My work as a counselor is guided by the underlying belief that you are the expert of your experience. In my work with clients, I approach our time together with gentle curiosity and compassion; assisting you in moving towards the life that you want to live. For many people life can be confusing, difficult, unexpected, and quite frankly, disappointing at times. A willingness to look at issues that are impacting you, and a desire to work on them are crucial steps in the process of moving through pain and into healing. If you are seeking therapy, you likely have an inkling that life is worth fighting for. I truly admire you for the bravery that it takes to face hard things and I look forward to the opportunity to face them with you. If there is anything I have learned in my work as a counselor, it is this: avoidance is easy but ultimately unsatisfying.

A little bit about me professionally… I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC #6813) with the State of Oregon’s Board of Licensed Professional Counselors and Therapists and I hold a master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from Vanguard University. I have worked in both private practice settings and non-profit organizations, including a partial hospitalization program for adults and adolescents with severe eating disorders. In my work with severe eating disorders and their co-morbid diagnoses, I have acquired a vast array of practical skills and a wide range of psychological knowledge. In my work with outpatient clients in private practice, I have developed organizational and structural skills that provide support for our clinical team here at WWC. I see my role as our Clinical Director as an opportunity to empower and train our staff in ways that provide improved client care. I deeply enjoy both the role I have in supporting and training our clinicians, and the role I have in working with my individual clients. 

A little bit about me personally… I love being a mom, I love animals, I love being outside and I love my career as a counselor! My journey toward becoming a counselor  began at an early age, as I was deeply impacted by both the beauty and pain of human connection. It was within the context of healing relationships and empathetic presence  that I was able to find my own strength and resilience to heal. These impactful healing experiences inspired me to grow by pursuing a career in mental health where I now have the honor of partnering with clients in their healing. I am honored to work with Willamette Wellness Center as we unapologetically advocate for trauma-informed care for individuals that have experienced trauma, abuse, judgment, oppression, and marginalization. Whatever pain your story holds, I strongly believe that personal healing is the ultimate expression of freedom and growth.

I look forward to working with you,

 Castine