Michele Pearce, LCSW QMHP CADC I

Michele Pearce, LCSW QMHP CADC I

4225 NE Tillamook; Portland, Oregon 97213

503.290.8255

michele@michelepearce.com

Specialty:

Because I create an environment of openness and genuine positive regard for the people who consult with me, I tend to work well with people who may find themselves misunderstood, marginalized, or made to feel invisible by the standards of mainstream cultural norms.

My background includes working and volunteering in Africa, Asia, and Europe in communities encompassing a wide variety of belief systems.  This experience broadens my perspective of possibilities of ways of being in the world and has deepened my commitment to social justice and dismantling oppression. Providing support to people navigating cultural change is an area of expertise.  I love working with people not originally from the U.S. who now live here, international students, people returning to the U.S. from working and studying abroad, “third culture” people, and people who are learning English. 

I have specialized training from the National Multicultural Institute and understand how interlocking systems of power, privilege, and oppression can impact our lives, concerns, and struggles. 

I provide consultation to organizations and clinicians on LGBTQ (lesbian/gay/bi/trans/queer and questioning) cultural competency and have specific training and experience providing therapy to people who are transgender. Before entering private practice I was program coordinator and counselor for an LGBTQ-specific outpatient addictions treatment program.  In graduate school I worked at Portland State University's Queer Resource Center providing advocacy and support services.  Graduate research projects included a presentation on how social workers can be allies to people who are intersex, and a project focused on LGBTQ Mormons.  My services are affirming of poly and kink relationships. 

Please feel free to call me and ask any questions you may have about how we might work together.  I look forward to connecting with you.

Are you searching for a safe place to heal, explore, and grow?  It is human to long for support and understanding.  As your therapist, I can help.

I believe there are multiple paths to healing and gaining more joy and satisfaction in our lives.  I use therapeutic approaches that are effective and congruent with your identity, culture, values, and belief system(s).  Working together we will identify tools and resources to successfully navigate life challenges.  Throughout the process, I will treat you and your life experience with the utmost dignity and respect.

I have had the honor of assisting a diverse range of amazing individuals, people in relationships, and groups with concerns including the following:

• Depression and anxiety
• Addictions
• Sexuality and gender identity
• Grief and loss
• Healing from trauma and PTSD
• Support during times of transition
• Culture shock; reverse culture shock
• Body image and eating disorders
• Relationships
• Navigating through oppression and injustice

Credentials & Education:

• Masters in Social Work (MSW), Portland State University;
• Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Oregon Board of Licensed Social Workers;
• Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC I); ACCBO
• Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP), Oregon;
• Bachelors of Arts (BA), Reed College;
• Volunteer, work, and study abroad experience in Ghana, Japan, and France.

Theoretical Orientation:

My theoretical orientation is narrative.   I use a combination of narrative, motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral, and Gottman tools and techniques based on what style resonates best with you and what will be most effective in helping you reach your goals.