Portland Therapy Center
Forrest Pandit-Kerr

Forrest Pandit-Kerr

Professional Counselor Associate

MS, CRC

Supervisor: Zoe Pearson, LPC

I'm glad you're here. It can be overwhelming searching for a counselor. You know yourself best, I'm here to foster and guide self-knowledge.

Client Status

accepting clients

Contact

5032174267

Email Website

At a Glance

Me

Rate: $125

Provides free initial consultation

Practicing Since: 2022

Services

  • Individual

Insurances Accepted

  • Out of Network
  • OHP CareOregon/HealthShare

My Ideal Client

You do not need to be my "ideal" client. Clients shouldn't strive for their counselor's ideals. It is my job to work through your values and worldview. My clinical work has focused on supporting individuals with severe and persistent mental illnesses. Including those who experience the intersectionality of chronic mental and physical health conditions alongside financial and systemic barriers to well-being. I've worked with complex trauma, psychosis, mood disorders, anxiety, and depression.

My Approach to Helping

The relationship between client and counselor has been shown to be the most powerful force of change in the counseling process. It is the foundation for all the we will do together, and I lay that foundation by being transparent, genuine, non-presumptuous, warm, and curious. My curiosity will help me come to understand the complexities of your experience and engage in dialogue without judgement. I recognize that the people I serve have widely varying values and I strive to engage in counseling work through your value system and worldview, not my own. While I have seen how foundational the therapeutic alliance is to creating meaningful change, I believe it is important to build on that foundation with counseling theories and techniques. I am flexible about which theories I use with each person, and I will regularly be checking in to see if the approach we are trying together is working for you. I recognize the power a diagnosis has and engage in collaborative diagnosing.

My Personal Beliefs and Interests

Counseling is an inherently collaborative process and I believe that the client is the expert in their own lives, whether they are aware of it or not. My role is to help foster that self-awareness and provide a guiding voice in developing skills for applying that self-awareness in healthy ways. I recognize that many of the systems and tools developed for counseling are inherently biased and I make sure to adjust my approach accordingly for each person I serve. The winding pathways of life have given me a unique perspective on the world and the role I play in it. My time spent exploring nature and other cultures, making and listening to live music, and with my pets (Rhodesian Ridgebacks) is intricately intwined with who I am. Outside of my work I volunteer providing behavioral health crisis support at events and festivals. From years of working in high stress situations I have developed a strong, and often dry, sense of humor. I only bring that into session if or when appropriate.

Techniques I Use

Specialties

  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) External link

    Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is my most used therapy. It offers significant value by teaching individuals to accept their thoughts and emotions, develop mindfulness skills, clarify personal values, and take committed action towards living a meaningful life. Note that acceptance in this context does not mean saying "it's ok," but rather learning how to tolerate the experience so you can move forward. I believe it is a valuable tool for the aspects of life outside of our control.

Issues I Treat

Specialties

  • Anxiety External link

    I know what it is like to experience palpitations, tightness in your chest, disorientation, clammy skin when you're in a social situations, trying to leave the house, or even just laying in bed. The cycle of anxiety and panic can be hard to break, but it is possible. I have seen it in my work with clients. I generally use a mix of polyvagal theory and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to treat anxiety, but my approach is shaped for each individual.

  • Suicidal Ideation External link

    It can be scary telling someone that you're having thoughts of suicide even if they are fleeting. You might be worried that someone will want you to go to the hospital which can be traumatic in and of itself. Much of my career has been spent working with individuals who experience chronic suicidal ideation. I have worked to normalize and fight stigma around this topic. I have taken the Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training. With your consent I will work with you to stay safe.

  • PTSD External link

    The majority of clients I work with have complex and extensive trauma history. I have seen many people trauma responses misdiagnosed and mischaracterized. I take a trauma responsive approach and make sure to regularly check in with you to make sure the counseling space feels safe and comfortable. I will treat you with respect and help you to integrate your trauma. We cannot change our experiences, but we can control what we do with them. I use personalized evidence-based practices for treatment.

  • Bipolar External link

    I know that for some people mania or hypomania can be a high or sorts, while for others it just feels miserable. I can work with you to develop the skills and tools to track episodes and create a comprehensive plan for them. Whether that means coordinating with your prescriber and any natural supports, or using journals and mood tracking apps, I will support you with feeling safe that there is a plan in place and I can help you navigate taking time of work or school if you need to.

Contact Forrest

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