Cayla Panitz (she/her)

My Approach to Helping

I collaborate with people to help them live a more authentic, connected life. I approach counseling with a deep empathy and belief in the power of your strengths and encourage insight, empowerment and self-compassion. I rely on the creation of a strong therapeutic relationship and targeted interventions to do so. I also aim to point out the ways that our experiences are shaped by the systems we live within and are impacted by. My counseling style is sincere, collaborative, validating and often filled with nerdy metaphors, a good laugh and pet stories.

My Personal Beliefs and Interests

I’ve got PNW roots. I find happiness at Portland Thorns games, playing with the dog, getting outside and reading Samantha Irby books. I work within a relational, feminist, anti-oppression framework. I adhere to the Health At Every Size® paradigm and work to dismantle weight stigma and fat phobia. I am queer affirming and make every effort to create an anti-racist, inclusive environment for people of all walks of life including, but not limited to: body size/shape, gender, race, country of origin, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religion and disability status. I am continually learning and growing in my own anti-oppression work. I received my Masters of Counseling Psychology from Lewis and Clark College. My experience involves individual, group and family work in a variety of settings and programs. In addition, I have specialized training in the treatment of eating disorders & the application of Intuitive Eating, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Emotion Focused Family Therapy.