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Lynne Joy Nesbit, M.S., N.C.C., L.P.C.

Licensed Professional Counselor
Professional Therapy for Couples/Partners, and Individual Adults

37 SW Jefferson ~ 423 North East 60th Avenue
Portland, Oregon
503-282-0182
Email: lynnejoy@gmail.com

Lynne Joy Nesbit, founder and director of Wise Counsel & Comfort, offers skilled, compassionate therapy for adults, and couples...

..... "It is my privilege to work as a counselor and therapist, to be trusted with the most personal of your concerns as you explore and examine whatever it is that stands in the way of having the life you desire.”

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My Therapy Style – Truth-Telling & Integrity

My style is best described as forthright, grounded, honest and open.
Therapy with me is often challenging, frequently lighthearted, and always supportive.

One thing my clients will tell you is that I’m a stickler for truth-telling. I try to be watchful, helping clients recognize when they’re holding themselves (or me) at arm’s length from the truth. We learn subtle dishonesty in our culture. We’re angry and we say “nothing’s wrong.” We’re hurt and we say “It’s OK, really.” We’re too depressed to come to work and we call in sick. We rage at our partners that they don’t understand us, but rarely are we courageous enough to speak the simple truth… yet we yearn to be understood. When we’re not grounded in truth, we settle for less… less integrity, less authenticity, less intimacy, less life. I work to help my clients become more familiar, and more comfortable with the experience of living and speaking the truth.

Relationship Therapy: Couples & Partners

Whether you're dealing with the very hardest issues -- deciding whether to separate or divorce -- or trying your best to find your way towards reconciliation, couple's counseling can be a much needed support and resource. And if your relationship therapy goals are happy ones? Are you experiencing the dizzying exhilaration of beginning a new relationship, laying a foundation for a solid, trusting partnership, coming to clear agreements and relationship goals, building intimacy or preparing for marriage? I'd be delighted to support you in that endeavor as well.

I am very comfortable helping couples speak frankly and openly about issues of sexuality, parenting and finances, and have substantial experience helping partners face challenging issues of infidelity and addictions. My work is grounded in helping each partner speak and hear the truth, understand one another, and bring compassion and even humor to your communication. Theoretically, I draw from the research and methods of Drs. John and Julie Gottman, as well as Harville Hendrix. These well respected professionals have done exhaustive research on what makes for long-term contentment and satisfaction in relationships, and what behaviors and attitudes will almost inevitably lead to a relationship ending in pain.

The goal of our work together may be reconcilation, but not always. In some relationships, the task is really to bring the relationship to an end with the least harm to all parties, and I feel privileged to assist in that process as well.

Education, Experience & Training

I have been a professional counselor for sixteen years, in both private practice and agency settings. I'm on staff at Providence Portland Medical Center providing assessments, individual and group therapy to those whose symptoms of depression and anxiety are so severe that seeing a therapist once a week just isn’t enough.

My master’s degree in Counseling was awarded with honors from Portland State University. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (State of Oregon, OBLPCT C2242), I hold national certification through the National Board of Certified Counselors, membership in the American Counseling Association, the Oregon Counseling Association and the Women’s Therapy Project Northwest, and I abide by the highest ethical standards of my profession. I complete more than 60 hours of continuing professional education each year. In recent years I have completed: Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder training with Dr. Bessel van der Kolk, couple’s therapy training with Drs. John and Julie Gottman, cognitive behavioral therapy with Dr. Judith Beck, Heart-Centered Hypnotherapy through the Wellness Institute, and intensive hypnotherapy training with Dr. Emmett Miller.

Spirituality

I have deep respect for my clients’ spiritual paths and find that spirituality is often fundamental to the process of growth and healing. There’s ample scientific evidence of the positive impact of meditation and other spiritual practices on our physical being ~ how could it not have an influence on our thoughts, emotions and behaviors?

Guided Visualization

Though some think of alternative therapies as unproven, when they are provided by well trained professionals, they can be very helpful. These techniques are firmly grounded in decades of research, documented and endorsed by the American Medical Association. In guided visualization, you can experience extraordinary relaxation during which your critical, analytical mind can rest while your inner wisdom, your conscious and subconscious mind can work in harmony to bring about changes you desire.

Fee Policy

I offer initial consults at no cost, and I offer discounted fees to those for whom therapy would otherwise be unaffordable. My fee is $110 per 50 minute hour. I do not work with insurance companies, but I am able to accept debit and credit cards.

Confidentiality

Therapy can only be effective with the assurance of privacy. All records of our work together are held in the strictest confidence. There are certain important exceptions to confidentiality that we will discuss at our first appointment.

