Portland Therapy Center
Sarah Ellenwood

Sarah Ellenwood (she/her)

Licensed Marriage Family Therapist

LPC, LMFT

I am an interactive therapist who encourages self compassion, alongside growth. I balance processing and skill building to foster relief.

Client Status

accepting clients

Contact

503-609-0369

4531 Se Belmont

Suite 510

Portland, OR 97215

4531 Se Belmont

Portland, 97215

Email Website Schedule Now

At a Glance

Me

Rate: $100-$160

Provides free initial consultation

Provides telehealth services

Practicing Since: 2009

Languages: English

Services

  • Individual
  • Family
  • Relationship

Insurances Accepted

  • Out of Pocket
  • Out of Network

My Ideal Client

Are you feeling alone with new or persistent issues? I serve unique individuals, couples and families with diverse therapy needs. I love working with parents needing support and skills to help their sensitive/higher needs children. Couples struggling to communicate and productively solve conflict can find an experiential approach to couples therapy. Folks struggling with patterned behavior and are curious about the why and desire strategies for change. You don't have to do it alone.

My Approach to Helping

I wholeheartedly believe in this process and love the deep dive of therapy—the engagement with stories, emotions, patterns, and change. It’s a joy when clients really "bring it” to our work together. I also recognize that everyone’s path to healing is unique, which is why I believe in attachment-based therapy. This allows clients to verbalize unspoken pieces of their story—things they’ve sometimes never had the courage to admit to themselves. Bearing witness makes this work life-affirming, and can truly change your life. I use a relational and nonjudgmental style to build relationships with clients. I incorporate Emotionally Focused Therapy, a trauma informed lens, practical skill building, and humor to help clients grow. I also offer walking sessions when it's a good fit.

Why I am a Good Fit for You

IT BEGINS WITH THE CREATIVE PROCESS I’ve always viewed therapy as a creative, one-of-a-kind, collaborative process between therapist and client(s), and believe all individuals inherently know how to heal themselves, but need guidance and support when they have lost their way. I avoid pathologizing people and their thoughts, feelings, and actions. ​ OPEN AND AFFIRMING I also know how oppressive our cis/het-centric culture can be, and am open and affirming to the many ways that people create and maintain relationships, including: LGBTQI+, BDSM, kink, non-monogamous or polyamorous relationships, and sex positive attitudes and choices. My goal is always to create a safe space and I’m celebratory in my approach to sexual and gender minorities. A note to LGBTQ Clients: I am not only a LGBTQ-affirming therapist; I am LGBTQ informed. If this is a component of treatment for you, or part of who you are, get yourself qualified help.

Techniques I Use

Issues I Treat

Specialties

  • Relationship / Marriage Issues External link

    I provide an EFT and experiential approach to relationship issues. I have worked with relationships that are a few months old to many decades long. Couples that are ready to change their communication issues and address hurts that need repair. I can help with discernment of relationship status and separation as well. I have worked with couples that are non-monogamous or who are considering opening up.

  • Gender Identity External link

    I work with all genders and provide trans-competent care to clients who require this special training. I provide a non-judgmental space for exploration and to discuss thoughts and feeling about social and/or medical transitions. If you are needing a trans-affirming therapist for relational therapy or a different clinical focus, I may be able to help.

  • Cancer External link

    I provide knowledgable care for clients coping with a new diagnosis, treatments, chronic illness, treatment decisions, family communication and death with dignity. This diagnosis can bring existential issues to the forefront and a comfortable space to talk, process, and feel understood can be invaluable.

  • Parenting External link
  • LGBTQ Issues External link

Contact Sarah

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