Theresa Willett
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
 

All about Theresa

Hello, and welcome. I’m Theresa (she/her). If you’re here, something in you is reaching for support—and even when that choice feels vulnerable, it can also be the beginning of relief. Life can be hard even on a “fine” day, and you deserve care that feels steady, respectful, and genuinely human.

Many people come to therapy feeling stuck in patterns that don’t match who they are: a mind that won’t stop scanning for what might go wrong, a heaviness that makes ordinary tasks feel too big, or a body that stays tense long after the stress has passed. You might notice your nervous system moving quickly into fight/flight, shutting down, or swinging between the two—especially if you’ve lived through trauma, loss, or prolonged stress. In our work, we pay attention to these patterns with curiosity rather than judgment, and we build your capacity to stay present with difficult thoughts, emotions, memories, and sensations at a pace that feels manageable and collaborative.

I believe therapy is not only about reducing suffering, but also about finding meaning—about coming back into contact with your values and your sense of self. As awareness grows, many clients experience meaningful relief from symptoms and begin to feel more choice: less driven by automatic reactions, and more able to make intentional, aligned decisions in daily life.

Whether you’re having trouble coping with anxiety, depression, stress, grief and loss, or the effects of trauma, you are welcome here. This is a supportive space to tell the truth about what’s been happening—inside and out—and to begin healing in a way that honors your nervous system and your lived experience.

Our work together is supported by tools and skills drawn from mindfulness practices, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) and Motivational Interviewing (MI), and informed by Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). My approach is warm, collaborative, and grounded in respect for your innate capacity for growth.

I earned my Master of Social Work from Portland State University and am licensed in Oregon. Outside of therapy, I enjoy spending time on my yoga mat, walking nature trails, growing and preserving vegetables, fruit, herbs, and flowers, and curling up with a good book—practices that help me stay grounded and connected to the present
moment.