Portland Therapy Center
Christina Dunning, MS

Christina Dunning, MS

Marriage and Family Therapist Associate

Supervisor: Dr. Rick Johnson

I offer an authentic therapeutic relationship in which to honestly explore and grow how you relate with yourself and with others

Client Status

waitlist

Contact

503-507-1358

1940 NE Broadway Street

Portland, 97232

Email Website

At a Glance

Me

Rate: $90-$110

Provides free initial consultation

Provides telehealth services

Practicing Since: 2015

Languages: English

Services

  • Individual
  • Family
  • Relationship

Insurances Accepted

  • Out of Pocket

My Approach to Helping

Using our counseling relationship as a foundation from which to grow and heal, together we can explore patterns of interaction and ways of being, deepen understanding and acceptance of underlying emotions and needs, and help you gain freedom in choosing how to be in the world and with those you love. I work from an attachment and family systems perspective, often drawing from the research of interpersonal neurobiology and emotion focused therapy. I see counseling as a place to collaboratively explore patterns and roles that were once helpful or necessary, but no longer serve us, and as a place to practice new ways of being and connecting in the present moment. I also see counseling as a place to grow understanding and acceptance of our authentic selves.

My Personal Beliefs and Interests

I hold a master's degree in couples, marriage, and family therapy from Portland State University as well as a BA in Psychology from Middlebury College in Vermont. I am involved in ongoing training in Emotion-Focused Therapy, and also read literature and follow podcasts/webinars related to interpersonal neurobiology, attachment, and internal family systems theory. In addition to my current practice, I also work part-time at a community counseling clinic. Over the past eight years, I have helped people strengthen and deepen their relationships with themselves and with others. A part of my early work was also around helping people struggling with addiction develop sustainable recovery as well as working with older adults. In recent years, I've focused more on relational work (both with individuals and couples). Meaningful change is incredibly difficult and courageous work and it is an honor to get to bear witness to this process.

Techniques I Use

Issues I Treat

Specialties

  • Premarital Counseling External link

    In premarital counseling, I offer a safe space to explore values, to understand each other more deeply, to create open dialogue around potentially sensitive issues, and to practice ways of communicating that will support and nurture your relationship for the long term.

  • Women's Issues External link

    In our society, women are so often taught to put their needs second and to be warm and consistently pleasant to those around them. While these qualities can sometimes be helpful, they can also trap us in patterns in which we lose track of our needs and disconnect from our authentic selves. Counseling offers a place to reconnect with oneself and explore and practice boundary setting and self care.

  • Family Conflict External link

    So often, the patterns of relating we develop in childhood persist in our adult relationships. This can be particularly apparent in our relationships with family. Counseling offers a place to explore those patterns and a space to develop and practice new ways of relating in a meaningful way as families grow and change.

  • Relationship / Marriage Issues External link

    Often times, coping skills that were helpful earlier in life become patterned ways of relating. While these can continue to serve us in certain situations, they can also get in the way of connecting meaningfully or can lead to conflict with those we love. In counseling, we can explore those patterns together and develop and practice new ways of relating and connecting.

Contact Christina

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