Kelsey Weise
Grad Student Intern
Pronouns: She/They
Therapeutic Style: Curious, Playful, and Collaborative
Works with:
- Individuals
- Couples
- Child/Family
- Teens
- Adult Families
Who I am as a Therapist
As a therapist, my role is to hold space for you to reflect on the story of your life as it is written (and re-written) through your day-to-day experiences. Our stories are shaped by the broader systems we are a part of: our families, social circles, political spheres, and ecosystems. Knowing that these systems interact with each of us differently, socio-cultural sensitivity is fundamental to my practice. I aim to foster an affirming space for those who align with LGBTQIIA+, BIPOC, and other socially marginalized identities, with close attention to how my own identities show up in the therapy room.
I believe that the healing process starts with deepening insight into how we connect with other beings and with ourselves, honoring all the emotions that move us – grief, sadness, anger, joy – as valuable signposts toward how we make meaning in the world. In therapy, we can work together to untangle complex thoughts and feelings and discover new possibilities for relating to yourself and the world around you.
My approach is warm and direct, with a healthy dose of playfulness. Drawing primarily from Narrative Therapy, Emotionally Focused Therapy, Ecotherapy, and Play Therapy, I am passionate about providing dynamic and collaborative care in support of your goals.
Specialty Areas
Mental Health Challenges
- Adoption & Foster
- Aging
- Anxiety (General, Panic, Phobias)
- Attachment & Relational Challenges
- Behavioral Challenges in Children
- Blended Family
- Cultural & Systemic Oppression
- Depression
- Divorce
- Grief & Loss
- Identity Development
- Learning Disorders
- Life Transitions
- Managing Stress
- Mood Dysregulation
- Neurodiversity
- Postpartum Depression
- School Issues
- Spirituality
- Women’s Issues
Therapeutic Approaches
- Attachment-Based Therapy
- Emotionally Focused Therapy
- Intergenerational Family Therapy
- Internal Family Systems Therapy (IFS)
- Mindfulness
- Narrative Therapy
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Play Therapy
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Socio-Emotional Relationship Therapy
Who I am when I’m not a Therapist
When I am not being a therapist, you can usually find me meandering along a forest trail, dabbling in crafts, or cuddling on the couch with my cats, Gomez and Lily. A Northern California native, I moved to Portland 6 years ago – but somehow still haven’t adjusted to the long dark winters. My yoga practice keeps me moving when going outside gets tough. I feel most at peace laid out on a rock near a body of water under the warm sun.
Education
- Pursuing Masters in Marriage, Couple, and Family Therapy Student from Lewis and Clark College, OR
- BA in Philosophy from University of San Francisco, CA
Training & Experience
- Facilitated group therapy program with local sixth graders in school setting
- Two years experience working with neurodivergent children
- Currently studying ecotherapy and ecopsychology