Ruth Tessema (she/her/hers)

My Approach to Helping

As your counselor, I use specific styles and techniques to help you create a path of wellness. Depending on your needs, my methods may include person-centered therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, reality therapy, existential, and emotion-focused techniques. I also use culturally relevant techniques to cater to those of black, indigenous, and ethnic decent. There are multiple, if not infinite, layers and intersectionalities in one’s life. My role is to help individuals examine, reflect, and explore those layers as this is essentially part of the healing journey. Counseling is a deep therapeutic relationship with the healing and the supporter. You do not need to take the journey alone.

My Personal Beliefs and Interests

I am a cisgender Black woman who also identifies as Ethiopian American. I hold a Spiritual, Ethical, and Religious Counseling certificate from Cal U of PA and I am also a National Board Certified Counselor. Since moving back to Portland after obtaining my master's degree, I’ve held my teaching license and have been an elementary school counselor as well as a clinical mental health therapist. Authenticity, empathy, and congruence are paramount in my work with people. I’ve been a healer and supporter all my life. I find it rewarding helping people feel independent and worthy of taking charge of their freedom. There are multiple, if not infinite, layers in one’s life. My role is to help individuals examine, reflect, and explore those layers as this is essentially part of the healing journey. Counseling is a deep therapeutic relationship with the healing and the supporter. As your supporter, I promise to guide you in making realizations and choices that only you are in charge of.