Portland Therapy Center
Mary Bruce-Owenby

Mary Bruce-Owenby (she/her)

Licensed Marriage Family Therapist

LGBTQIA-affirmative couples therapist

I help disconnected couples work through issues of emotional safety and distrust to re-establish their bond and grow their intimacy.

Client Status

accepting clients

Contact

503-205-0604

97202

Email Website

At a Glance

Me

Rate: $100-$150

Provides free initial consultation

Provides telehealth services

Practicing Since: 2010

Languages: English

Faith: Buddhism

Services

  • Family
  • Relationship

Insurances Accepted

  • Out of Pocket

My Ideal Client

I help couples move from pain and isolation to joy and connection. I have specific training and expertise working with couples--using the psychodynamic model combined with the hands-on approach of Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and Gestalt.

My Approach to Helping

Through a flexible but structured process, together we work to de-escalate negative cycles, establish emotional safety, and begin the process of restructuring emotional patterns and rebuilding the bond so that you get back to enjoying and connecting.

My Personal Beliefs and Interests

I have a BA from Wellesley College, an MA in clinical psychology from Antioch University, and specialized training in couples work, including working as a couples therapist at the Couples Clinic of Portland. I have also completed a two-year program in Buddhist Psychology and Gestalt Psychotherapy and continue to train with the Gestalt Therapy Training Center Northwest monthly. I welcome seeing a diverse range of couples and offer a free, 30-minute consultation so that we may meet via Zoom and get a better understanding of whether we may be a fit for working together. .

Techniques I Use

Specialties

  • Psychodynamic  External link

    This approach is a form of depth psychology that explores and works through the often initially hidden impacts that early patterns have had on current functioning. I have completed five years of specific training in psychoanalytic/psychodynamic theoretical frameworks under the supervision of contemporary psychoanalysts and psychologists.

  • Gestalt External link

    I have trained in Gestalt therapy, a strengths-based, non-pathologizing therapy, during graduate school and in internship, and have incorporated its here-and-now, direct, honest and mindful approach to help clients work with and address deep-seated, unmet needs.

  • Emotionally Focused External link

    I have studied EFT in my training programs and use this approach in conjunction with others when working with couples. EFT's tools of engagement and attunement help us to first identify and deescalate negative patterns that have kept the couple isolated from one another, and then restructure and rebuild the trust, strengthening the emotional bond and renewing connection.

Issues I Treat

Specialties

  • LGBTQ Issues External link

    I am a member of the LGBTQIA community and have extensive training and experience working with LGBTQIA clients on wide-ranging issues and topics of focus, including trauma, anxiety, depression, gender identity, mood disorders, self esteem, eating disorders, creative blocks, and body issues. I welcome you and look forward to meeting with you.

  • Relationship / Marriage Issues External link

    I thoroughly enjoy helping couples move from pain and isolation to joy and connection. I have specific training and expertise working with couples and work collaboratively with you to deescalate negative cycles, restructure and rebuild trust, and practice strengthening the emotional bond. Please note that I do not accept insurance for couples work.

  • Anxiety External link

    I have specialized training in helping people who suffer from a wide range of anxiety issues , from mild to severe, toward self regulation, connection, and a more fulfilled experience.

Contact Mary

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