Portland Therapy Center
Steph Hawk-Thornehaven

Steph Hawk-Thornehaven

Marriage and Family Therapist Associate

I love helping kids & families write their own stories. Big believer in meeting people where they're at, one conversation at a time.

Client Status

accepting clients

Contact

3602094449

15211 NE 72ND AVE

VANCOUVER, 98686

Email Website

At a Glance

Me

Rate: $160-$230

Provides free initial consultation

Practicing Since: 2024

Services

  • Individual
  • Family
  • Child
  • Relationship
  • Teen

Insurances Accepted

  • Kaiser
  • MODA
  • OHP CareOregon/HealthShare
  • Providence Health Plan
  • Regence Blue Cross/Blue Shield

My Ideal Client

Whether I'm sitting with adults navigating life transitions, couples seeking stronger connections, or families working through challenges together, I create a space where all stories matter. My approach blends warmth with evidence-based practices, meeting each person exactly where they are. From processing trauma and daily stressors to exploring identity and relationships, I partner with clients to discover their own path forward – always with compassion, never with judgment.

My Approach to Helping

I believe healing happens when we honor the whole story. Drawing from my background in family therapy and crisis work, I create a warm, collaborative space where you can explore life's challenges – whether individually or with loved ones. My approach blends systemic thinking with trauma-informed care, always meeting you exactly where you are. I don't position myself as the expert of your life – you already are that. Instead, I'm a curious and caring companion on your journey. Whether you're processing trauma, navigating relationships, or working through daily stressors, we'll work together to understand patterns and discover paths toward meaningful change. I welcome clients from all backgrounds and life stages. Through our work together, you'll find a space where all parts of your story matter. Using collaborative problem-solving and a social justice lens, we'll explore not just immediate challenges, but the broader contexts that impact your well-being.

My Personal Beliefs and Interests

I deeply believe that every person carries wisdom about their own life, even if past experiences or current challenges make it hard to access. Therapy isn't about fixing what's "broken" – it's about understanding our stories and finding new ways to navigate life's complexities. Change happens when we feel truly seen and heard. This means creating a space where all emotions are welcome, where questioning is encouraged, and where we can explore without judgment. I believe that symptoms often emerge as adaptations to our environments, and what others might label as "problems" are often creative solutions that helped us survive. Systems of oppression, trauma, and societal expectations impact our mental health in profound ways. By acknowledging these larger contexts, we can better understand our experiences and find authentic paths forward. I believe in both/and thinking – we can honor our past survival strategies while learning new ways to thrive.

Techniques I Use

Specialties

  • Family Systems External link

    Every family is a complex web of relationships, patterns, and unspoken rules. Through a systems lens, we explore how these dynamics influence each member's experience. Rather than identifying a "problem person," we look at how the whole system works together. Whether working with full families, couples, or individuals, this approach helps us understand current challenges within their broader context and create change that ripples through all relationships.

  • Cultural Congruence External link

    I approach each therapeutic relationship with deep respect for the cultural contexts that shape our experiences. This means acknowledging systems of power and oppression while honoring the wisdom within your cultural background. I commit to ongoing learning, checking my biases, and creating space for all aspects of your identity. Together, we'll explore how culture influences your journey while celebrating your unique strengths and resilience.

Issues I Treat

Specialties

  • LGBTQ Issues External link

    I create a space where all identities and relationships are celebrated, not just accepted. Exploring gender, sexuality, and relationships often happens within complex systems of family, culture, and society. Whether you're navigating coming out, transition, family dynamics, or simply seeking a therapist who gets it, you'll find a safe harbor here. Together, we can work through internalized messages, build authentic connections, and embrace your whole self with pride and resilience.

  • Family Conflict External link

    Every family has its own unique language, culture, and way of being. Drawing from years of experience in residential and outpatient settings, I help families navigate challenges, improve communication, and strengthen their connections. I believe young people are the experts of their own experience, and families have inherent wisdom about what they need. Through collaborative problem-solving, we create lasting change that honors everyone's voice in the system.

  • Historical Trauma External link

    I approach trauma work with the understanding that our responses to difficult experiences are adaptive, not broken. Using a gentle, systemic lens, I help clients understand how past experiences shape present reactions while building new ways to feel safe and regulated. Whether processing childhood experiences, recent events, or intergenerational trauma, we move at your pace, honoring your body's wisdom and bu

Contact Steph

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