Portland Therapy Center
emily bilbao

emily bilbao (she/they)

Licensed Clinical Social Worker

I believe that we all have within us an innate drive to heal that can be explored in the presence of a safe and secure relationship.

Client Status

accepting clients

Contact

971-925-9107

909 N Beech st

Suite 209

Portland, 97227

Email Website

At a Glance

Me

Rate: $175-$250

Provides free initial consultation

Provides telehealth services

Practicing Since: 2004

Languages: English

Services

  • Individual
  • Relationship
  • Teen

Insurances Accepted

  • Out of Pocket
  • Out of Network

My Background and Approach

I have been trained in many approaches to therapy and I believe that it is my role to work collaboratively with my clients to find the approach that works best for them. I believe that healing takes place in the context of the relationship between therapist and client and that an important part of the work is developing a connection where one feels truly seen and heard. I also believe in helping my clients get in touch with deeper levels of awareness of their bodies/emotions and helping them to incorporate mindfulness practices into their lives. Currently my work is based on an approach known as Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy. You can read more about it here: https://aedpinstitute.org/about-aedp/

My Personal Beliefs and Interests

I am a cis white jewish queer woman. I studied at Smith College School for Social Work and received my Masters in 2005. I have worked in a number of settings including inpatient, intensive outpatient, and community mental health. I specialize in the areas of gender and sexuality and relationship issues. I love working with adolescents as well as adults and helping facilitate understanding and trust between family members. I am certified in Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy. I am currently being trained as a Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy Facilitator in Oregon. I will become a Licensed provider of Psilocybin Therapy as soon as the licensing process in underway. I believe that this will be another tool to help people connect with their innate healing drive within themselves.

Techniques I Use

Specialties

  • Relational  External link

    I have studied relational psychotherapy since graduating from social work school. I currently practice AEDP which is a relational experiential model. I believe that healing happens in therapy in the context of our relationship with each other and focusing on this relationship explicitly is an important part of the work. I have completed many courses and attended international conferences on relational work

  • Attachment Theory External link

    Attachment theory is a key tenant of my work, particularly with it's current support from neurobiology, which demonstrates the importance of mindfulness in mental health. I have attended many trainings with Daniel Seigel, MD and I stay current with the literature as it evolves.

  • Psychodynamic  External link

    I was trained in psychodynamic psychotherapy at Smith College School for social work. I build on these theories and support them with additional approaches, such at cbt & dbt

Issues I Treat

Specialties

  • LGBTQ Issues External link

    I have been a part of the LGBT community personally and professionally for many years. I offer non-judgemental therapy regardless of your sexual orientation or relationship configuration.

  • Gender Identity External link

    I have extensive experience working with adolescents and adults experiencing gender dysphoria. I have done many assessments for hormones and surgery and have worked collaboratively with medical professionals to ensure appropriate treatment of those struggling with gender dysphoria.

  • Relationship / Marriage Issues External link

    I have experience helping individuals reflect on their own relationship histories and acquire new skills. I have done work with couples and families throughout my career. I use a mixture of emotionally focused couples work, gottman research, attachment perspective and trauma informed work. I also have extensive experience helping couples in non-monagamous and other alternative style relationships.

  • Anxiety External link

    I have worked with adolescents and adults dealing with anxiety throughout my career. I approach anxiety with a mixture of attachment based and cognitive behavioral approaches.

Contact emily

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