In closing. . .

I’m guessing that if you’ve read this far, you’re on a diligent search for just the right therapist. If you have a hunch that might be me, please give me a call in Portland at 503-282-0182, or e-mail me at: lynnejoy@gmail.com.

All the best,

Lynne Joy

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A few of my very favorite websites…


FREE self defense training for women and girls
WomenStrength



ComedySportz Workshops (improvisational, competitive, funny, fun)


http://www.portlandcomedy.com/workshops/

Beliefnet -- a wonderful site about spirituality & wellness including searchable sacred writings of all world religions ~ BeliefNet

The Baha’i Faith
Baha'i Faith

World Scripture: A Comparative Anthology of Sacred Texts (amazing)
World Scripture

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Sarah Lindquist, M.A. L.M.F.T. (Wa)

Families, Couples, Individuals, Children, and Teens
503-260-6358
Website: www.sarahlindquist.com
Email: sarahlindquistmft@gmail.com

It has been my pleasure to work with individuals, families, children and adolescents for the past 11 years. I enjoy helping families and individuals overcome set backs that they may have encountered in their life so that they can move forward to be able to enjoy a more rewarding life. I have enjoyed being apart of this journey with families as they notice that they can overcome hardships and see that they have the skills and strength from within to accomplish these tasks.

My therapuetic style includes openness, honesty, humor, respect, empathy and education. I believe it is important to look at all areas in one's life (family systems, work, culture, activities, and relationships) to help create a workable treatment plan with my clients. I practice a strengths based model in which clients strengths and skills are highlighted to help promote and foster change. It is my ultimate goal to help my clients develop tools for themselves that can be utilized outside of therapy for years to come.

I was awarded a Masters Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from George Fox University, and completed my undergraduate degree in Psychology from the University of Oregon. I am a licensed marriage and family counselor, and my professional experience includes working at:

• Children's Center Outpatient Mental Health - Child & Family Therapist
• The Christie School - Residential Treatment Counselor
• Looking Glass Homeless Youth Shelter
• Vancouver Public Schools - Child & Family Therapist

Payment for services: Individual Therapy (50 minute session) $65; Family Therapy (50 minute session) $75 A sliding fee scale, based upon need, may be available. If you have further questions I would be happy to answer them via phone or email. I am currently accepting new clients. Please feel free to contact me to discuss services.

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Angela Lehr, M.S., L.P.C., C.R.C.

Licensed Professional Counselor, Consultant, Trainer
Individual Counseling for Adults impacted by Crime, Trauma
503-459-6385
Email: angelalehr@comcast.net
Website: http://cherryblossomcounseling.org

Welcome and thank you for visiting this site! Experiencing crime, trauma, or other challenging life events can create ripple effects in many aspects of our lives and can leave a person feeling vulnerable and forever changed. These can also be times of great opportunity and inner strength. Everyone deserves a supportive and safe environment in which to heal, understand, and reestablish a sense of balance, safety and security.

Counseling is a process of being heard and valued, receiving information, learning coping skills, creating goals while promoting self-acceptance. My approach is compassionate and practical and I believe in meeting the needs of the client by working together to decide on what will be most helpful.

I work with individuals and their families around the following:

• All forms of abuse including adult survivors of child abuse, domestic violence, stalking and sexual assault
• Crime victimization: theft, robbery, assault, workplace crime and violence, survivors of murder/homicide victims (co-victims) and crime witnesses
• Non-offending parents whose child has been abused
• Crime and abuse victims with developmental disabilities
• Women experiencing issues of Post-Traumatic Stress, depression, anxiety, role adjustment, personal identity formation, grief and loss and relationship concerns.

I received my Masters in Counselor Education from Portland State University in 2001. I have been working with survivors of crime, trauma, and abuse and their families for over 10 years. I have also worked with and continue to provide consultation and training to law enforcement, government entities, community groups, businesses, and agencies to help them better understand and address the needs survivors of crime, trauma, and abuse and their families. I am a Nationally and State Certified Victim Specialist.

I offer a free initial 30 minute consultation either by phone or in person. My fees for a 50-minute counseling session range up to $90 per session and I offer a generous sliding fee scale to match your needs and financial situation. The number of counseling sessions is decided together based on your personal goals.

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Anne Bryant, M.A., L.P.C.

