Hello and welcome to my counseling practice website! I am a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in the states of Oregon and California. I have a hybrid online and in person practice, with my physical office located in Tigard, Oregon. On this page you’ll find information about my therapeutic style and my education and training background. If you’d prefer to have me share my style and background over the phone, please navigate to the Contact section to find out how to request a brief consultation call.
Therapeutic Style:
I am a “forever student” on the path towards understanding myself and others. I believe that human relationships are one of the best ways we can learn and grow. The therapeutic relationship is one such relationship that offers an opportunity for relational and experiential learning and growth. As a therapist, I show up as “human first”, meaning that you will experience me as compassionate, understanding, gentle, attuned, humorous, and ever curious about your unique experience in the world. I believe that the most significant outcomes in therapy come from the experiential aspect of the therapeutic relationship, meaning that when humans are struggling we can access our own inner compassion and wisdom when in the presence of another human who is safely witnessing us and holding space for our distress rather than trying to “fix us”.
With permission, I am also directive like a “teacher” might be, informed by my years of experience in the field of education, and can provide education and guidance on which tools and skills might best support your journey. This more directive approach is usually helpful when a client is wanting to know the “how” of psychological healing or in couples or sex therapy sessions when we need to actively learn and practice listening and communication skills. Typically, most clients experience me as a blend of both of those styles: compassionate and active in session.
Education:
- BA Psychology, California State University Long Beach, 2001-2005
- Visual arts coursework, Long Beach City College, 2005-2007
- MA Psychology, with emphasis in Marriage & Family Therapy & Art Therapy, Phillips Graduate University, 2007-2010
- Art Therapy education & training as part of Master’s degree
- School Counseling education program & training as part of Master’s degree
- Sex Therapy education program & training, Institute for Sexuality Education & Enlightenment, 2020
Licenses:
- Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in California, active
- Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in Oregon, active
- School Counseling Credential in California, non practicing, inactive
- School Counseling License in Oregon, non practicing, inactive
Memberships:
- Professional Member of the American Association of Marriage & Family Therapists
- Professional Member of the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors, & Therapists
Advanced Training & Certificates:
- Gottman Method Training Levels 1 & 2
- Advanced Certificate in Applied Archetypal Astrology
Jenn Besst, LMFT 