Heidi Sause, MEd, Professional Counselor Associate

SERVING ADOLESCENTS, YOUNG ADULTS AND ADULT INDIVIDUALS

(Receiving inquiries now, though not seeing clients until July, 2026)

Philosophy and Approach

I believe counseling is one of the strongest and bravest acts that a human can do. It takes vulnerability and courage to be curious about your mind and heart, and it takes work to live in alignment with your values and goals. I consider it a sacred gift to be allowed to walk alongside others as they navigate the journey of personal understanding and growth. 

My work is informed by the understanding that the intersection of race, gender, age, ability, faith and sexuality influence the lived human experience in this world. All of these identities are welcome and celebrated in my counseling office. I have only lived my own story – but I am here to hold space for yours. Bring your feelings, your thoughts, your questions and confusion. Life is messy and hard, but none of us are in it alone. I’d be honored to step into your story with you!

What you can expect from me as a counselor: I work to create a judgment-free space for your courage and curiosity. I will meet you with authenticity and honesty, humor and hope. I am a client-centered therapist – meaning I will work to first establish trust in our therapeutic relationship, so you can have the security you need to explore your relationship with yourself and the larger world. I will lean on tools from Solution Focused Counseling, Motivational Interviewing, Strengths-Based Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to shape our work together.

I help teens and adults living with depression, anxiety, trauma, burnout, perfectionism, issues related to gender and sexual identity, and major life changes.

Formal Training and Experience

I am a Professional Counselor Associate in the state of Oregon (R12388), which means I’ve completed my graduate training and am working toward full licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) under board-approved supervision.

My education includes a Masters of Education in School Counseling from Lewis and Clark College; a Bachelors of Arts in Psychology and a Bachelors of Arts in Communication from Seattle Pacific University. Major areas of study include: Developmental Psychology, Counseling Theory, Diagnosis and Assessment, Social Justice and Diversity, Family Dynamics, Ethical and Legal Issues, School Counseling, Classroom Instruction, Motivational Interviewing, Group Development, Career Development, College Planning, and Special Needs Populations.  

Additional certifications: I am a Certified Trainer for suicide prevention work through the QPR Institute, and have a LGBTQIA+ Informed Professional Certification through the Modern Sex Therapy Institute. 

I came to the world of professional mental health counseling after more than a decade working in Oregon public schools as a High School Counselor. I love teens. They’re so brave…even existing is incredibly difficult when you’re figuring out who you are while your brain and body are an active construction zone. My experience in the school system deepened my ability to understand and respond to crisis, bias incidents, emerging mental health concerns, academic and social pressures, systemic oppression, family systems, changing relationships, racial identity, gender and sexual identity, substance use, and the transition to young adulthood.

Payment for Services

My fee is $150 for individual therapy per clinical hour (50 minutes). Payment is made upfront for each session by check or credit card on file. Currently I do not accept insurance, however, I am able to provide receipts for you to submit to your insurance company for potential out-of-network reimbursement. Limited sliding scale options are available based on need and availability. All appointments will be charged as stated above unless cancellation is made with a 24-hour notice of your scheduled appointment or there has been an agreed-upon emergency related to cancellation.

A Bit More Personal:

I’m a lifelong resident of the Pacific Northwest. Rain or shine, I love days on the Oregon Coast, and very few things fill my heart like seeing the hopeful signs of spring after a dreary and gray northwest winter. When I’m not working, I’m reading somewhere under a cozy blanket, or cheering on my husband and our two children as they skateboard, surf, or get into some other board-related shenanigans. My life is full of stories and music, and I have a pop culture hobby that keeps me looking into shows, cinema, celebrity, fandoms and more.

To schedule an appointment, please call 503-673-2717 or email Heidi@waypointpdx.com.