Melanie Ahlf, Professional Counselor Associate
Independent Contractor Therapist
Hello, I’m Melanie, a Professional Counselor Associate who looks forward to hearing from you, should you feel that we are a good fit! I believe that life is difficult in a myriad of ways, but that we, as humans, have the resiliency necessary to lead fulfilling lives. People need support to heal and I am here to offer that. Through empathy, gained trust and positive regard I believe that we can create a genuine connection that will foster growth and change in your life. Clients have told me that I offer them a calm, safe/grounded space to discuss their issues, open up and explore paths to expansion. As a client-led therapist, I will take your lead, but am not afraid to gently guide you, when necessary, toward confronting the things that are getting in your way.
I joined Counseling Services of Portland after graduating from a Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program with a master’s degree. I have a B.S. in Editorial Journalism from the University of Colorado at Boulder. I spent a year working in Portland at an anxiety clinic where I specialized in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and specifically Exposure and Response Prevention, which is an evidence-based intervention used to treat anxiety disorders, specific phobias, PTSD, Panic Disorder and OCD. I also work with Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, which is a modality that encourages the use of mindfulness and facilitates understanding, mental flexibility and the choice to change. I have worked with depression and adjustment disorder as well.
I welcome people from all cultural backgrounds, ethnicities, races, gender expressions and sexualities and enjoy working with a diverse population of clients. I have experience working with clients on the Autism Spectrum as well as people with ADHD. I’ve had the opportunity to work with clients aged 8 to 57.
I have lived in many places throughout the U.S. including Colorado, NYC, New Mexico and Guam, but have called Portland home for the past two years. Prior to being a therapist, I was a hairstylist for ten years, which helped me hone my interpersonal skills. When I’m not working, I enjoy hanging out with my wife and our two dogs, getting outdoors, watching TV and spending time near the ocean when I can make it out to the coast. I also like playing board games with friends, creative writing and reading novels & memoirs.
I have personally experienced therapy that has been incredibly helpful and some that was less so—it all depends on the therapist, so I encourage you to listen to yourself and honor your needs when choosing someone to work with.
Specialties & Modalities:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
Person-Centered Therapy
Exposure and Response Prevention
Behavioral Activation
Self-compassion
Mindfulness
Trauma Informed Care
Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Specific Phobias
OCD
Intrusive Thoughts
Social Anxiety Disorder
Panic Disorder
Depression
Adjustment Disorder
Relationship/Interpersonal Issues
Exploring Identity
Increasing Self-Awareness
LGBTQAI+
Existential Questions
Body Positivity
Supervisor: Annie Johns, LCSW, License No. L8387
