Portland Therapy Center
C.J. Sanders

C.J. Sanders (she/her)

Licensed Marriage Family Therapist

OR #T2235

My passion is helping couples overcome past experiences and move forward to create intensely loving, romantic and empowering relationships!

Client Status

accepting clients

Contact

503-389-6320

Portland, 97239

Email Website

At a Glance

Me

Rate: $150

Provides free initial consultation

Provides telehealth services

Practicing Since: 2014

Languages: English

Services

  • Individual
  • Relationship

Insurances Accepted

  • Out of Pocket

My Ideal Client

I welcome couples of all kinds at every stage of their relationship. People come to me because they are trying to create an exceptional relationship. The people I work with are creative and hardworking and generally aren’t satisfied with the ordinary but are looking to experience wild love and deep connection within themselves, their partner, and the world around them.

My Approach to Helping

Our relationships are our most important asset. And when something feels off it can be excruciating. Through utilizing the latest research in the fields of attachment, neuroscience, and communication we can collaborate to get things back on track. You will learn some new skills in conflict management—even if you are conflict avoidant! And we will get some psychobiological hacks on board quickly which can result in fewer arguments and a greater sense of connection. Many busy couples today are craving a more fulfilling partnership truly sharing the mental and emotional load. And often our intimate lives get neglected and we’ve no idea how to get it back. Whatever challenges you are experiencing I will meet you with a warm and gentle approach to help you rekindle the love and connection that you are longing for. Together you can forge a path forward and create a fulfilling and fun relationship! I also specialize in premarital or precommitment counseling--see my website for more info!

My Personal Beliefs and Interests

I knew early in my career that I wanted to focus on couples. Every joy and tragedy of our lives are played out on the stage of our intimate relationships. When couples are strong and healthy there is a ripple effect on the rest of the family, community, and the world. I view the work that my clients and I do together as vital to creating the kind of world we all want to live in—one characterized by more skillful loving, increased connection and less conflict.

Techniques I Use

Specialties

  • Couples Counseling External link

    Healthy couples are my passion! Couples work is a commitment to go deeper in your relationship and yourself. We will explore the ways you each connect and the barriers that you encounter when connection doesn't go well. It is often the differences couples have that create problems so we will tackle the issue of how to me a "me" in a "we". I'll throw in some of the latest research in neuroscience so that you will learn to calm and soothe and your relationship will have the space to flourish.

  • Psychodynamic  External link

    My education and training is in Psychodynamic theory and clinical practice. I get curious about your early relationships and patterns of relating insofar as it impacts and repeats with your current relationship. I am adept at identifying "triggers" from your past that are blocking connection and wreaking havoc in your communication. I help my couples become experts at learning each others internal world and all that they carry into the relationship which increases empathy and bonding.

Issues I Treat

Specialties

  • Relationship / Marriage Issues External link

    I am passionate about healthy relationships! I have the education, training, and experience to help you and your partner work toward a more satisfying relationship. Throughout the therapy experience, you and your partner can move from distance to bonding, isolation to intimacy, and confused communication to understanding.

  • Premarital Counseling External link

    Congratulations on your impending nuptials! One of the smartest things I ever did was get premarital counseling so I know first hand how impactful this process can be. You will get all the bases covered but with flexibility and creativity to account for your uniqueness and what matters most to you. This is your most important relationship—let’s work together to build a solid foundation and provide you with tools that will last a lifetime.

  • Codependency External link

    Have you lost yourself in your relationship? One of the most difficult struggles modern humans have in connecting is how to maintain their sense of “me” in a “we”. Most people’s instinct is to pull away from the relationship to find themselves again but we can do it in a way that promotes growth in each individual as well as the relationship.

Contact C.J.

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