Brittany McKenna, Professional Counselor Associate
Independent Contractor Therapist
I'm a Registered Professional Counselor Associate with over 10 years of experience in the mental health field. I offer individual therapy to adolescents (14+) and adults who are looking for a space to communicate the emotional, mental and spiritual aspects of their pain. I view that the aim of therapy is to help grow a stronger sense of self-acceptance, connection to oneself and to one’s relationships, and ultimately to attain greater psychological and holistic well-being.
The course of therapy is unique to each person but consistently has roots in fostering a sense of support, honesty, mutual trust and inclusion. I use an integrative and intersectional lens, which recognizes the complexity of social identity, and I seek to co-create a space where clients can authentically express themselves, while also working at their own pace toward creating changes to improve their lives.
I treat a wide range of mental health concerns, yet clients who tend to benefit most from my approach:
Have experienced a sense of social ostracization and othering during their lives;
Wish to improve their self-understanding, develop more language for their experience and have curiosity toward their own patterns of relating;
Find that they are already quite self-aware yet remain stuck in rigid beliefs or patterns;
Need to process grief, pain, feelings such as shame and anger, while receiving unconditional positive regard
Are interested to address complex trauma and/or dysfunctional patterns
Areas of Focus and Modalities:
Attachment Injuries
Grief & Loss
Anxiety
OCD
Depression
Cultural and Systemic Oppression
Stress Management
Complex Trauma/C-PTSD
Bullying
Emotion/Behavior Management
Life Transitions
Relationship Concerns
Personality Dynamics
Adult Caregivers to Parents
Internal Family Systems (Not Officially Certified)
Existential Therapy
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
(Multicultural) Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Mind-Body Awareness
Attachment Based Therapy
Art Therapy techniques
Neurodivergent affirming therapy
Culturally Responsive Therapy
Education/Experience:
Master of Arts in Marriage, Couples and Family Therapy, Lewis & Clark College, 2020
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, Dowling College, 2012
I have been active in and dedicated to my role in the mental health field since 2014, when I started working as a residential counselor to clients residing within the PSRB system. While in graduate school my internship was specialized in LGBTQIA+ affirming care with a focus on attachment. My focus through practicum was on learning to apply the Internal Family Systems model due to its effective application for treating social and interpersonal trauma. After graduating with my MA I worked for 2 years as a community mental health counselor to both voluntary and mandated clients with SMI, in their addiction/mental health recovery maintenance and emotion/behavior management. I have been in private practice work for over a year as a therapist associate for a diverse group of clients experiencing a myriad of mental health and relationship concerns - I am enthusiastic to join Counseling Services of Portland to continue my work. I am passionate about equally addressing both the individual and environmental/societal factors that contribute to our mental wellness, which is why I pursued education and training that centered both individual and relational care.
It is an honor to hear people's stories and to be present in this stepping stone to their growth and healing. Reaching out for help is a brave and important step to wellness. If it seems like we could be a good fit, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
Supervisor: Carla McGhee, LPC, License No. C5201
