503-926-7807
info@joleenrosslcsw.com
My Approach
No one chooses the biology, genetics, or childhood environments and events that are the foundation of our lives. That said, I truly believe with a combination of knowledge, support, compassion and gusto we can do the difficult and worthy work of living a life more in line with our deepest values and goals.
Our work together will be grounded in a profound and abiding respect for the inherent worth and value in all human life and experiences. We’ll look at hard truths and celebrate your strengths. Being encouraged and allowed to explore all parts of you- light and dark, pleasant and painful, highest and lowest self- is integral to the therapeutic process and I make space for all of you.
It is vital to view people’s problems through the lens of oppression and to be aware of how belonging to marginalized identity groups has a significant impact on emotional and mental health. I adapt the treatments that have been shown to be effective at addressing specific problems to your uniqueness and life experiences.
I work with individuals and families in all different sorts of configurations and states of being and love building on the strengths inherent in the person and family system. I am skilled at doing solution-focused work without oversimplifying the solution and with the understanding that the solution often involves balancing acceptance and change.
I thrive when I’m working with people who are 110% committed to “the work” whatever that means for them. I also know that the definition of “the work” can change and evolve and that ebbs and flows of motivation are normal. I have a deep respect for the change process and understand that even making healthy and positive changes is often painful as it involves loss and the unfamiliar.
Joleen Ross, LCSW, CADC I