Portland Therapy Center
Nicole Sorensen

Nicole Sorensen (she/her)

Professional Counselor Associate

MA

Supervisor: Dr. Lori Schelske PhD, LMFT,

Hi, I'm Nicole, a therapist who loves working with teens and young adults facing real, everyday challenges. Read more to see if we're a fit

Client Status

accepting clients

Contact

5038970834

3151 NE Sandy Blvd

Suite 220

Portland, 97232

Email Website Schedule Now

At a Glance

Me

Rate: $150-$175

Provides free initial consultation

Practicing Since: 2023

Languages: English

Services

  • Individual
  • Family
  • Group
  • Child
  • Relationship
  • Teen

Insurances Accepted

  • Out of Pocket
  • Out of Network

My Ideal Client

You might be a teen looking for your own therapy — and if so, I'm glad you're here. But more often, you're a parent worried that your child is struggling, unsure of the best way to help them. Maybe you've noticed changes like withdrawing from friends and family, skipping meals, not eating at all, or watching their grades drop. Maybe self-harm has become a real concern. As scary as it feels, there is hope. If any of this resonated, I might be the right therapist for you or your child.

How I Can Help You

You may have heard the phrase 'there is no one-size-fits-all approach to therapy.' I believe that this holds true, which is why my services take into account client age, main concerns, severity of symptoms, family dynamics, and openness to therapy — these shape how often we meet, how involved you (the parent) will be, and what treatment looks like. It's different with every client. I draw on a few core approaches: Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), and Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy (AEDP). Together, these help challenge unhelpful thoughts, build healthier coping skills, process emotions — especially those tied to past trauma — in a safe space, and address how family dynamics affect emotional well-being. With adolescents and teens, much of the work is client-led and indirect, especially at first. It's not always talk therapy — I also incorporate art and play as needed.

Why I Became a Therapist

There is real pain and real suffering in this world. Our eyes and ears are constantly being thrust into large issues that feel impossible to swallow. In that, it can feel hard to take up any space, but I believe people are worth it. I became a therapist because I believe in the good of humanity — that people are capable of change, resilient, and worthy of healing, and that none of us are meant to go through it alone. It is an honor to sit in a room with someone who is at their lowest and hold onto hope for them until they are able to take ahold of it themselves. Being a therapist means sitting in the spaces where people feel most alone, most ashamed, and most defeated, and walking alongside them as they work themselves out of it. I see real value in therapy, but I also recognize it's not the only way to heal, nor should it be. Therapy succeeds when a client can take what they've learned and apply it to their life outside the therapy room. That's what I believe my job is.

Techniques I Use

Issues I Treat

Specialties

  • Body Image Issues External link

    I work with individuals struggling with body image issues, helping them explore the underlying emotional and psychological factors that contribute to negative self-perceptions. Through a compassionate, non-judgmental approach, we address distorted thoughts, societal pressures, and personal experiences that affect body image. My goal is to help clients build a healthier, more compassionate relationship with their bodies, fostering self-acceptance and confidence.

  • Self-Harming External link

    I work with individuals struggling with self-harm to understand the underlying emotions and triggers that contribute to these behaviors. My approach focuses on building healthier coping strategies, increasing emotional awareness, and fostering self-compassion. Through a supportive and non-judgmental space, we explore alternatives to self-harm and work toward creating a balanced, more positive way to manage difficult feelings. My goal is to help clients regain control and work toward healing.

  • Child or Adolescent Issues External link

    I work with children and teens facing a range of challenges, from anxiety and depression to behavioral issues and family dynamics. With a compassionate and understanding approach, I help young clients navigate their emotions, improve coping skills, and strengthen their sense of self. My goal is to create a safe space where they feel heard and supported, while also involving families in the process to foster healthier communication and lasting change.

Contact Nicole

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