Joleen Ross, LCSW, CADC I
About Me
I am licensed as a clinical social worker in Oregon and Washington and also have my certification in alcohol and drug counseling in Oregon. Over my fifteen years as a therapist, I have held leadership positions and am passionate about developing programs that enhance the lives of clients and clinicians. I am currently the Clinical Director of Phuket Island Rehab. I am also paneled with telehealth agency MD Live and see clients online in private practice. Most recently prior to that, I was employed at The Cabin where I was a primary therapist and developed and implemented a program for Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). Previously, I worked as a therapist and manager at Portland DBT Institute. I have worked in various alcohol and drug treatment centers, mental health agencies, crisis lines, in-home care agencies and hospital settings serving children, adolescents, and adults since 2003.
I am trained and experienced in using Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Prolonged Exposure Protocols and Cognitive Processing Therapy, all evidence-based practices to address symptoms of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. I am also trained and experienced in using Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing and Mindfulness practices to address individual and family problems.
I have done my own personal growth work and have gathered tools from psychology, sociology, spirituality, nature, and fitness (my 15 y/o self would be so dismayed that I exercise regularly!). Through this studying and seeking, my intention has always been to live my life as authentically as possible-not who I think I “should” be or some idealized version of what it means to be human, but my true self, imperfections and all.
People often experience me as kind and compassionate and this trait goes way back to childhood when my teacher told my mother I was the “grandmother of first grade". I frequently find myself coming back to the quote "What we are doing here is so important, we better not take it too seriously" from Suzuki Roshi. I value being able to move from being serious and somber to light-hearted and goofy, depending on what best fits in that moment.
I grew up in a small town in Wisconsin where I spent endless hours reading and daydreaming. I went to the University of Wisconsin-Madison where I obtained my Bachelor’s degree in Sociology and Women’s Studies. I moved to Portland in 2006 and obtained my Masters of Social Work from Portland State University in 2010.