Jenny Larson, MA, LPC, LMHC
Therapist and Owner
she/her/hers pronouns
My Approach and Philosophy
Past traumatic events, anxiety/depression, grief and loss, infertility, relationship stress and career stress – these are some of the things that we experience as humans that can keep us from living the life we want to live. When these feel overwhelming and we feel stuck in patterns that aren’t working for us, therapy can help.
I work with my clients in a collaborative way that treats you as the expert of your own lived experience. I believe that healing often happens relationally and so my approach is client-centered and integrative. My job as a therapist is to create a safe space where you can explore current and past events that are driving your day-to-day life and find healing, satisfaction, and an improved quality of life. I consider your unique needs and experiences in deciding what modality might best help you to find new ways of living and making meaning from life.
In my work with clients, I employ different modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, EMDR, and Internal Family Systems (IFS), and I often help clients seek the root cause of behavior, as understanding can often be key in healing. I have a deep interest in how the brain and nervous system work, as well as the mind-body connection, and employ Interpersonal Neurobiology and some somatic work in my approach as well. My work is relational, attachment focused, and trauma-informed.
I strive to build a trusting, caring, and supportive therapeutic relationship with my clients so that even when you feel that the world is against you, you can remember that there’s someone rooting for you.
My Education and Training
I hold a Master’s degree in Applied Psychological Science from Pacific University. My coursework and training covered a variety of areas, including trauma, anxiety/depression, grief/loss, life transitions, relationship difficulties, career counseling, and infertility. My training and learning continues well after grad school. I am EMDR-trained and am in the process of becoming EMDR-certified.
My clinical training began at William Temple House, where I served as a Counseling Intern from August 2018 until July 2019 and a Volunteer Counselor through September 2020.
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in the State of OR and a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the State of WA.
About Me
I’m originally from the Midwest, but have been in Portland for over 20 years. After living in Chicago for five years, I wanted to live in a place that had an easier pace of life, yet still had art, culture, and a great music scene. I visited Portland in the late 90s and fell in love with the city.
My partner and I have a home in Portland with our three cats, who graciously allow us to live with them in their house. When I’m not seeing clients, I can be found reading celebrity memoirs and other fiction, watching bad (good) 80s movies, baking, sewing, and learning French.
Music is one of the most important parts of my life and has been since I was young. I believe that music has the power to evoke strong emotion and to connect us to others. Some people have a story of their lives - my life has a soundtrack.
While I do self-identify as a cat person, I also have a fondness for dogs and many other animals. I think animals have their own special kind of therapeutic powers.