Kim Spencer (she/her)

My Approach to Helping

I use relationship building as the foundation of my therapy practice. I believe feeling seen, held, and safe are vital components of being able to grow. My hope is to create an atmosphere where the people I meet with feel met and known which will allow us to walk together through vulnerability. With all my clients I take a Neurobiological approach, which is a fancy way to say I think a lot about nervous systems and how to regulate them. Our nervous systems need co-regulation before they can learn to self-regulate. Together we will explore what feels soothing to your/your child’s particular system and build strategies from there. I use Child Led Play Therapy strategies in my work. I also pull from Attachment Theory and child development to support young children and their parents. For older clients I use more talk therapy, informed by Internal Family Systems (IFS) or parts work and Narrative Therapy techniques. My style is client centered, collaborative, affirming, and trauma informed.

My Personal Beliefs and Interests

I am a White, cisgender female. I have a deep connection with nature and feel the most restored in the forest or by the river. I grew up in the Midwest and completed my Bachelors degree in Social Work at Central Michigan University. I relocated to Portland 8 years ago. I completed my Masters of Social Work at Portland State University. I interned and then worked at Morrison Child and Family Services for a total of 5 years. During my time at Morrison I became certified in Parent Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) and completed my licensure. In my professional life I have been a daycare provider, camp counselor and director, paraprofessional, preschool teacher, and worked in a therapeutic school before becoming a therapist. I have over 15 years of experience working with children of all ages. In my personal time you can find me at the river with my dog, Nova, hiking in the forest (and hugging a tree or two), having coffee with friends, reading, or reflecting over tea.