I love doing this work most because of its relational and reciprocal nature. I find it an honor to be able to work with you to discover (through the container of our therapeutic relationship) the nuances of your emotional landscape, how your brain works, and what might need to be shifted to find the healing, fulfillment and connection you crave and deserve. My priority is to create and maintain a safe space where you can tell hard truths and show up in your raw authenticity, without fear of judgement. As someone who is neurodivergent and a member of he LGBTQIA+ community I understand how our identities can shape our lives, experiences and relationships and I bring a deep respect for all cultural and social identities and a commitment to social justice and anti-oppressive practice. In our work together, I will often ask you to “zoom out” and consider the impacts of the many identities you hold and systems you exist within, as I believe there is power in challenging our systems’ typical focus on individualism and pathologization.
I prioritize utilizing an anti-oppressive, trauma-informed and person-centered lens in all aspects of therapy. I enjoy working with folx from all identities and backgrounds and find I connect most strongly with fellow LGBTQIA+, neurodiverse and fat folx. My areas of specialty include: trauma and stress related disorders, eating disorders and body image distress, depression, anxiety disorders, relationship and interpersonal difficulties, life transitions, low self-esteem, grief and loss, and life difficulties related to neurodivergent identities. I utilize a variety of therapeutic techniques and modalities including but not limited to: Internal Family Systems (IFS), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), trauma-informed motivational interviewing, Narrative Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Additionally, I utilize a Health at Every Size (HAES) approach in working with folx with eating disorders and body image distress.I take a holistic approach to therapy work, and believe in trying on different approaches and techniques to find what works best for you, rather than sticking to one technique or modality exclusively.
Outside of work, I enjoy road trips, seeing movies and plays and spending time with my partner, our pups and our chosen family.
I look forward to meeting you and supporting you in the meaningful work you are bravely taking on by seeking out therapy!
Heather Torgensen
CSWA
Clinical Social Work Associate
Hi, my name is Heather. It’s nice to meet you! My pronouns are She/They
Professional Information
BS in Social Work: Portland State University 2022
Master’s in Social Work (MSW): Portland State University 2023
I enjoy working with adults (18+) from a variety of backgrounds, I particularly enjoy working with members of the LGBTQIA+ community as well as those who are neurodivergent. My specialty areas include: trauma and stress related disorders, eating disorders and body image distress, depression, anxiety disorders, relationship and interpersonal difficulties, life transitions, low self-esteem, grief and loss, and life difficulties related to neurodivergent identities.
I prioritize approaching therapy work through an anti-oppressive and trauma-informed lens and believe you know yourself and what will work for you best. I am trained in and utilize a variety of therapeutic techniques and modalities including but not limited to IFS, DBT, trauma-informed motivational interviewing, Narrative Therapy, CBT and ACT. Additionally, I utilize a Health at Every Size (HAES) approach in working with folx with eating disorders and body image distress. I also believe it is important to call attention to the systems of oppression and privilege we all exist within, and how our differing and intersecting identities shift the ways we get to show up within those systems. I take a holistic approach to therapy work, and believe in trying on different approaches and techniques to find what works best for you, rather than sticking to one technique or modality exclusively. I welcome folx from all backgrounds and identities including people of color, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, and neurodivergent individuals.
CSWA Oregon: Clinical Social Work Associate
