Stacey Benson, LCSW
Stacey is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has been providing trauma-informed counseling support to individuals and families for over a decade. The foundation of her approach is built upon core beliefs of empathy, respect, compassion, and unconditional positive regard. Her aim is to create a space of safety and understanding, especially when life feels overwhelming.
Stacey incorporates a variety of modalities in her work, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance & Commitment Therapy, psychodynamic, family systems, and strength-based therapy. She believes that successful counseling is built on a positive and trusting therapeutic relationship. Her approach is collaborative, so that her clients feel supported, accepted, and more empowered in their daily lives. She believes periods of uncertainty and challenge offer us opportunities to reexamine our lives and discover new possibilities. She takes a practical and dynamic approach that allows her clients to safely explore feelings, and connect with a true sense of self.
Stacey works with people on a wide array of issues, including anxiety, depression, life transitions, relationship concerns, chronic illness, grief and loss, women's issues, and infertility. Working in healthcare for many years, Stacey understands the unique challenges and feelings of isolation people face when coping with chronic or serious illness. She also offers trauma-informed counseling for individuals in helping-professions who experience secondary traumatic stress, PTSD, and burnout.
The beautiful Pacific Northwest has been Stacey's home for over twenty years. She is a mother of active twin teenagers, a partner, a step-parent, a dog lover, a walker and hiker, and a gardening enthusiast.
"Sometimes, when you allow yourself to feel, it guides you in the direction you want to go" (from the documentary Paper Tigers)
Stacey incorporates a variety of modalities in her work, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance & Commitment Therapy, psychodynamic, family systems, and strength-based therapy. She believes that successful counseling is built on a positive and trusting therapeutic relationship. Her approach is collaborative, so that her clients feel supported, accepted, and more empowered in their daily lives. She believes periods of uncertainty and challenge offer us opportunities to reexamine our lives and discover new possibilities. She takes a practical and dynamic approach that allows her clients to safely explore feelings, and connect with a true sense of self.
Stacey works with people on a wide array of issues, including anxiety, depression, life transitions, relationship concerns, chronic illness, grief and loss, women's issues, and infertility. Working in healthcare for many years, Stacey understands the unique challenges and feelings of isolation people face when coping with chronic or serious illness. She also offers trauma-informed counseling for individuals in helping-professions who experience secondary traumatic stress, PTSD, and burnout.
The beautiful Pacific Northwest has been Stacey's home for over twenty years. She is a mother of active twin teenagers, a partner, a step-parent, a dog lover, a walker and hiker, and a gardening enthusiast.
"Sometimes, when you allow yourself to feel, it guides you in the direction you want to go" (from the documentary Paper Tigers)
Tyler Walsh, LCSW
Tyler is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC I). Tyler is a veteran of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, and has held previous roles as a wild-land firefighter and park ranger. His clinical experience in mental health includes inpatient behavioral health, intensive addictions, individual counseling, and outpatient behavioral health at a combat trauma clinic. He earned a Masters of Social Work from the University of New Hampshire and a B.A. from the University of Colorado in Environmental Studies.
Tyler has an orientation toward Transpersonal Psychology, Jungian Psychology, Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), and Depth Psychology. Tyler strongly believes in the efficacy of the therapeutic relationship to provide enduring change in our individual and collective healing. No matter where you are on the journey to wholeness and healing; Tyler's broad experience allows him to provide individualized and person-centered therapy to meet your unique needs.
Tyler has an orientation toward Transpersonal Psychology, Jungian Psychology, Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), and Depth Psychology. Tyler strongly believes in the efficacy of the therapeutic relationship to provide enduring change in our individual and collective healing. No matter where you are on the journey to wholeness and healing; Tyler's broad experience allows him to provide individualized and person-centered therapy to meet your unique needs.
Hava Lee Dennenberg, LCSW
Using a warm, authentic and curious approach to therapy, Hava’s main goal is to support individuals in their movement toward healthy and sustainable insight and growth. She often uses humor and playfulness to foster this process and considers it an honor to be able to bear witness to someone’s journey.
Hava works from a trauma-informed perspective, utilizing psychodynamic approaches that are tailored to each individual’s unique life experience. She often uses components of Narrative Therapy, attached-based therapies, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Somatic practices, Gestalt and Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) in her work with peoples. Tenants of Carl Rogers are integral to her therapeutic work; unconditional positive regard and non-judgment for others, which in turn fosters a safe and supportive space for people to authentically express themselves. Hava builds upon what she believes is the innate resilience and strengths within people.
