Portland Therapy Center
Megan Samsel

Megan Samsel (she/her)

Marriage and Family Therapist Associate

MA

Hello! I value creating a collaborative, non-hierarchical space, and invite you to truly come as you are and see what happens next.

Client Status

accepting clients

Contact

5038479426

4431 SE Woodstock Blvd

Portland, 97206

Email Website Schedule Now

At a Glance

Me

Rate: $70-$140

Provides free initial consultation

Practicing Since: 2022

Services

  • Individual
  • Relationship

Insurances Accepted

  • Out of Pocket
  • Out of Network

My Ideal Client

I love working with individuals and couples who are neurodivergent/neurocomplex, have complex trauma/PTSD, anxiety, and/or depression. Some of the themes folks come to me with include: creating and sustaining positive change, substance use, self esteem, infidelity, life transitions, repeated and high intensity arguments with a partner, and discovering/coping with a potential ADHD/Autism diagnosis.

My Background and Approach

Whether we are exploring the relationship we have with ourselves or with others, I believe compassion and loving-presence are essential to understanding the parts of ourselves that feel tender and/or condemned. It isn’t uncommon for these tender parts to appear to be stuck in patterns that seem to further disconnect us from ourselves and others. I specialize in working with couples and individuals who are neurodivergent, and/or have complex trauma. I help clients create sustainable change through first understanding the "why" behind what they do. From there, we work on reducing polarization (I'm so bad/they're so bad) in order to create the spaciousness needed to initiate change how YOU see fit--not how I see fit. I use a blend of somatic, relational, and emotions-focused techniques to create an embodied sense of awareness of my client's patterns and support them in deciding what to do next with this new awareness.

My Approach to Helping

As a therapist, I value the reparative experiences we can find in relationship to others. Whether I am working with individuals or couples, I work using a relational and emotions-focused approach to deconstruct the "values" that an individualistic and toxic culture have instilled in all of us. Some of these values include notions such as: we must have more control over our partners, children, and even ourselves (I must be more positive, more productive, I must be self-sufficient, etc.). The antidote to many of our modern day problems is healthy interdependence and co-regulation, but we are taught from a young age that this is a threat. Let's use the therapeutic relationship to have a reparative experience and use it as a spring board to get you connected to others. Let's figure out what your values and goals are to create the life/relationship you want. Let's build the distress tolerance needed to accept imperfection in yourself, and in others.

Techniques I Use

Issues I Treat

Specialties

  • PTSD External link

    I work extensively with individuals experiencing complex PTSD and developmental trauma. I recognize the profound, lasting impact that trauma can have both interpersonally and on the mind and body. My approach involves supporting clients as they navigate triggers, emotional dysregulation, and feelings of shame or guilt, while helping them reclaim a sense of safety and control in their lives.

  • Autism External link

    I have experience with high-masking autistic adults, particularly those diagnosed later in life. I understand the unique challenges faced by individuals who have spent years adapting, often without realizing they were on the autism spectrum. My approach is centered on helping clients process their diagnosis, while navigating the complexities of identity, relationships, and self-acceptance.

  • ADHD External link

    I also work with adults navigating an ADHD diagnosis later in life, as well as those diagnosed in childhood who are re-examining its meaning as adults. I help clients develop practical strategies for managing ADHD symptoms, enhancing executive functioning and emotional regulation, all while fostering greater self-compassion.

Contact Megan

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