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)
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Attachment & Relational Challenges
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Cultural & Systemic Oppression
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Depression
- Disability
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Gender Transitions
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Identity Developments
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LGBTQIA+
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Life Transitions
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Managing Stress
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Mood Dysregulation
- Neurodiversity
- School Issues
- Sexual Health
- Spirituality
Therapeutic Approaches
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Collaborative Problem Solving (CPP)
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Narrative Therapy
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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
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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