Arwen Huffman
Hello! I am Arwen, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, committed to helping clients begin to live their best lives. Making the decision to seek help is a big step and is the beginning to changing the issues that are interfering with your daily life. I use a safe, holistic, compassionate, and judgement free approach, knowing you are the expert of you. We all have past scars, but they do not need to dictate our future. Please note that I only work with individuals 18 and older. I do not do family or couple's therapy.
I use a safe, holistic, compassionate, and judgement free approach, knowing you are the expert of you.
First session
In our first session, we'll review your history, discuss your challenges, identify barriers, clarify your goals, note what's helpful, and create a plan. It's normal to feel nervous—therapy is a process, and I'll guide you along the way.
Strengths
I believe in equality for all folks (it's not pie). I believe we all deserve love, respect and support. I believe that no human is illegal and no one human is better than another. I believe that most people are good and decent, trying to do the best they can. I believe that learning is life-long, and reading is fundamental. I believe that you deserve to feel happy. About me... I am a twice divorced mother of 6 grown children, have 3 amazing rescue pups, love reading and enjoy visiting the Oregon coast, watching movies and playing video games. I grew up in Eugene and have been in the Portland area since 2011.
Ideal clients
My focus is to help individuals heal, self-empower, & become aware of their inner strengths. I am a Women's Mental Health Specialist focused on Perinatal/Postpartum issues, Infertility, Pregnancy/Infant loss (including abortion); & Certified as an LGBTQ Affirming Therapist. I enjoy working with individuals navigating life transitions, perinatal mental health and infertility, gender expression and gender journeys, as well as women's mental health issues.
Treatment methods
Acceptance and commitment (ACT)
I have been using ACT to successfully help clients with embracing their thoughts and feelings rather than fighting or feeling guilty for them. Its core aim is to increase psychological flexibility. Instead of trying to eliminate distressing thoughts or emotions, ACT encourages people to accept them and commit to actions aligned with their values. ACT works well for individuals who are dealing with anxiety, depression, chronic pain, stress & burnout as well as PTSD and substance use disorders.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I have successfully used Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) with clients for the past 15 years. CBT is a structured, goal-oriented therapeutic approach that helps individuals identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors. It focuses on identifying and changing unhelpful thoughts, beliefs, and behaviors that contribute to emotional distress or mental health challenges. CBT works well for individuals who are dealing with anxiety disorders, depression, OCD, PTSD and chronic pain & stress management.
Gender-affirming therapy
I became certified as a gender affirming therapist in early 2025 and have had the pleasure to work with many individuals on their gender journey. Gender-affirming therapy centers on providing compassionate, evidence-based mental health care that validates and supports an individual’s gender identity and expression, while addressing any emotional, social, or psychological challenges they face. It is grounded in the principles of affirmation, collaboration, and respect—helping clients explore their gender identity and make informed decisions about their well-being and any transition-related goals.
Mindfulness-Based Therapy
Mindfulness-Based Therapy (MBT) has been a focal point in working with clients for several years. MBT centers on helping individuals cultivate present-moment awareness, nonjudgmental acceptance, and self-compassion. It draws on mindfulness meditation practices rooted in Buddhist traditions but is adapted into modern, evidence-based psychological frameworks. Mindfulness-based therapies are used to treat a wide range of psychological and physical issues, such as stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, and chronic pain.
Location
Virtual sessions
Identifies as
White
Woman
Top specialties
LGBTQ
Perinatal Mental Health
Women's Issues
Other specialties
Anxiety
Depression
Fertility & Reproduction Issues
Postpartum
Serves
Adults (18 to 64)
Individual Therapy
Non-binary
Transgender
Woman
Doesn't specialize in
Anger Management
Autism
Career Counseling
Child or Adolescent
Couples Counseling
Couples Counseling
Domestic Violence
Family Conflict
Family Conflict
Family Therapy
Family Therapy
Foster Care/Adoption
Gambling Addiction
High Clinical Acuity
Learning Disabilities
Medication Management
Military/Veterans
Personality Disorders
Phobias
Recent Hospitalization
School Issues
Sex Addiction
Sexual Abuse
Substance Misuse
Trauma and PTSD
Licensed in
OregonLicense L6269
WashingtonLicense SWI.LW.61657011