Hava specializes in working with the LGBTQ+ population, adults, tweens and teenagers, with anxiety, depression, complex trauma, post traumatic stress disorder, and grief and loss.
Hava is also trained in the EAGALA model of Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP). Please inquire with her regarding this option for therapy sessions. Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy is a form of experiential therapy where clients learn about themselves and others by participating in activities with the horses. Through observations of the horses and hands-on activities, clients are able to see their life mirrored by the herd. The focus on the horses allows clients to externalize their problems, see them from a different point of view, and process those findings in a safe environment. Hands-on activities help clients find their own solutions and overcome challenges. Progress made in the arena transforms clients’ realities, as they encounter realizations, solutions, and different ways of acting in their relationships. Horses are part of this process for several reasons. Horses are prey animals, so they are acutely aware of the people in their space, and what those people are bringing into the arena. Horses are herd animals, so they are adept at transmitting that information through body language. This provides clients a fascinating mirror into their own lives, making their issues visible and tangible. Once they see this problem/behavior more objectively, they can make a positive change. After the change is made in the arena, it helps them make the change in their lives. EAP helps the client gain a deeper understanding of themselves and their world.
Hava works from a trauma-informed perspective, utilizing psychodynamic approaches that are tailored to each individual’s unique life experience. She often uses components of Narrative Therapy, attached-based therapies, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Somatic practices, Gestalt and Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) in her work with peoples. Tenants of Carl Rogers are integral to her therapeutic work; unconditional positive regard and non-judgment for others, which in turn fosters a safe and supportive space for people to authentically express themselves. Hava builds upon what she believes is the innate resilience and strengths within people.
Hava specializes in working with the LGBTQ+ population, adults, tweens and teenagers, with anxiety, depression, complex trauma, post traumatic stress disorder, and grief and loss.
Hava is also trained in the EAGALA model of Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP). Please inquire with her regarding this option for therapy sessions. Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy is a form of experiential therapy where clients learn about themselves and others by participating in activities with the horses. Through observations of the horses and hands-on activities, clients are able to see their life mirrored by the herd. The focus on the horses allows clients to externalize their problems, see them from a different point of view, and process those findings in a safe environment. Hands-on activities help clients find their own solutions and overcome challenges. Progress made in the arena transforms clients’ realities, as they encounter realizations, solutions, and different ways of acting in their relationships. Horses are part of this process for several reasons. Horses are prey animals, so they are acutely aware of the people in their space, and what those people are bringing into the arena. Horses are herd animals, so they are adept at transmitting that information through body language. This provides clients a fascinating mirror into their own lives, making their issues visible and tangible. Once they see this problem/behavior more objectively, they can make a positive change. After the change is made in the arena, it helps them make the change in their lives. EAP helps the client gain a deeper understanding of themselves and their world.
Dr. Emily Putnam
As a psychologist, Emily supports people to live richer, fuller lives aligned with their personal values. She views her clients as the experts on themselves and sees her role as their collaborator, working together to help bring forward their greatest potential.
Emily works with a diverse set of individuals, and with a variety of concerns such as anxiety, depression, ADHD, OCD, trauma, interpersonal relationship challenges, overcoming barriers to goals, and other issues her clients strive to work through. She utilizes an assortment of therapeutic modalities, often blending these approaches, including mindfulness, Jungian analysis, Behavioral Modification, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR), Ecopsychology, and relaxation training, always with a focus on the individual needs of the client. Emily believes that an integrated approach to overall well-being is important, including aspects of nutrition, exercise, and sleep hygiene, with an understanding of how these interact with and impact psychological well-being.
Over the years, Emily has worked with children, adolescents, young adults, and not-so-young adults, each seeking help with a range of concerns, problem behaviors, and disorders. Emily also enjoys working with couples as they address problematic areas in their relationship, and as they find ways to improve and reconnect with each other. When she works with children, she is also working to make sure parents are appropriately involved, and helping to implement therapeutic assignments beyond the counseling environment and at home. This is especially important as we impart positive parenting approaches to reinforce certain behaviors, and to help a child feel secure as they learn to cope with trauma, anxiety, or depression.
Emily completed her Bachelor’s of Science degrees in Biopsychology and Ecology and Evolution at University of California, Santa Barbara, later earning a PhD in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in neuropsychology, and a second PhD in Wildlands and Wildlife Conservation at Brigham Young University.
