Portland Therapy Center
Heather Hawkins

Heather Hawkins (she/her)

Licensed Clinical Social Worker

LCSW

My practice is highly relational and trauma-informed, and explores the connection between the mind and body through the language of parts.

Client Status

accepting clients

Contact

5036895846

Email Website

At a Glance

Me

Rate: $180-$250

Provides free initial consultation

Practicing Since: 2012

Languages: English

Services

  • Individual

Insurances Accepted

  • Out of Pocket
  • Out of Network
  • PacificSource

My Ideal Client

We all have parts of self that interfere with our ability to lean into change or keep us at a distance from where we hope to be. Through the exploration of parts, we are able to listen to the most flawed aspects of ourselves with a new curiosity and question those voices that tell us we aren't enough or too broken. I support clients dealing with a wide range of issues related to professional burnout, severe anxiety and depression, complex PTSD and grief/loss.

My Background and Approach

I am a clinical social worker with over a decade of experience in medical social work, crisis mental health and psychotherapy. I have worked in several medical settings, including psychiatric emergency services, inpatient psychiatric support, mobile crisis mental health, inpatient palliative care (including work in oncology, CVCU, NTCU and ICU intensive care settings), and outpatient geriatric medical settings. As a result of this experience, I have a unique understanding of the needs of healthcare professionals at high risk for burnout and vicarious trauma, as well as the strain experienced by formal and informal caregivers and patients dealing with acute and chronic disease processes. My practice is highly relational and trauma-informed, and explores the connection between the mind and body through the language of parts. I have a degree in Health Science, and I use this lens to integrate a greater understanding of the neurobiology of trauma and anxiety into the therapeutic work.

My Personal Beliefs and Interests

Change is possible within a safe, therapeutic relationship. I strongly believe in the innate capacity for healing and change within all clients. I integrate psychoeducation on the science behind the development of symptoms in order to support clients in their own process of self-healing that illuminates the path without furthering the cycle of guilt and shame. I use a social justice lens and am an LGBTQ+ ally and incorporate this work into all aspects of the therapeutic work.

Techniques I Use

Issues I Treat

Specialties

  • PTSD External link

    I am trained in EMDR, IFS (L2) and attachment interventions, as well as over a decade of experience working with clients diagnosed with PTSD in a variety of settings including the VA, crisis mental health, palliative care and long-term outpatient therapy settings.

  • Anxiety External link

    I utilize EMDR, IFS, CBT and mindfulness to treat generalized anxiety disorders, OCD, panic disorders and phobias.

  • Compassion Fatigue External link

    I utilize EMDR and IFS to address issues related to compassion fatigue and burnout experienced by first responders and caregivers.

Contact Heather

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