Individuals and Couples
Career Assessment and Job Search Assistance
503-442-6392
email: abcounseling@pobox.com
Website: http://annebryantcounseling.com

Are you ready to make some changes in your life but don’t know how to begin? Counseling can help you change your perspective, which can improve how you feel. Coping more effectively with negative thoughts and feelings can help you make a positive impact at work; put you in charge of your health, well being, and how you see yourself; and give you more time to put in to things you value. Imagine how it would be if you could achieve greater balance in your life, find a direction or purpose, and create or improve relationships.

What I can offer you:

• Ways to reduce depression, anxiety, frustration, stress and job burnout, through either brief, solutions-focused therapy or longer term therapy, if you want to go deeper.
• Skills to boost resilience in times of transition such as coping with losses.
• Relationship counseling with couples who want better communication, less arguing, greater connection.
• Help for families with parenting challenges, or those who are dealing with pregnancy loss.
• Support for family caregivers when their parents, in-laws, spouses or children develop serious health problems or are coming to the end of their lives.
• Extensive experience helping breast cancer survivors.
• Wide knowledge of career assessment tools used to explore and identify career and education goals.
• Practical strategies in today’s economy to make an impact with your job search and help you stay focused.
• Assistance with creating a resume and preparing for interviews.
• Job Search Support Group (see Events and Groups page)

I have over 25 years of experience working with adults, I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with the State of OR, and I uphold the highest standards of professional ethics and confidentiality. I hold memberships in the Oregon Counseling Association and the American Mental Health Association (AMHA OR).

My standard fees are $80 for 50 minute individual sessions, and $90 for couple's sessions. Ask me about sliding fee options, available for those who otherwise could not afford counseling. I offer both evening and day appointments and accept cash and personal checks. As your Insurnce Provider if they offer Behavioral or Mental Health Benefits, and if they work with out-of-network providers. If the answers are yes, I am willing to do the necessary paper work in order for you to get reimbursed, minus your co-pay. Please call or email me if you have any questions.

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Gary Fink, M.A., Q.M.H.P.

(LMFT/Florida)
Individual, Couples and Group Therapy
503-961-4279 (GARY)
Email: GaryFink@me.com
Website: www.GaryFink.com

Reaching your personal and professional goals is easier than you think. It starts with giving yourself permission to begin the journey and a willingness to go to unfamiliar places and challenge yourself. Sometimes being lost is the only way to discover new things. Usually when people seek help it is because they are lost or stuck. Together, we can get you to your desired destination.

I have dedicated my life to the betterment of individuals, groups and non-profit organizations. I graduated from SUNY Stonybrook with a Bachelors Degree in psychology and proceeded to Hofstra University where I obtained my Masters Degree in systems theory and counseling. I have been in the field for over 15 years and love the work I do. I have been featured on radio talk shows and have supervised many therapists and professionals along the way. Reality is perception, it is my job to offer alternative viewpoints and guide you towards making those perceptions a reality.

My approach with my clients is fairly simple and Solution Focused. Our initial consultation is an opportunity to make sure that we are the right fit for each other. Just because somebody has a degree and experience, does not mean that they are necessarily the best fit for you. You must feel comfortable, confidant and willing to be challenged. The more you put into it, the more you will get out of it. We will continuously address progress made. Always remember that the ultimate achievement is to reach your initial goals and be set free. I do not enable my clients but rather encourage and challenge them to take the steps needed to reach their goals. You can expect to have a little fun as well. I believe that laughter is extremely therapeutic and often makes the journey easier.

I limit the amount of clients I am seeing at a time, so please visit my website at garyfink.com . All sessions are by appointment only. Thank You!

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Dave Knowles, M.A., L.P.C., CADC I

Specializing in Men's Issues
503-720-5293
www.daveknowlescounseling.com
dkcfom@gmail.com

Men: Are you stressed out at work or at home to the point that you are having trouble sleeping at night or you find it difficult to concentrate when trying to making important decisions?

Do you find that you are losing your temper more easily and damaging important relationships in the process or does it seem like you are just angry at everything and everybody all the time and the smallest thing can set you off in a rage?

Is your boss or your wife or significant other, or your kids saying that you have become distant and hard to talk to about things?

Are you drinking or using recreational drugs more and enjoying it less with increasingly damaging consequences such as hangovers, missed work or blackouts?

Have you lost a job, a marriage, a parent or child and can’t seem to get through the grieving process?

Have you gotten to the point where you can’t seem to see a future or things seem hopeless or you feel like a failure?

Have you had trouble asking for help in the past and still can’t seem to bring yourself to the point of asking for help now?

Perhaps now is the time to take action and start doing something to address the issues that seem to be weighing you down and making life miserable for you and possibly those around you.

