“You are not weak just because your heart feels so heavy.” – Andrea Gibson
I am providing both telehealth and in-person services.
When mental health challenges such as depression, anxiety, or trauma take hold, troubling thoughts and feelings can begin to dominate our minds. We may start to feel misunderstood, different from others, or too afraid to share our experiences for fear of being judged—even by those closest to us.
As isolation sets in, these difficult emotions intensify, leaving us more disconnected from ourselves and those around us. The deeper this disconnection grows, the harder it becomes to reach out for help. At the same time, we may withdraw from activities that once brought joy and fulfillment. Gradually, this sense of detachment can leave us feeling stuck and hopeless, wondering if there’s “something wrong” with us and leading us on a search to find anything that could possibly “fix” what’s going on inside.
In my role as a therapist, my top priority is to partner with you to break free from the debilitating hold of pain and disconnection. During our work together, we’ll focus on creating a life that’s centered on what truly matters to you. You’ll learn how to meet difficult thoughts and feelings (as well as yourself!) with compassion, so they no longer have so much of a hold on you. Without all those thoughts and feelings taking up so much room in your life, you’ll have space to find joy, feel safe to make real connections, and maybe even discover that there never really was anything that needed to be “fixed” about you in the first place.
I work with:
- adolescents aged 14 and older who are experiencing depression, anxiety, and trauma
- adults with depression, anxiety, trauma, and postpartum depression
- parents wanting help with the stressors of modern-day parenting
Further, as a parent who experienced postpartum depression and anxiety, I have specific interest in, and specialized training in treating postpartum depression and anxiety disorders from Postpartum Support International. I have first-hand knowledge of how difficult the first couple of years after birth can be, especially when you’re a first-time parent or questioning how successful you’ll be as a parent.
My therapeutic approach is primarily based in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT, said as one word, “act”), which focuses on learning how to intentionally move towards the things you value most in life, even when incredibly painful thoughts and emotions are telling you to run the other way. We will clarify your core values to guide our work together, practice concrete skills to help you see your challenges (and yourself!) in a different light and collaborate to identify meaningful and tangible goals. I also draw from Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), which offers effective, evidence-based tools for folks who feel overwhelmed by their feelings.
As someone who grew up in a rural community with access to few resources (including mental health resources), I have committed much of my career to increasing access to mental health services to all who need it, including those who are uninsured and qualify for Medicaid. As a result, I have extensive experience working with folks who have been systemically marginalized and oppressed. I continue to learn to understand how systems of oppression impact both myself and others and am dedicated to providing services that are anti-oppressive, antiracist, LBGTQIA+ affirming, and decolonized.
Whatever path brings you to therapy, I look forward to partnering with you during this time to help you build compassion towards yourself, your heart, and your mind so you can live your life fully and truthfully.
Treatment Approach
Orientation: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT)
Modalities: Individual (although parents are typically included when working with minors)
Client Focus
Ages: 14+ years old
Qualifications
Practicing Since: 2012
Degree: Psy.D.
Year Graduated: 2017
License Number and State: Oregon Licensed Psychologist – #3784; California Licensed Psychologist – PSY 30399
Specialties
- Depression, mood and anxiety disorders (including postpartum depression)
- Trauma
- Parental stress
- Personal growth/Personal values
- Interpersonal relationships
- Adjustment
Financial
Average Cost: $230-$275
Accepted Insurance Plans: I accept most insurance as an out-of-network provider
Email Address: kwoicicki@portlandpsychotherapy.com
Phone: 503-281-4852