Shelby Houston (she/her)

My Approach to Helping

When someone comes to counseling it’s because they want something to change. I believe change happens by trying to be who we are rather than trying to be different. I'm trained in Gestalt therapy, which is a relational, experiential, and holistic approach. This means I'll offer an environment that's supportive of self-exploration and growth as we travel together on your path towards wholeness. By gaining awareness of how your relationships and environment guide the way you relate to the world, you'll be empowered to recognize choices you have available now to live life richly and authentically. As therapist, I show up as who I really am. I’m intentional with bringing my whole self into the therapy room because I believe this helps create space for you to do the same.

My Personal Beliefs and Interests

I’m committed to honoring client’s autonomy, intersecting identities, and the culturally-sensitive aspects of their experience. I create space to examine power and I promote client choice and solicit feedback throughout the therapy process. I believe it’s important to have a space to embody, explore and learn about core aspects of the human experience, including sexuality and gender. I value gender, sexual, relational, and affectional diversity. I'm a Professional Counselor Associate in Oregon and a National Certified Counselor. I earned a Master of Counseling degree from Oregon State University. I receive ongoing training in Gestalt therapy from Gestalt Therapy Associates Los Angeles, and also receive ongoing supervision in this modality. I'm certified in Emotion-Focused Therapy, Polyvagal Theory, and Interpersonal Neurobiology, and have engaged in professional counseling research in the topic areas of sizeism, kink, and neuroscience-informed approaches.