Dave Knowles can help. As a Licensed Professional Counselor, he has the real life experience and professional training to be of real assistance to men facing today’s life challenges. Dave served in the Navy in the Vietnam conflict followed by twenty-five years in the high tech industry, first as a financial manager and then as a service director responsible for field service operations for mission critical equipment on a worldwide basis.

After retiring from high tech, Dave retooled by earning a Masters Degree in Counseling Psychology from Lewis & Clark College in Portland followed by four years experience working with men with substance abuse problems in a residential setting.

Dave specializes in problem solving and life skills training. He is trained in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills training which focuses on mindfulness skills for peace, serenity and access to intuitive knowledge, distress tolerance skills to get through an emotional crisis without making it worse, emotion regulation skills to learn to control emotions rather that being controlled by emotions and interpersonal effectiveness skills to become more assertive and get what is desired in life without damaging relationships or self esteem in the process.

Dave is also trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy which is aimed at reprocessing traumas or distressing situations from the past that can be triggered by events of the present resulting in difficult to control reactions such as fits of anger, avoidance and isolation, nightmares and flashbacks, jumpiness or high anxiety or the use of substances to self medicate.

Now may be the time to take action. Dave offers free one half hour consultations to assess the situation and see if a useful collaboration can result in improving your quality of life and the quality of life of those around you. Sometimes taking that first step can be the most difficult so contact Dave today by email or telephone.

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Linda N. Firth, M.A.

Heart Spirit Coaching
lindanfirth@gmail.com
503-686-0116
www.lindanfirth.com

It's through empowering ourselves that we are most able to have the power to make a difference in the world. By focusing on and strengthening the positive aspects already present in your life, coaching can help you create goals that will lead you to create the life of your dreams. In this fast-paced busy world, I urge you to give yourself the gift of time to make sure the hard work you are doing now is guiding you to the future you really want.

My training in counseling, combined with my experience as a music teacher and certified master coach helps me work with clients to renew the creative spark, get organized, set and take action on life goals and uncover the self-defeating thoughts that keep you from manifesting your dreams.

I also specialize in coaching for adult ADHD. If disorganization, forgetfulness or impulsivity are keeping you from tapping your rich creative gifts or interfering with your success in work or school, I can give you tools that will provide immediate results. In addition, coaching can help you recognize your own self worth and provide practical information to help with managing time, developing supportive relationships, overcoming procrastination and getting organized.

I charge $80 per 55 minute coaching session. Please ask me about discounted coaching rates for currently enrolled college students. Some sliding scale fees are also available upon request.

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Shoko White, M.A.

Counseling & Psychotherapy for Individuals
Bilingual: Janpanese/English
shokowster@gmail.com
503-863-6708

Through my experience of living in both Eastern and Western cultures, my goal is to keep a balance between the extremes, such as the traditional Eastern way of “silence is golden” and the Western way of “logic comes first”, or between “harmony” and “confrontation”. I do not reason out things into black or white. I appreciate gray. There are a lot of gray areas and middle ways in life where one could find potential.

I believe that each individual has precious life experience and history, which is unique to that person. I also believe in the resilience of the individual and in her own power to heal herself at any stage of life. Therefore, my philosophy of therapy is to help an individual draw out her inner power to heal and to empower the person’s strengths. The theoretical bases are the Jungian concept of human development that is the life-long process of individuation; the object relations theories that emphasize the relational needs in human development, especially a relationship between a mother and her child; cognitive behavioral theories, an existential view of the human condition, and art therapy theory. I focus on adults who suffer from depression, anxiety, grief, loss, and existential difficulty through life transitions or traumatic experiences in the past.

My attitude toward a client is based on the client-centered approach, seeking the best way to deal with the client’s presenting issues. The therapeutic alliance between the client and the therapist is crucial for a healing process. I regard art as a safe means for an individual to explore the self, personal concerns, or existential anxieties; therefore, I occasionally employ art as a part of a treatment plan when it seems appropriate for the client. My therapeutic techniques are non-threatening, non-judgmental, and eclectic, depending on the needs of the clients. I hope that the process of therapy will be a way to reconcile emotional conflicts, foster self-awareness, and encourage personal growth.

I earned my Bachelor’s degree from Keio University in Tokyo, Japan. After 20 years of administrative work in Tokyo, I decided to start a new life, relocated to Portland in 2002, and returned to school. I hold a Master’s Degree in Art Therapy and Counseling from Marylhurst University in Oregon. During my practicum in 2005-2006, I received formal training in the mental health field at an adult day health and social center. I continue to work there as an intern art therapist. I also have received counseling training at a community counseling center in Portland for past two and a half years. I am an intern art therapist and a registered intern in Oregon Board of Licensed Professional Counselors and Therapists, and receive clinical supervision each month.

