Portland Therapy Center
Heather Ackles

Heather Ackles (she/her)

Licensed Professional Counselor

LCSW

Rebuild Your Relationship with Others & Yourself: Therapy for Individuals Looking for Stronger Connection

Client Status

not accepting clients

Contact

503-498-6879

97211

Email Website

At a Glance

Me

Rate: $150-$180

Provides free initial consultation

Services

  • Individual

Insurances Accepted

  • Out of Pocket
  • Out of Network
  • Aetna
  • First Choice Health
  • PacificSource

My Ideal Client

'Was that too much?' 'What does that mean?' You're re-reading text threads. You have lost faith in your ability to make decisions, fearing a repeat of past mistakes. While doubting your value and desirability - you prioritize the needs of others over your own, losing yourself in the process. You wonder if things will ever change and ask: "Are these even my choices?" "What am I protecting?" "Who am I trying to be in relationships? What do I want?"

What I Specialize In

Relationships (breakups, separation, dating, divorce) bring up anxiety, regret, fear, depression and self-judgment - effecting the relationship we have with ourselves. Resentments, anger, and guilt - toward others and within ourselves - make us feel disconnected and alone. Our therapy sessions help you define what’s missing, unpack who you are, and figure out what you want. As a therapist, my aim is to help you reconnect with yourself. Everyone is different. Our expectations and ideals are influenced by family history, cultural expectations, and unique experiences. My therapeutic 'approach' helps you develop tools to define the relationships you want, conquer anxiety, past regrets, self doubt, negative self-image, and slowly dispose of the negative loud inner-monologue (which comes up, frequently, when trying to navigate the road ahead.)

My Personal Beliefs and Interests

I’ve been on all sides of relationships. I am grateful to help people strengthen connection, grow confidence, and develop the foundation of who they are and want to be. Defining true core values is challenging - and yet, needed for empowering growth. As a therapist (and human being), I value barre, spin, dance, art, and music. I value therapy as a source of connection. All humans are interesting, complex, and different - similar to my love for music: Vivaldi (Four Seasons), Otis Redding, and HAIM. Interested in reaching out? Check out my webpage - or give me a call 503-498-6879.

Techniques I Use

Issues I Treat

Specialties

  • ADHD External link

    When you have ADHD, you face all sorts of barriers and feelings - connected with work, due dates, school, and relationships. Therapy is a safe space to open up, navigate your limitations, and find ways to grow beyond them. I’ll share tools and tips to help you manage those “little things” that tend to suffer when you have ADHD – things like scheduling, routines, and diet. (Check out my website to learn more about my education and therapy practice for ADHD.)

  • Insomnia External link

    I have many 'tools' in the toolbox to help people experiencing sleep difficulty and recurrent nightmares. I am trained with CBT-I for insomnia and was the Facilitator/Creator of ReScript Nightmare Group - a closed group for those experiencing recurrent traumatic nightmares. I have experience/training with Exposure, Relaxation, & Rescripting Therapy (ERRT).

  • Divorce External link

    I work and have worked with numerous with individuals in the midst of divorce, break-up, separation and defining co-parenting needs. None of my clients are the same - no relationship is the same. Our histories and cultures are different. These difficult times in our lives can be the foundation for a new perspective leading to inspiring ideas, newfound strength, and doing what matters. (And, I have training with Gottman couples therapy tools.)

  • PTSD External link

    I am a board member of Brain Injury Connections NorthWest - and have experience working with Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) survivors. I created/facilitated the THINK B.I.G. Brain Injury Group weekly Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT) group for Brain Injury Survivors. I Collaborate with Center for Brain Injury Research and Training (CBIRT) & provide Brain Injury training. I am familiar with ways trauma integrates within our lives - and the therapeutic tools to broaden perspective.

  • Compassion Fatigue External link

    I have experience working with professionals who are amidst "compassion fatigue." (Very connected with 'burn-out') I facilitated the weekly Metropolitan Public Defender Engagement Group for lawyers/legal support staff - which specifically addressed compassion fatigue, a variety of difficulties within the work, as well as work/life balance (AKA: the lack of/guilt connected with work/life 'balance').

Contact Heather

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