Amanda Mercer (they/them)

My Background

I am a graduate student in the relationship and family therapy program at Portland State University. Before starting graduate school in relationship and family therapy, I worked as a qualitative researcher in bioethics and palliative care, in schools, in adult eating disorder recovery, and facilitating support groups for trans youth. I am actively involved in grassroots peer support projects and consider this an important part of my own healing work and as informing my work as a therapist. I am white, mixed-heritage Jewish, queer, non-binary, femme, and come from a queer, polyamorous family. In my free time, I cook, run around with friends, play with my dog, and try not to hurt myself skateboarding.

My Approach to Helping

My work is built on the foundation of a real and strong relationship between counselor and client. I believe connection, both to ourselves and other people, is key to reimagining our lives and new approaches to old patterns that are no longer serving us. I have the utmost respect for your internal knowledge, and aim to help you know yourself more deeply so that you can make decisions that reflect your values. My therapeutic style is shaped by somatics, parts work, Gestalt, and multicultural counseling. I am genuinely curious about you and will seek to understand you. My goal is to be with you and support you in moving towards liberation.