Portland Therapy Center
Helene Hanson

Helene Hanson (she/her)

Clinical Social Work Associate

MSW, CSWA

Using the power of play, I support children and families with attachment-focused, trauma informed and neurodiversity-affirming care.

Client Status

accepting clients

Contact

5037081815

2154 NE Broadway

Suite 110

Portland, 97232

Email Website

At a Glance

Me

Rate: $145

Provides free initial consultation

Languages: English

Services

  • Family
  • Group
  • Child
  • Teen

Insurances Accepted

  • Out of Pocket

My Ideal Client

I work with children who are struggling with big feelings and/or big behaviors . Maybe your child has experienced a loss, a change in family structure, or experiences neurodivergence... or maybe you're not sure what is at the root of your child's struggles. I work closely with parents and families to understand the needs children's behavior is trying to communicate so that we can understand underlying needs and work together to help your child develop resilience and feel better!

My Approach to Helping

I work with children and families through play, parent–child dyad modalities, and an attachment-focused, trauma-informed approach. My office offers a variety of spaces—a movement room, a play room, and a Lego and game room—where children can move freely and choose what feels right for them. My style is low-demand, highly attuned, and centered on creating safety and connection. I also offer small Lego-based groups for kids who enjoy building projects (and friendships!) and who benefit from extra social support. Before becoming a therapist, I spent many years as an early childhood educator and inclusion specialist. I have completed training in Circle of Security, Theraplay, SMARTmoves, and Resources for Infant Educators. As both an adoptee and an adoptive parent, I am passionate about supporting adoptive families and helping adopted kids and teens navigate the unique and sometimes complex experience of adoption.

Techniques I Use

Issues I Treat

Specialties

  • Adoption Issues External link

    Adopted children often have feelings or questions they don’t fully understand or have words for. This can show up as big emotions, worries, or challenges in relationships. I offer a space for children to process the complexities of their experience. I support families in seeing their child’s behaviors through an adoption and trauma lens, and in building tools for connection, understanding, and repair. Together, we focus on honoring a child’s full story while fostering resilience and belonging.

  • Child or Adolescent Issues External link

    In my playroom, children are free to lead. I take a low-demand, neuro-affirming approach, which means I follow the child’s cues, honor their pace, and trust their natural ways of exploring and expressing themselves. Some children need movement, some need stillness, and others need to act out big feelings through pretend play—each of these ways is valid and important. By letting children guide the process, therapy becomes a space where they feel truly seen and delighted in for who they are.

Contact Helene

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