When Emily is not engaging with her clients in psychotherapy, she teaches psychology undergraduate college courses, and enjoys hiking, spending time with her family, connecting with nature, and cooking.
Emily works with a diverse set of individuals, and with a variety of concerns such as anxiety, depression, ADHD, OCD, trauma, interpersonal relationship challenges, overcoming barriers to goals, and other issues her clients strive to work through. She utilizes an assortment of therapeutic modalities, often blending these approaches, including mindfulness, Jungian analysis, Behavioral Modification, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR), Ecopsychology, and relaxation training, always with a focus on the individual needs of the client. Emily believes that an integrated approach to overall well-being is important, including aspects of nutrition, exercise, and sleep hygiene, with an understanding of how these interact with and impact psychological well-being.
Over the years, Emily has worked with children, adolescents, young adults, and not-so-young adults, each seeking help with a range of concerns, problem behaviors, and disorders. Emily also enjoys working with couples as they address problematic areas in their relationship, and as they find ways to improve and reconnect with each other. When she works with children, she is also working to make sure parents are appropriately involved, and helping to implement therapeutic assignments beyond the counseling environment and at home. This is especially important as we impart positive parenting approaches to reinforce certain behaviors, and to help a child feel secure as they learn to cope with trauma, anxiety, or depression.
Emily completed her Bachelor’s of Science degrees in Biopsychology and Ecology and Evolution at University of California, Santa Barbara, later earning a PhD in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in neuropsychology, and a second PhD in Wildlands and Wildlife Conservation at Brigham Young University.
When Emily is not engaging with her clients in psychotherapy, she teaches psychology undergraduate college courses, and enjoys hiking, spending time with her family, connecting with nature, and cooking.
Michelle Strahl, LCSW
Michelle is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with over 15 years of experience. She earned her Masters Degree from the University of Nevada, Reno, and eventually moved to Portland where she began a career focusing on helping individuals and families learn to heal and thrive.
With experience working in healthcare and public education, Michelle understands the complexities and demands that so many members of our community experience.
Michelle is committed to addressing cultural issues around bias, racism, equity, and injustices for communities of color and those with diverse backgrounds. Her engagement with anti-racism learning is active, ongoing, and explicit.
Michelle is collaborative, encouraging, and playful. She focuses on helping clients to identify their resilience and strength to overcome obstacles, and she offers a safe place to be open and honest without fear of judgment. She has experience working with children and adults struggling with depression, anxiety, women’s health issues, infertility and pregnancy, post-partum, life transitions, parenting issues, and addiction. Michelle approaches therapy with a trauma-informed lens and relies on her background and education in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Strength-Based Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Play Therapy, and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy.
Michelle believes it is a true privilege to be able to work in this field and to share space with people during some of their hardest and most vulnerable moments. She remains continuously grateful for the opportunity her clients give her, and she is committed to continuing to grow and learn.
When Michelle is not practicing, she can be found with her spouse, dog, and their two young children - exploring outdoors, skiing, paddle boarding, enjoying good food, and following that beautiful and often scarce PNW sunshine.
Matthew Fuller, LPC
Matthew is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the State of Oregon. He provides counseling to individual adults, couples and geriatric clients. He is a certified geriatric and dementia expert (U. of Michigan). Matthew utilizes the Rogerian approach to therapy, empowering patients by leaning on nonjudgmental, positive regard, building strong rapport and trust with patients. Matthew incorporates strength-based approaches of Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Narrative Therapy.
He wants the patient to explore their strengths and examine their challenges through a self-reflective lens so the patient can recognize why they struggle in certain areas of life. He sees patients that are facing difficulties with anxiety, depression, PTSD, chronic pain, grief and loss and relationship issues with marriage and parenting. He also has experience with crisis training to help military and first responders. Matthew employs several interventions including challenging negative thought patterns, relaxation training, sleep hygiene, and exposure therapy.
Matthew earned his Masters in Mental Health Counseling from Wake Forest University. He is a native of New Orleans, has a wife, five children and three dogs. He is an avid walker, fisherman and sports enthusiast.
He wants the patient to explore their strengths and examine their challenges through a self-reflective lens so the patient can recognize why they struggle in certain areas of life. He sees patients that are facing difficulties with anxiety, depression, PTSD, chronic pain, grief and loss and relationship issues with marriage and parenting. He also has experience with crisis training to help military and first responders. Matthew employs several interventions including challenging negative thought patterns, relaxation training, sleep hygiene, and exposure therapy.
