Jeannie Balenger (She/her)

My Approach to Helping

I work mostly from a psychodynamic and existential lens. This means that I believe the concerns a person brings to therapy can often be linked to significant relationships and experiences in their past and present. I believe it is important to explore your past, in order to get to the root of the issue that keeps you feeling stuck in the same pattern or routine. I will also work with you to live in alignment with your values, find meaning in your life, address avoidance and build trust in decision making. If we work together, you can expect a collaborative partnership built on trust, empathy, authenticity, a healthy amount of swearing, with some humor and absurdity sprinkled in the mix. Additionally, I recognize how things like gender, ethnicity, culture, class, and ability affect people's lives. I know that my views are shaped by my own experiences and identities, and I always have more to learn. I am committed to continuing my education and self-reflection.

My Personal Beliefs and Interests

My name is Jeannie (like “in a bottle”) I am in my late 30s, and originally from the Washington D.C. area but grew up here, in outer east Portland/Rockwood. Before starting college in my 30s, I worked in the restaurant industry for nearly 20 years. I've spent the last 5 years working in higher education and I did my clinical internship at the PSU Community Counseling Clinic, a low-cost community counseling clinic. My life and work experiences have significantly influenced my decision to become a counselor. I strive to be a genuine, trusting and safe person for clients. In my spare time, I advocate for quality, affordable, Universal Health Care in Oregon. I believe that all people deserve accessible health care as a basic human right. I am an member and supporter of the Health Care for All Oregon org. Additionally, I enjoy banter, making things like food, art, and jokes, trivia, the 90s, and improving my 2nd grade level Spanish.