Ariel Oakes

I do this work because I believe people can heal and live a meaningful life. No matter what you’ve been through or how stuck you feel, you are not defined by your pain, your past, or how others have treated you. You are not too broken or too much. I am here to walk alongside you as you face your suffering, strengthen your relationships, grow your self-esteem, and become empowered to build a life you are proud of. I offer a space where you can be your whole genuine self, free from judgement. Even if it feels hopeless right now, you are still deserving of healing, and a flourishing life. I hold a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Portland State University. My undergraduate studies focused on at-risk youth, laying the foundation for my long-standing commitment to working with teenagers. I don’t treat teenagers like they are children, because I’ve seen how transformational therapy can be for young people when they’re met with respect, consistency, and care. Today, I work with individuals ages 10 and up. I’m trained in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), a leading therapy for trauma and PTSD. EMDR helps clients process distressing experiences and shift how those memories live in their bodies and minds. My clinical experience spans a wide range of settings, including work with foster youth, survivors of domestic violence, and individuals navigating serious mental health concerns. I specialize in complex trauma, and understand the impacts that trauma has on survivors emotionally, physically, relationally, and spiritually. Throughout my career, I’ve worked with clients from many different cultural, ethnic, religious, political, and personal backgrounds. I honor each person’s unique perspective, and work with you to find your version of healing, purpose, and self-respect. My presence in the therapy room is direct, compassionate, and deeply respectful. I’m here to listen kindly and hold space for your most painful and vulnerable moments. I describe myself as “stubbornly nonjudgmental,” and my hope for you is that you can find relief from your suffering. Unfortunately, this can be a difficult process, and healing doesn’t come when we stay comfortable. I care deeply for my clients, which sometimes means giving them tough love. If you are looking for a counselor who will just nod along, and tell you what you want to hear, I’m probably not a good fit for you. I’ll challenge you to look at patterns, ask hard questions, and do the work that leads to real, lasting change. As Churchill said, “If you’re going through hell, keep going.” But don’t worry, we will do it together.