Michelle Pliske

Michelle Pliske

Licensed Clinical Social Worker

DSW LCSW RPT-S

Telehealth is available. I am certified in play therapy, trauma & EMDR.

Client Status

accepting clients

Contact

503-560-5822

4950 NE Belknap Ct. STE 205

Hillsboro, 97124

At a Glance

Me

Rate: $85-$120

Provides telehealth services

Practicing Since: 2008

Languages: English

Services

  • Individual
  • Family
  • Group
  • Child
  • Teen

Insurances Accepted

  • Out of Pocket
  • Out of Network
  • Aetna
  • Cigna
  • Kaiser
  • MHN
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My Approach to Helping

Creating an environment of safety means having a focus on relationships. It is impossible to think creatively, problem solve or think through some of the most profound or difficult experiences in life if there isn't a feeling of trust. Relationships matter and I believe it is important to invest in building that trust and safety in therapy. Children find trust and safety through an environment in which they can be authentic. Play therapy offers a child an environment of safety. If children are able to say what they think or how they feel through toys/art/sand/media with someone who can translate their behavior and facilitate the process, they will respond positively and can successfully work through their presenting issues.

My Personal Beliefs and Interests

I have a doctoral degree in clinical social work and social policy with a trauma specialization. This includes not only how we support individuals but communities as a whole. I have post-graduate certifications in play therapy, adoption and foster care, trauma informed care, children's yoga and animal assisted human health. I work in partnership with my therapy dog Mercury. I am dual board certified as a supervisor in social work/counseling and play therapy practices.

Techniques I Use

Specialties

  • Attachment Theory External link

    Attachment theory is a theory of affect regulation and interpersonal relationships. Adult attachment anxiety is conceptualized as the fear of interpersonal rejection and abandonment, negative view of the self or feelings of increased anxiety or depression within relationships. Children can experience insecurity within their relationships and the behaviors we see are a result of that anxiety.

  • Play Therapy  External link

    Play therapy involves using toys, sand, art, games, and other materials to help children express themselves. Play offers the child an environment of safety. If children are able to say what they think or how they feel through toys and art with someone who can translate their behavior and facilitate the process, they will respond positively and are able to successfully work through their problems.

  • Family Therapy External link

    Family therapy includes every member of the family. My role is to find opportunities through creativity for every member to have a voice and to feel included regardless of age. Each family member holds a different role and perspective and should be a part of the therapy process.

Issues I Treat

Specialties

  • Divorce External link

    Divorce and separating families benefit from support while navigating difficult life transitions. Divorce moves through the process of grief and loss and high conflict divorce creates relationship disruption and concern for all members involved including parents and children. My goal is to provide families support and will engage in court advocacy throughout the process for children's care.

  • Child or Adolescent Issues External link

    Children frequently have difficulty talking about what is bothering them or talking about events that have occurred in their lives. My approach to counseling children and adolescents is to use a prescriptive method of play or expressive arts therapy (using the best fitting evidenced based practice that meets the needs of your child, integrated into hands-on work that brings counseling to life).

  • Anxiety External link

    Anxiety is a common condition in which the person excessively worries about a variety of different topics or a specific topic or experience. This worry is excessive and uncontrollable and associated with additional symptoms of anxiety. I provide support from a relational and cognitive behavioral approach to reduce stress and worry and engage in life.

Contact Michelle

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