Portland Therapy Center
Ariel Oakes

Ariel Oakes

Professional Counselor Associate

EMDR

I believe people can heal and live a meaningful life. I use EMDR, and more to empower my clients to build the life they are proud of.

Client Status

accepting clients

Contact

5035674797

7320 SW Hunziker St.

Suite 204

Tigard, 97223

Email Website Schedule Now

At a Glance

Me

Provides free initial consultation

Practicing Since: 2025

Services

  • Individual
  • Group
  • Teen

Insurances Accepted

  • Out of Pocket
  • Aetna
  • Cigna
  • MODA
  • PacificSource
  • Providence Health Plan
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My Ideal Client

No matter what you’ve been through or how stuck you feel, you are not defined by your pain, your past, or how others have treated you. You are not too broken or too much. I am here to walk alongside you as you face your suffering, strengthen your relationships, and grow your self-esteem. I work with teens and adults who are facing the hard stuff: trauma, complex trauma, anxiety, depression, identity struggles, family hurt, relationship issues, suicidal ideation, and domestic violence.

My Approach to Helping

My presence in the therapy room is direct, compassionate, and deeply respectful. I’m here to listen kindly and hold space for your most painful and vulnerable moments. I describe myself as “stubbornly nonjudgmental,” and my hope for you is that you can find relief from your suffering. Unfortunately, this can be a difficult process, and healing doesn’t come when we stay comfortable. I care deeply for my clients, which sometimes means giving them tough love. If you are looking for a counselor who will just nod along, and tell you what you want to hear, I’m probably not a good fit for you. I’ll challenge you to look at patterns, ask hard questions, and do the work that leads to real, lasting change. As Churchill said, “If you’re going through hell, keep going.” But don’t worry, we will do it together.

My Values as a Therapist

My clinical experience spans a wide range of settings, including work with foster youth, survivors of domestic violence, and individuals navigating serious mental health concerns. I specialize in complex trauma, and understand the impacts that trauma has on survivors emotionally, physically, relationally, and spiritually. Throughout my career, I’ve worked with clients from many different cultural, ethnic, religious, political, and personal backgrounds. I honor each person’s unique perspective, and work with you to find your version of healing, purpose, and self-respect. In my personal life, I am married and have a sassy free-roam bunny. I enjoy writing, backpacking, and knitting. I can be spotted in the wild in a comfy cardigan, and with a black americano in hand.

Techniques I Use

Issues I Treat

Specialties

  • Child or Adolescent Issues External link

    I remember how hard it was to be a teenager, and it has only gotten worse for teens today. Tweens and teens get a bad reputation, but I love working with them! My studies focused on at-risk youth, laying the foundation for my long-standing commitment to working with teenagers. I don’t treat teenagers like they are children, because I’ve seen how transformational therapy can be for young people when they’re met with respect, consistency, and care. Today, I work with individuals ages 10 and up.

  • Abuse External link

    Whether it was in childhood, from a partner, a boss, or anyone else, abuse is never okay and is never your fault. I work with clients to work through the complex trauma that comes from abuse. I use EMDR and other trauma therapies to come alongside my clients and walk with them towards a life free from abuse, and the distress that has held them back. I help clients process distressing experiences and shift how those memories live in their bodies and minds.

  • Domestic Abuse External link

    It is so painful to be betrayed by someone you love. Home is supposed to be where you can rest, so when there is manipulation and violence, it can destroy your life. I have a passion for working with domestic violence survivors. I completed the 40-hour domestic violence advocacy training, and worked with survivors for to support them as they make sense of the abuse they suffered and work to reclaim their strength and identity.

Contact Ariel

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