Portland Therapy Center
HEATHER MATHEWSON

HEATHER MATHEWSON (She/Her/Hers)

Professional Counselor Associate

Masters in Education in School Counseling

Supervisor: Elisabeth Herrera, LPC

Hello! Please set up a free 20 minute consultation to see if we are a good fit :)

Client Status

accepting clients

Contact

503-752-9785

Email Website

At a Glance

Me

Rate: $120

Provides free initial consultation

Practicing Since: 2024

Languages: English

Services

  • Child
  • Teen

Insurances Accepted

  • Out of Pocket
  • Out of Network

My Ideal Client

I work primarily with adolescents, ages 11-14. Middle School is such a challenging time in so many ways: there are body changes, social changes, and a desire to know oneself and find direction. It can be hard to navigate, and my desire is to help this age group gain a better understanding of themselves, and help them grow into the people they wish to become.

My Background

I am a former middle school counselor in the Portland area, and due to my desire to help this age group more in depth, I have switched to counseling full time. As a school counselor, I led Anti Racism lessons, and cultivated an LGBTQIA+ inclusive space. I helped students navigate: Anxiety Depression ADHD Self-esteem/confidence building School/life balance Social challenges Life and school transitions Time management I am also well versed in helping families connect with school counselors for additional support in school as needed.

My Approach to Helping

In my practice I use a person-focused approach. This means I trust my client to know themselves best, and my job is to help guide them in their own self discovery. I also use techniques from reality therapy: to help set achievable goals, and to provide a framework to reset when things go awry.

Techniques I Use

Issues I Treat

Specialties

  • Child or Adolescent Issues External link

    My training and work as a former middle school counselor has set me up to have an in depth knowledge of adolescent development and the various challenges (personal, social, familial, and school) that adolescents face, and experience helping them face those challenges and thrive.

  • Anxiety External link

    Anxiety is a common issue challenging today's youth. This can lead to social isolation, challenges with school attendance, of can even morph into panic attacks, eating disorders, and other larger challenges.

  • LGBTQ Issues External link

    During the ages of 11-14, adolescents are frequently looking to their peers to understand where they fit, or do not fit. When one is experiencing issues related with LGBTQIA+, this can be extra challenging. I have experience is with helping youth navigate their gender identity and sexual orientation, and helping normalize their experience, while acknowledging the inherent challenges they may be experiencing.

  • Panic External link

    Experiencing panic, especially in a school setting, can be overwhelming. It can lead to school avoidance, and social fears. I have experience in helping adolescents with mindfulness exercises that can help them experience calm during a moment of panic.

  • Self-Esteem External link

    Working with middle schoolers, self esteem is a common topic. Helping adolescents discover their inner strengths and how to feel secure within themselves is an important aspect of my practice.

Contact HEATHER

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