PTC

Christina Dunning, MS

Marriage Family Therapist Intern

It is a courageous thing to be willing to look honestly at oneself and one's relationships and to consider making change. I offer a space to do some of that work, a space to explore what that could look like, and a space to practice new ways of being and relating.

Services

Couples Therapy
Individual Therapy
Family Therapy

Couples Therapy
Individual Therapy
Family Therapy

My Approach

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 Background

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.