon, New York, Colorado and Vermont.
I am a licensed psychologist with strong specialties in treating folks with eating disorders and anxiety. I also have extensive experience working with people with depression and relationship concerns. I am a compassionate, direct therapist. I work collaboratively with my patients to set and achieve their goals. These goals often include increased self-acceptance, as well as changes in mood, thought patterns, and behaviors. My therapy is rooted in empirically based Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), psychodynamic theory, and neuroscience research. I develop customized strategies to help my patients manage painful thoughts and emotions, change unhelpful behaviors, and increase motivation. I also help cultivate self-compassion and self-understanding. Self-understanding promotes self-acceptance. When you allow yourself to be who you are, your inner critic has no leverage, and you move more easily toward a meaningful and fulfilling life. For most of my patients, this is the ultimate goal. Please go to my website for more information. My blog describes many of the concepts and strategies I use.
Carmen specializes in working with adolescents and adults, families and couples. She’s been working with people experiencing trauma, anxiety, depression, and many other disorders for over 9 years. Sometimes the effects of these issues and concerns come out in our behavior, work, relationships or maybe everything we do. Our behaviors and actions don't always reflect how we'd like to behave. Carmen is a firm believer that people are not broken and in need of fixing, but rather wounded in need of healing. If you're ready to explore some of the unknowns inside yourself please reach out. She is honored to walk with you, without judgement, but with guidance and care. Carmen uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Internal Family systems (IFS), and Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT), as well as EMDR and Lifespan Integration (LI).
Your care and well-being remains at the heart of our journey. My practice is based on providing a trusting and non-judgmental safe space for us to work towards your personal goals. I believe therapy is a meaningful, collaborative, and intentional process. I work from a trauma-informed, social justice, and culturally competent framework.
Do you feel stuck; struggling with worry and anxiety about the all that's happening in our country and our world? Maybe you're looking for trauma informed care to understand your beliefs, behaviors, and your relationships. Or, you're looking for a safe space to explore your identity without judgment or shame. You value gentle humor, compassion and curiosity, direct feedback, and are looking for a warm and experienced therapist.