Deborah Harrison
Counselor 2 - Westside
Call/Text: (971) 808-2686
Email: deb@lifedcs.com
Schedule an Appointment with Deb
About Me:
I earned my Master’s Degree in Professional Counseling through Western Seminary, Portland, OR. I am also a member of the American Counseling Association, National Board for Certified Counselors and National Christian Counselors Association. The counseling program at Western Seminary is approved by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) and provided me with a contemporary perspective on Christian Counseling.
Education & Experience:
I have experience in working with adults of all ages, who are struggling with life transitions, grief, depression, anxiety, relationship issues, guilt, and shame, recovering from physical, emotional, psychological and sexual abuse, trauma and Complex PTSD, identity, self-image, spiritual development and spiritual abuse. I personally and professionally understand the dynamics that accompany many of these life challenges. The art of counseling is in the sensitivity, presence, attunement, and humility that a counselor demonstrates when building a relationship with a client.
Philosophy & Approach:
Welcome to the counseling experience! It has the potential to be a turning point in your life and create hope for the future and healing for the past. While I operate from a Christian worldview and enjoy helping people connect with God, out of care and respect, I do not impose my beliefs or opinions onto clients. Therapy or counseling is a highly individualized process that involves creating a safe and comfortable environment for a working relationship between client and therapist. This relationship allows the client to resolved conflicts, face life transitions, heal wounds, improve relationships, grieve losses, and face other issues that keep them from experiencing a full and meaningful life. My counseling orientation is an integrative approach. This approach allows me to use both psychodynamic (exploring links between current and past relationships of significance to clients.) and cognitive theories (examining one’s thoughts and beliefs). I believe people are influenced by their biological temperament, life experiences, past and present relationships with significant people, God, and their core values. Many problems are the result of emotions, thoughts, or impulses we are not willing to acknowledge and therefore cannot change. If it serves the client’s needs, I am also able to integrate my Christian worldview and theological training in the counseling process. I view counseling as a collaborative effort in helping clients recognize strengths, identify needs, understand conflicts, discover new options, set personal growth goals, and make informed choices.
Personal Life:
When I’m not working, you’ll find me playing and enjoying my 3-year-old and 3-month-old grandsons. They keep me busy and bring perspective to my otherwise busy life. I also enjoy cooking, movies summer gardening and traveling near and far.