Hi! I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist located just outside of Portland, Oregon. I am licensed in California, Oregon, and Washington. I have been practicing as a therapist for over 18 years and work full time as a manager in a large healthcare organization. I love being able to work with people to identify their goals and strategies to meet those goals, then support them along their journey. Please note: I do not specialize in couples' counseling. I work with individuals, and if appropriate and discussed thoroughly ahead of time, we may invite a significant other into a session as part of the work on your individual goals. If you are looking for therapy for you and your partner together, I highly recommend finding a provider who has training and experience to work with couples to get the most out of your therapy experience.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
First sessions can feel like a bit of a whirlwind. We'll introduce ourselves of course and go over all the boring logistical stuff, but then the majority of the first session will be me asking super nosey questions to get to know you and help you develop your goals for our work together. I'll of course answer questions you might have as well and tell you a bit more about how I work as a therapist. It's always helpful to complete your intake paperwork ahead of time so that we can dive into the good stuff more quickly.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
I am pretty direct, collaborative and have a great sense of humor (sometimes laughter is the best medicine!). I am very open to and will frequently request feedback on how you think our work together is going, because I want you to work with the therapist who is the best fit for you, and I know that won't always be me. I have pretty thick skin so don't be afraid to tell me something just isn't working for you!
About Erin Spencer
Serves ages
Licensed in
Accepts
Appointments
VirtualMy treatment methods
Acceptance and commitment (ACT)
I am trained and have a lot of experience and success working with folks with a wide range of concerns using ACT. Very simply stated, ACT is about identifying your most important values and taking action to move your life toward those values.
Culturally Sensitive Therapy
I believe that everyone deserves to be met wherever they're at and have a safe, nonjudgmental therapeutic space to work on themselves. As a cisgender, straight, able-bodied, white woman of privilege, providing culturally sensitive and equitable care is one of my highest priorities. I am here to listen, validate and support you, whatever your life's journey has been thus far.
Gender-affirming therapy
I proudly work with anyone of any gender and will work hard to support and advocate for everyone to be their authentic selves. As a proud mother of a trans child, I understand how complex life can get trying to navigate family, social, medical and legal systems. Having someone in your corner to cheer you on can make a huge difference. Thank you for allowing me the chance to be that person.