Matthew earned his Masters in Mental Health Counseling from Wake Forest University. He is a native of New Orleans, has a wife, five children and three dogs. He is an avid walker, fisherman and sports enthusiast.
Jonathon Haley, LCSW
Jon Haley is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). Jon was born and raised in Michigan and received bachelor’s degrees in Spanish language and political science from Alma College and his Master’s in Social Work (MSW) from the University of Nevada, Reno.
Jon has work experience in the government, non-profit sector, child welfare, in-patient, and outpatient mental health. Jon enjoys working with adults, adolescents, and couples. Jon’s specialties are Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT-informed), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Gottman Couples Therapy, and providing mental health support for the LGBTQ+ and veteran communities. Jon has experience working with depressive disorders, anxiety disorders and personality disorders. Jon’s therapeutic framework is person-centered, and environment focused. When outside of the office, Jon likes to spend time in the outdoors, take care of his plants, walk his miniature poodle Harvey Milk and listen to NPR.
A message from Jon:
“Thank you for reading my profile. It is truly a privilege to be allowed into my client’s lives. I believe that everyone is trying the best they can with the resources available to them. I help my clients balance between acceptance of their current situation and implementing change strategies to build the “life worth living” they want and deserve. This is the essence of DBT-engaging in the dialectic, the balance of two opposite ideals. Taking that first step in seeking out help is often the hardest but can also be the most rewarding. I look forward to working with you.”
“You cannot think yourself into a new way of acting, you can only act yourself into a new way of thinking.” –Marsh Linehan
Jon has work experience in the government, non-profit sector, child welfare, in-patient, and outpatient mental health. Jon enjoys working with adults, adolescents, and couples. Jon’s specialties are Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT-informed), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Gottman Couples Therapy, and providing mental health support for the LGBTQ+ and veteran communities. Jon has experience working with depressive disorders, anxiety disorders and personality disorders. Jon’s therapeutic framework is person-centered, and environment focused. When outside of the office, Jon likes to spend time in the outdoors, take care of his plants, walk his miniature poodle Harvey Milk and listen to NPR.
A message from Jon:
“Thank you for reading my profile. It is truly a privilege to be allowed into my client’s lives. I believe that everyone is trying the best they can with the resources available to them. I help my clients balance between acceptance of their current situation and implementing change strategies to build the “life worth living” they want and deserve. This is the essence of DBT-engaging in the dialectic, the balance of two opposite ideals. Taking that first step in seeking out help is often the hardest but can also be the most rewarding. I look forward to working with you.”
“You cannot think yourself into a new way of acting, you can only act yourself into a new way of thinking.” –Marsh Linehan
Linda Berlingen, LPC
Linda is a Licensed Professional Counselor who is an Existentialist and a Rogerian, with a down-to-earth approach. As an Existentialist, she believes that people are at greatest ease when they feel a sense of meaningfulness in their life experiences. Everything that happens to us, shadowy or light-filled, holds valuable lessons for growth and makes us all that we are, and all that we have the potential to be.
As a Rogerian, her therapeutic style is to provide safety and unconditional positive regard to those with whom she is working. Rogerian therapists typically believe that through modeling unconditional positive regard to you, you may catch on to the idea and begin to similarly value yourself. The end result is increased self-esteem and efficacy in the world.
Linda has been counseling people in the Portland area for over a decade and has extensive training and experience in her field. She is specially trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy. These modalities contain practical tools that will help you to recognize unhelpful thought patterns that often have people repeating the same life circumstances over and over.
The more we can look at and recognize our contribution to our circumstances, the more likely our circumstances are to improve.
As a Rogerian, her therapeutic style is to provide safety and unconditional positive regard to those with whom she is working. Rogerian therapists typically believe that through modeling unconditional positive regard to you, you may catch on to the idea and begin to similarly value yourself. The end result is increased self-esteem and efficacy in the world.
Linda has been counseling people in the Portland area for over a decade and has extensive training and experience in her field. She is specially trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy. These modalities contain practical tools that will help you to recognize unhelpful thought patterns that often have people repeating the same life circumstances over and over.
The more we can look at and recognize our contribution to our circumstances, the more likely our circumstances are to improve.