Portland Therapy Center
Lesley Smith

Lesley Smith (they/she)

Licensed Clinical Social Worker

LCSW

I use a trauma-informed, self-compassion focused lens to help you with anxiety and other emotions that feel too big to handle alone.

Client Status

not accepting clients

Contact

5035978991

5120 SE 28th Ave

Portland, 97202

Email Website

At a Glance

Me

Rate: $150

Provides free initial consultation

Practicing Since: 2017

Languages: English

Services

  • Individual

Insurances Accepted

  • Out of Pocket
  • Out of Network
  • Aetna
  • PacificSource

My Ideal Client

Do you notice moments where it feels like your emotions take over or else you numb yourself because you're afraid that if you feel your emotions they won't stop? I work with people to help them understand, cope with, and tolerate their emotions. I frequently see people who just experienced a major life change or feel like they're stuck and need something to change. I work with folks to help them figure out what their next steps are, so they can like themselves and their lives a little bit more.

My Approach to Helping

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in the state of Oregon and I hold a Master’s of Arts in Social Work from the University of Chicago. The primary type of therapy I use is Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), with a trauma-informed, harm reduction, and anti-oppressive practice lens. I aim to be creative in my approach, meaning that I want to adapt to whatever approach best fits your needs. I am currently being trained in Somatic Experiencing (SE) and have completed Beginning II. SE is a body-centered trauma-healing modality. I specialize in working with people with anxiety, difficulty regulating emotions, recent life transitions, and communication issues. I am here to witness your emotions, help you find harmony, and discover where you want to go.

My Values as a Therapist

My main value is safety - I want you to feel safe during our time together. This is why I also say that I use anti-oppressive practice. To me, that means that I am constantly learning and growing along with you. It means that I am open to understanding the identities that you hold, beyond the labels, with the hope that you aren't needing to educate me. This also means that I will label racism, classism, ableism, homophobia, transphobia, and other oppressive systems when they show up in our time together. I do this because these systems of oppression impact our experience of the world and our relationships. I value curiosity and want to learn more about you and your relationships with the labels you hold. I take a non-judgmental stance and want to help you figure out what works best for you. also value creativity in the therapy space and want to make sure I am adjusting my approach to fit your needs. I look forward to exploring your needs and supporting you on your journey.

Techniques I Use

Specialties

  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) External link

    This is the primary modality I use. I took a course on ACT during my Master's program and an intensive training on 2018. I attend a monthly ACT consult group and continue to access books and other resources on ACT.

  • Somatic Therapy (Body Centered) External link

    I believe that our bodies hold so much information and need to be involved in the practice. I am being trained in Somatic Experiencing (currently Intermediate Level 2 trained). To learn more about Somatic Experiencing check out - https://traumahealing.org/

  • EcoTherapy External link

    Nature has so much to teach us. I am trained in using ecotherapy to assist in treating climate-related distress.

  • Eclectic External link

    I incorporate aspects of Harm-Reduction and Internal Family Systems (IFS) into my practice, as appropriate. I am certified in Safe and Sound Protocol and incorporate this treatment, as appropriate.

Issues I Treat

Specialties

  • Anxiety External link

    I have a history of working with individuals experiencing anxiety.

  • LGBTQ Issues External link

    I am a member of the LGBTQ community and have experience treating folks who are questioning and transitioning. I attend a weekly consult group with other providers who work with LGBTQ-identified folks.

  • PTSD External link

    I have a history of working with trauma and have attended multiple trainings on the issue. I continue to educate myself on PTSD and treatment for PTSD.

  • Women's Issues External link

    I have experience working with female-identified people and am knowledgable on the unique experiences of these individuals and the ways that patriarchy influences our lived experience.

Contact Lesley

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