Portland Therapy Center
AJA BENNETT

AJA BENNETT (she/her)

Licensed Clinical Social Worker

LCSW, CEAP

I'm a compassionate mental health therapist who practices from a trauma informed, culturally responsive perspective.

Client Status

accepting clients

Contact

503-330-7308

Email Website Schedule Now

At a Glance

Me

Provides free initial consultation

Services

  • Individual

Insurances Accepted

  • Aetna
  • Anthem
  • First Choice Health
  • MODA
  • Optum
  • PacificSource
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My Ideal Client

I specialize in the areas of trauma recovery, including relationship, intergenerational, childhood, medical, and occupational related trauma. I also treat anxiety, PTSD, mood disorders, substance abuse as well as life transitions, grief, divorce, family conflict, stress management, occupational stress, and provide tools to strengthen relationships.

My Approach to Helping

My therapeutic approach is compassionate, trauma-informed, and tailored to each individual. I integrate evidence-based techniques such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Solution-Focused Therapy, Narrative Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing to help clients reframe harmful thought patterns, build resilience, and achieve meaningful growth. My approach is nonjudgmental, open-minded, and affirming, ensuring that your experiences and concerns are respected and understood. I strive to create a culturally responsive, inclusive, and safe space for all my clients. My communication style is warm, empathetic, and collaborative. I strive to create a safe, nonjudgmental, and affirming environment where clients feel truly heard and understood. Working with me feels supportive and empowering, as I meet each client where they are and guide them with compassion, respect, and encouragement.

Why I Became a Therapist

My journey to becoming a therapist is deeply rooted in my lived experiences as a Black woman navigating life stressors and systemic barriers. Growing up in the Deep South, I witnessed the resilience and strength of my community in the face of adversity, which inspired my passion for mental health and social justice. These experiences shaped my understanding of the importance of culturally responsive, compassionate care. Becoming a therapist has allowed me to turn my challenges into a source of empathy and insight, empowering others to heal, grow, and embrace their authentic selves.

Techniques I Use

Specialties

  • Cognitive Behavioral (CBT) External link

    CBT is a practical, evidence-based approach that helps you understand the connection between your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. By identifying unhelpful patterns and learning new ways of thinking and responding. Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) is an evidence-based treatment for PTSD, grounded in (CBT). It helps you identify how trauma has shaped your beliefs about yourself, others, and the world—and supports you in developing healthier ways of thinking and and moving forward.

  • Narrative  External link

    Narrative Therapy is a collaborative, empowering approach that helps you explore the stories you tell about yourself and your experiences. Often shaped by past events, culture, or relationships, these stories can influence how you see yourself and what you believe is possible. In therapy, we work together to separate you from problems, identify strengths, and create new narratives that align with your values and preferred identity.

  • Motivational Interviewing External link

    Motivational Interviewing is a supportive, non-judgmental approach that helps you explore and strengthen your own motivation for change. Instead of telling you what to do, we work together to understand what matters to you, uncover any ambivalence, and build confidence in your ability to take meaningful steps forward. It’s especially helpful when you're feeling stuck, uncertain, or navigating life transitions.

  • Solution Focused Brief Therapy External link

    Solution-Focused Therapy is a practical, goal-oriented approach that helps you identify what’s working in your life and build on those strengths to create meaningful change. Rather than focusing on problems or the past, this therapy emphasizes your resources, resilience, and vision for the future. Together, we’ll explore small, manageable steps that move you closer to the life you want—starting from where you are right now.

Issues I Treat

Contact AJA

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