Melissa Hartley (she/her)

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and a Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC). I hold a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Portland State University. I draw from the integrated theoretical frameworks of Person-Centered Therapy, Feminist Theory and Internal Family Systems (IFS). IFS is a non-pathologizing, evidence based conceptual tool that sees every human being as a system of protective and wounded inner parts lead by a core Self. Just like members of a family, inner parts are forced from their preferred states into extreme roles within us. This can happen several ways, including trauma and attachment injuries. Part of therapy utilizing the IFS perspective is helping people first access their Self and, from that core, come to understand and heal their parts.

I work in session, and in my role as a social justice advocate in society at large, to promote non-discriminatory practices, human rights, equality, justice, and safety for all persons. I do not discriminate on the basis of age, race/ethnicity, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, relationship(s) style/structure, socioeconomic status, mental or physical ability/disability status, nation of origin, or religious beliefs. I am an LGBTQ2IA+, polyamory/open relationship, and sex-positivity affirming counselor. Additionally, I provide a safe and judgement-free therapeutic atmosphere for people in all occupations/professions, including sex-work. There is safe, joyous, and welcoming space in my office for all of your identities and ways of expressing yourself!