Finding belonging through compassion and authenticity.
I exclusively provide telehealth services and can help you check whether your insurance will provide coverage.
How do you speak to yourself when you’re going through a hard time? Is your tone that of a loving friend, or do you tend to beat yourself up or numb what you’re feeling? Through no fault of our own, many of us grew up learning to do the latter. Yet, when life’s challenges hit – disappointment, grief, trauma – this way of showing up to our pain can leave us feeling even more confused, stuck, and alone. That’s why I am passionate about helping people adopt a kinder stance toward their suffering and create connection and authenticity in their relationships. I specialize in work with adults struggling with concerns around shame, self-criticism, depression, social anxiety, and reactions to trauma. I also help people with identity or purpose-related struggles such as relationship issues, life transitions, or clarifying goals or values.
My practice is grounded in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), a cognitive-behavioral therapy approach supported by scientific research. I believe that every person I work with already possesses the resilience and wisdom necessary to live a whole-hearted, meaningful life. Beginning from this place, I will work with you to develop a shared understanding of what truly matters to you and support you in changing your behavior to serve these values.
I value working with clients from all backgrounds, ethnicities, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. I seek to understand each person I work with in their unique cultural context. I am strongly committed to creating an open and trusting relationship with my clients and welcome feedback from those I work with.
My practice is exclusively over telehealth and will remain this way following easing of COVID-19 restrictions. Research has shown that telehealth is comparably effective to in-person therapy for most psychological concerns, and for many, it offers a convenient way to make therapy more accessible in their busy lives and work schedules.
I want to support you in meeting even the most troublesome parts of yourself with acceptance and kindness. I believe, and scientific research suggests, that from this place that we can find genuine connection and become empowered to build a vital, fulfilling life – no matter what thoughts or feelings arise. You can read more about my background here.
Things I’ve Written
- Overcoming Social Anxiety as You Emerge from COVID-19 Quarantine
- MDMA-Assisted Therapy for Social Anxiety Disorder
Treatment Approach
Orientation: My orientation is anchored in modern cognitive-behavioral approaches such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and is based on developing a strong therapeutic relationship with my clients. I regularly incorporate other evidence-based therapies that encourage mindfulness, compassion, and emotional acceptance, such as Exposure Therapy for anxiety and trauma reactions, Compassion-Focused Therapy, and Radically Open Dialectical Behavior Therapy.
I regularly incorporate mindfulness, self-compassion, and behavioral and exposure-based approaches in my work.
Modalities: Individuals
Client Focus
Ages: Adult 18+
Special Populations: Women, LGBTQIA+ affirmative, ethnically-diverse populations
Qualifications
Practicing Since: 2013
Degree: Ph.D., Clinical Psychology
Year Obtained PhD: 2019
License Number and State: Licensed Psychologist in Oregon #3392 and California PSY32808
Specialties
- Self-compassion
- Shame and self-criticism
- Social and generalized anxiety
- Recovery from trauma
- Depression
- Personal growth and values clarification
- Relationship issues and life transitions
Financial
Average Cost: $165 – $220
Sliding Scale: If you do not have insurance and are in financial need, please contact me to discuss options.
Accepted Insurance Plans: I accept most other insurance as an out-of-network provider
How I Can Help:
Therapy is a courageous investment in yourself and your relationships. Finding a therapist with whom you feel seen and understood is a crucial step in honoring your investment, and importantly, setting the stage for therapy to be most helpful. If you have questions or would like to speak with me to see if my work would be a good match for you, please feel free to contact me. If it turns out that I am not the most appropriate person to meet your needs, I will happily help you find a referral for someone who may be a better match.
Email Address: klear@portlandpsychotherapy.com
Phone: 503-281-4852