Michael Junkins
Associate
Pronouns: He/Him
Identities: Mixed-Race
Therapeutic Style: Humorous, Active, and Adaptable
Works with:
- Individuals
- Couples
- Child/Family
- Teens
- Adult Families
Who I am as a Therapist
I believe that change and healing can be found through the bonds we share in our closest relationships. As a therapist, my role is to work with you to find new ways of being with your loved ones as well as new insights and possibilities for yourself. Whatever challenges you are facing, know that you are not alone and that things can get better. All of us inherently have the capacity to grow in order to achieve our goals. I approach therapy from an attachment-based, humanistic, and emotion-focused perspective, and I hope we can work together to bring forth the internal wisdom you already possess. My work with children and families has taught me the value of patience, humor, and creativity when working with others, and I seek to create a safe environment where you can feel free to be your authentic self.
I am passionate about working with all configurations of families trying to navigate the complexities of life’s changes. Transitions can be both hard or painful and can also give us opportunities to create new meaning.
“We don’t make mistakes, just happy little accidents.” – Bob Ross
Specialty Areas
Mental Health Challenges
- Activism & Burnout
- ADHD
- Adoption & Foster
- Anger
- Anxiety (General, Panic, Phobias)
- Attachment & Relational Challenges
- Behavioral Challenges in Children
- Biracial Couples/Families
- Blended Family
- Depression
- Divorce
- Grief & Loss
- Life Transitions
- Managing Stress
- Men’s Issues
- Parenting
- School Issues
- Trauma Recovery (PTSD & Abuse)
Therapeutic Approaches
- Attachment-Based Therapy
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Emotionally Focused Therapy
-
Gottman Method
Who I am when I’m not a Therapist
I was raised in Salt Lake City, Utah, and find myself most at home in the mountains and deserts. When outside, I love taking my dogs on adventures all over the beautiful state of Oregon or simply taking long naps in the sunshine. Inside, I love playing all manner of card games, board games, and role playing games with friends and family or enjoying novels alongside warm tea.
Education
- Masters in Marriage, Couple, and Family Therapy from Lewis and Clark College, OR
- BA in Psychology from University of Notre Dame, IN
Training & Experience
- Worked with children and teenagers with behavioral and mental health challenges in both residential care and outpatient settings
- Provided support to families experiencing houselessness through work with a community shelter
- Past work as an elementary school teacher