Taryn

My name is Taryn (she/her). Congratulations on beginning, or continuing, your journey to mental wellness. I am originally from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and moved to Portland in 2019. My psychology and gender studies degrees merged during my undergraduate education to create my passion for social justice counseling. Before psychotherapy, I worked in inpatient mental health settings, social work, and neuropsychological testing. I continued my education with my master’s degree and have three years of professional experience as a psychotherapist. I am currently working on my doctorate in clinical psychology.

There are few places where one can enter and feel calm, heard, and validated. The therapeutic space is one for healing and growth. I strongly believe that those two things cannot be achieved without an environment to facilitate that change. That is the environment I strive to create for my clients. As your therapist, I will work side by side with you to enter your worldview and immerse myself in your story. As your partner in healing, there are a few approaches I tend to gravitate toward in my eclectic approach.

I utilize a relational-cultural perspective with each of my clients. Relational-cultural theory steers away from Western ideals of independence and monetary achievement and instead focuses on community, connection, and shared experiences. This approach also focuses on reducing sources of individual isolation due to social injustices those within marginalized communities face. After each session, my goal is for clients to leave feeling empowered and validated in their lived experiences.

I have a neuropsychological testing and diagnostics background for those wondering about the brain functions behind their mental state. I find it comforting to know the potential neuropsychology and biological processes behind my repetitive thoughts and maladaptive behaviors. The loss of control that one may feel while navigating their mental state can be exhausting. Learning what may be happening behind the scenes in the brain can give some of that power back.

For clients that struggle to articulate their feelings verbally, I am a strong believer that non-verbal communication can have just as powerful effects. I am more than willing to integrate expressive arts into our practice together. These methods include drawing, painting, storytelling, movement, and more. I have training in sand-tray therapy as well, my personal favorite.

Additional approaches I integrate into my practice include person-centered therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, narrative therapy, and internal family systems.

Credentials