Marlys Petersen, MA, LPC
Licensed Professional Counselor
Serving Adolescents & Adults
503-822-7752
marlys@livingwholehearted.com
Philosophy and Approach:
Each of us needs someone to listen to our story that can help us understand what has shaped us into who we are today. Whether you struggle with anxiety, depression, shame, identity, addictions, hurt, or grief, there is more to be discovered as to what has precipitated this in your journey. Moving out of the place we are in is most often unclear. It is powerful when someone is attuned to you and joins you in this vulnerable space. Just as in relationships our greatest hurt happens, I believe it is in relationship that healing occurs as well.
As a counselor, I consider it a privilege to hear your story and to be invited to walk alongside you in your path to healing and wholeness. I desire to work collaboratively towards the vision of whom you would like to be and the goals for what you want to see in your life. My approach is strengths-based, holistic, and integrative knowing that each person is created uniquely.
Individual counseling will include reflecting on what has shaped you, and how the truths in your life have impacted you in both life-giving and harmful ways. We will identify the lies you believe about yourself and work together to find the truth to replace it. Together we will explore what strategies you developed in your life that you had hoped would help, but are finding only hurt and often ultimately get in the way. I draw from systemic and attachment theory, Emotionally Focused Theory as well as CBT to work with you towards change. As difficult as the journey may seem, I believe you will be surprised at the hope and freedom that happens amid this work.
My areas of specialty include trauma, anxiety, depression, life transitions, identity, survivors of abuse, and relationship issues for adolescents, and adult women and men. As a Christian counselor, this is the lens with which I approach my work. This being said, I am respectful of the values, beliefs, and cultural background of each person I meet with.
Formal Education, Training, and Experience:
I have a master’s degree in Counseling from Colorado Christian University with additional coursework taken at Western Seminary. My Bachelor’s degree is in Behavioral Studies from The Master’s University.
My previous experience includes working with individuals and families in the child welfare system that have experienced trauma, addiction, domestic violence, physical and sexual abuse, grief and loss, anxiety, and depression. I have also worked as a therapist in County Mental Health as a School-Based Therapist, working with youth and adolescents with various challenges that included ADHD, depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, and trauma. Additionally, I have been a program manager with a non-profit that connects families in crisis to volunteers from the local church with an emphasis on training volunteers to be trauma-informed and compassionate with those they serve. I also have nearly twenty years of experience working and volunteering with teens in a parachurch/church setting.
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Professional Status and Supervision:
I am a registered Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Oregon (License number C7640). I am committed to seeking consultation with other mental health professionals as needed.
Fees and Cancellation Policy:
My fee is ($185) for a clinical hour (50 minutes). Payment is made upfront for each session via cash, check, or credit card. I do not accept insurance; however, you may investigate if your insurance benefits cover out-of-network providers and what those terms are. You may be able to submit paperwork to your insurance company to apply our sessions to deductibles and/or receive assistance or reimbursement for the costs. I am happy to provide a super-bill for those purposes as requested.
In the event you need to cancel your session, please contact me no later than 24 hours before your scheduled appointment so as not to be charged for the session.
Please contact me at (503) 822-7752 marlys@livingwholehearted.com to schedule an appointment
