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Al Newman

GRAD STUDENT INTERN

Pronouns: They/Them

Style: Calm, Collaborative, Compassionate

Identities: I am trans, non-binary, and queer.

Works with:

  • Individuals
  • Couples
  • Child/Family
  • Teens
  • Adult Families
  • Groups

Who I am as a Therapist

 

In my role as a therapist, I aim to help you reauthor the story of your own life. My goal is to connect with you and your lived experiences to create a relationship in which you can feel free to express yourself wholly. Coming from a systemic perspective, I understand how critical relationships and community are to thriving and I hope to work with you so that you can feel connected and embraced in your relationships inside and outside the therapy room. As someone with marginalized identities, I also know what it can feel like to not feel safe within a space. My hope as a therapist is to provide a comforting atmosphere for other individuals and families who face marginalization so that you can feel comfortable talking about individual and systemic challenges while taking up space.

I believe therapy should be a collaborative process that goes at your own pace. I also believe the therapy room does not just have to be a place where we process difficulties. Therefore, I try to bring a sense of humor and lightness in my approach with a focus on you as the expert on your own life and healing.

“An abnormal reaction to an abnormal situation is normal behavior.”

Viktor Frankl

Specialty Areas

Mental Health Challenges 

  • Anxiety (General, Panic, Phobias)
  • Attachment & Relational Challenges
  • Cultural & Systemic Oppression
  • Depression
  • Disability
  • Gender Transitions
  • Identity Developments
  • LGBTQIA+
  • Life Transitions
  • Managing Stress
  • Mood Dysregulation
  • Neurodiversity
  • School Issues
  • Sexual Health
  • Spirituality

Therapeutic Approaches 

  • Collaborative Problem Solving (CPP)
  • Narrative Therapy
  • Socio-Emotional Relationship Therapy

Who I am when I’m not a Therapist

As someone who grew up in Southern California, I love the green landscapes of the Pacific Northwest, although I find myself most excited when the sun comes out allowing me to be near the many bodies of water here in Oregon. I also love seeing live music, attending queer events, spending nights inside watching movies or television with my cat Buffy, and engaging in creative outlets like makeup application.

Education 

  • BA Psychology: Cal Poly Humboldt, Arcata, CA
  • Currently in Masters program in the Marriage, Couple and Family Therapy at Lewis and Clark Graduate School of Education and Counseling

Training & Experience  

  • Worked with neurodiverse children and their families for 2+ years
  • Experience working with children with severe trauma histories and their families
  • Worked with adults with Intellectual/Developmental and Physical Disabilities for 10 years
  • Facilitated a community-led and community centered mental health support group

Get Started Today

Text or Call

(503) 349-2281