About Storm's End Counseling
Fostering a place where your story matters.
We all need a safe harbor to access when the stormy parts of our lives and relationships get to be overwhelming and all consuming. Storm’s End Counseling will be your safe harbor while you work through your struggles. Storm’s End was created with the intention of giving people a space to rebuild hope and confidence in themselves through courageously processing their emotions and discussing past traumas and difficult life experiences.
When we are in the height of our struggle, whether individually or relationally, it can be difficult to have confidence things can improve. Through our work together we will rebuild that sense of hope that you can get through whatever storm you are currently in and identify what is needed to move through it and come out the other side with a deeper understanding of yourself and your needs.
A letter from the founder
Hi, I’m Kiersten
I am a marriage and family therapist associate. I am passionate about helping clients who struggle with complex trauma and anxious or avoidant attachment styles learn how to better understand these parts of themselves and find new ways of coping. The majority of my practice focuses on healing from the effects of childhood and relational trauma. My approach is a collaborative blend of Internal Family Systems, Attachment theory and psychodynamic therapy. I seek to join with clients in a respectful way that acknowledges their own wisdom through practical, supportive, and empathetic connection.
Starting therapy can be a stressful and scary step, but it is also a courageous and strong thing to reach out for help. I specialize in supporting clients to navigate the intricate challenges of complex trauma and anxious/avoidant attachment styles. By integrating evidence-based techniques with a deep understanding of the impact of early relationships and trauma, we create a safe space for healing and growth. Together, we explore the roots of your anxiety and attachment styles, empowering you to cultivate healthier relationships and a stronger sense of self. Whether you're seeking to process past experiences or develop new coping strategies, I am here to guide you on your path toward resilience and fulfillment.. I work to bring in self-compassion and curiosity with yourselves to help soften your critical voice and work toward understanding and clarity. If you find yourself engaging in similar patterns and struggling to find effective ways to cope with anxiety or interpersonal dynamics, therapy may be a courageous first step to relief.
When I am not seeing clients, I enjoy road trips, walks in nature with my dog, going to the coast, reading, and watching television. I value the importance of rest and recentering our nervous system. I aim to help clients find areas in their lives to slow down and be mindful about recentering themselves, especially when we are working through difficult emotions. Interested in working with me? Please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
What You Can Expect from Storm’s End Counseling
Compassion
We tend to be our own worst critics and with that can come an inner critical part that can be harsh. It is important to understand how that part came to be so critical while also challenging how productive its approach ultimately is. Compassion is the antidote to criticism and implementing self-compassion is a vital part of working with those critical parts of ourselves.
Accountability
Being accountable for your actions and identifying how you impact the overall cycle of dysfunction is vital to change. Growth and change begins when we can look inward at ourselves and take ownership.
Acceptance
It can be challenging to accept the parts of ourselves, or our partner, that are difficult to understand. I bring radical acceptance into the therapy space, with the goal of shifting our mindset toward accepting the challenging aspects of ourselves, or our partner, and learning how to work with them rather than against them.
Curiosity
When we are thinking about behaviors or parts of ourselves we don’t like very much we can often be very harsh toward them. Our internal narrative can become ‘why am I like this?’ or ‘why did I do that again?’ This approach is saturated in shame and judgment of yourself. Instead if we are able to access curiosity towards those parts of yourselves it can open doors to answers and deepen understanding.
Zero Judgment
Judgment leads to more shame and hiding. I value bringing unconditional positive regard into the therapy space. It is important that each of my clients feels open to be honest with themselves and me without fear of judgment. When we feel safe to be open and honest we are able to access curiosity with ourselves that can lead to clarity.
Humor
I have found humor to be a valuable tool in the therapy room. Clients are coming to discuss challenging topics with a complete stranger and that inevitably can create some unease. I find bringing in intentional humor is a helpful way to loosen up the tension in the space. It helps chip away at some of the discomfort and the shame and the resistance that clients bring with them.
Storm’s End Counseling is recognized by Portland Therapy Center and Psychology Today for professionalism and inclusivity.