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Christopher J. Hoots, M.A., BeNCC

Individuals & Couples ~ LGBT
503-432-6248
Email: Counseling@ChrisHoots.com
Website: ChrisHoots.com I am a mental health counselor focusing on helping individuals and couples create positive changes in their lives. I believe through therapy we can help to create stability, facilitate calm, and bring happiness into your day to day life. During our work together, we will determine what is and is not working for you, what kinds of changes can be made, and most importantly, how to move forward with those changes.

The cognitive behavioral framework I use focuses on how our thoughts and behaviors influence our lives, highlighting therapy as a way to provide people with the tools and skills they need to feel more centered and to address any issues creating friction. Often, high levels of momentary distress distract us from working through larger issues. I also have experience using brief, solution focused techniques to deal with this distress, allowing us to move forward to deal with larger problems in the future.

Minority and underserved communities are a passion of mine, especially working with gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender individuals. Through my past experiences with the YWCA Counseling Center, I have met with a great number of individuals whose sexuality has a varying degree of impact on their life and wellness. I see sexuality, sexual orientation, and various sexual preferences as one of the many layers of an individual, important but also just a part of the greater whole.

I have experience helping with a variety of issues including depression, anxiety, life transition, and dissatisfaction at work.

I offer a free initial consult session to answer any questions prospective clients might have and to determine if it would be a good fit to begin meeting. Thereafter, fees range from $50 to $75, based on income, for a 50 minute session.

Please contact me with any question you might have. I hope to hear from you soon.

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Jewls Krentz, M.A.

Rising Phoenix Counseling & Consulting
Mail: P.O. Box 1283, Portland, OR 97297
Specialties: Chronic illness and disabilities, depression, anxiety and life transitions
503-784-4495
Email: Jewls@RisingPhoenixCounseling.com
Website: RisingPhoenixCounseling.com I believe that all persons have an internal, true self that allows the individual to flourish. Often connection to this inner being is blocked by trauma and major life changes. Patterns of interpersonal behavior and faulty core beliefs emerge. As a result, the person and the systems within which he or she lives do not operate at their fullest potential. Sometimes, Instead of embracing who we “are,” we identify ourselves by what we “do.” When our lives face great transition such as loss, disability or chronic illness, divorce, and stage of life changes, we must redefine our relationships and ourselves.

I believe that it is possible for people to reconnect to their inner selves and develop richer relationships. Individual, family, and group counseling may facilitate the change process. Counseling often includes two tiers of treatment:

1. Day-to-day problem management and coping skills that help alleviate immediate distress. Skills such as mindfulness, effective communication and cognitive reframing provide active change while supporting the long-term process of growth within the individual or family.

2. Depth work that addresses the underlying trauma feeding anxiety, depression and relationship strain. Family systems, attachment, Jungian, interpersonal and narrative theories inform treatment on this level. My overall approach is humanistic, existential and systems-oriented. It is buttressed by a core respect for all persons and a strong belief that each holds the means for genuine expression of their best, true self and healthy, strong relationships.

I provide individual, couples and group counseling in a variety of areas, including:

• Individuals and families affected by disabilities and chronic illness, such as multiple sclerosis (MS)
• Adjustment to physical, cognitive and psychiatric disabilities
• Major life transitions (i.e., loss, divorce and career changes)
• Parenting and family issues
• Relationship problems
• Personal growth and development
• Stress management
• Academic problems
• Depression and anxiety
• Recovery from trauma

I also offer discussion groups, online chats, presentations, and consultation for programs such as the Moms with MS project (National MS Society, OR Chapter).

Background: I graduated with a Masters degree in Education: Rehabilitation and Community Counseling from Portland State University in June 2008. Major course work included psychodynamic perspectives, family systems theories and psychosocial adaptation to chronic illness and disability. I serve as a commissioner on the City of Portland Commission on Disability. In addition, I participate in the Public Outreach and Awareness and the where I participate in the Public Outreach and Awareness and the Livability and Health subcommittees.

Fees: I charge $60 per 50-minute session and $75 per 90-minute session. I believe that counseling should be available to everyone who would benefit. Therefore, I offer my counseling services at discounted rates for those with financial need. Groups offer a unique way to focus on counseling goals in a supportive atmosphere with others. Groups generally meet weekly for 6 weeks. Each group lasts 1 and ½ hours and costs only $15 per session.

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