Heleen Woest, MA, LPC< NCC

Heleen@waypointpdx.com

Heleen Woest, MA, LPC, NCC

SERVING ADULT INDIVIDUALS

Philosophy and Approach:

I love working with adult individuals of diverse ages, cultures, identities, and life experiences. My work centers on helping people heal from the impact of trauma and complex PTSD, and I strongly believe that trauma is treatable. Because this work is deeply personal and often vulnerable, I prioritize ensuring a good fit, building a strong therapeutic relationship, staying client-focused, and creating a safe, steady space where clients can process past pain while moving toward the future they envision for themselves.

My approach is collaborative, holistic, and grounded in evidence‑based trauma treatment. I enjoy designing unique treatment plans that integrate each client’s strengths, personality, and creativity with modalities such as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Internal Family Systems (IFS), Trauma‑Focused CBT, Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Mindfulness‑Based practices, Art & Music Therapy, and Ketamine‑Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP).

Focus:

I primarily work with individuals healing from trauma. Many of my clients experienced debilitating symptoms, such as depression, anxiety, nightmares, flashbacks, toxic shame, insomnia, emotional dysregulation, trauma triggers, somatic and health-related symptoms, sexual difficulties, social anxiety, relationship struggles, fear of abandonment, self-esteem issues, and harsh inner critics. These symptoms are usually linked to one or more of the following scenarios:

Trauma (single‑incident)

  • Accidents or near‑death events

  • Sexual assault

  • Medical trauma

  • Natural disasters

  • Shootings or community violence

  • Sudden or traumatic loss

  • War, political violence, or displacement

  • Reproductive trauma (miscarriage, traumatic birth, fertility‑related trauma)

Complex Trauma (chronic or relational)

  • Childhood trauma (neglect, abuse, poverty, instability, parental mental illness or addiction, chronic illness in the family, bullying, loss, divorce, blended family stress)

  • Domestic violence and coercive control

  • Betrayal trauma (Infidelity, cheating, financial deception, digital betrayal)

  • Abandonment wounds and fear of rejection

  • Workplace bullying or institutional betrayal

  • Moral injury (often found in veterans)

  • Vicarious trauma (first responders, medical providers, mental health clinicians, caregivers, journalists, military)

  • Chronic illness and pain

  • Long-term caretaking of a vulnerable adult

  • Living with treatment‑resistant mental or physical health conditions

  • Religious, spiritual, or ritual abuse

  • Immigration and acculturation trauma

  • Trauma bonds with unsafe or unpredictable people

  • Identity‑based and systemic trauma (racism, xenophobia, homophobia, transphobia, misogyny, ableism, etc)

  • Phobias (fear of flying, driving, etc.)

Professional Background:

I have nearly a decade of private practice experience treating trauma, complex trauma, and dual diagnoses. Before that, I worked at the Domestic Violence Resource Center in Beaverton and the UGM Life Change Program in Portland, where I gained extensive experience with domestic violence, substance use, homelessness, and chronic mental illness. Prior to becoming a licensed clinician, I spent eighteen years working in lay counseling and was trained as a nauthetic counselor, facilitating recovery groups for individuals struggling with eating disorders and food addiction. I have also authored recovery materials and created online courses for women and mothers.

Formal Training and Experience:

I’m a Licensed Professional Counselor with the State of Oregon #C6173. My formal education and training include:

  • Master's in Counseling - Western Seminary

  • BIuris in Law - University of South Africa (UNISA)

  • Certified EMDR Therapist - EMDRIA

  • Certification in Traumatic Stress Studies - Trauma Research Foundation

  • Certified in Internal Family Systems (IFS)

  • Certified in Ketamine‑Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP)

  • Certified Veteran & Military Mental Health Professional (CVMHP)

  • Certified Oregon State Victim’s Advocate - Domestic Violence Resource Center (DVRC)

  • Certified in ASD and ADD/ADHD

  • Advanced Grief Counseling Specialist (CAGCS) Certification

Fees, Insurance and Policies:

  • $195 for one clinical hour (55 minutes) of Psychotherapy and $250 for one clinical hour (55 minutes) of Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy. Payments can be made through the client portal, check, cash, or credit card. Limited sliding‑scale options are available based on need.

  • I currently accept Aetna Insurance and provide superbills for out‑of‑network reimbursement. My billing system will automatically create a superbill for you at the end of each month.

  • I have a 24‑hour cancellation policy - late cancellations incur a $100 fee except in the event of highly irregular circumstances.

Personal and Background:

I grew up in South Africa and immigrated to the United States more than two decades ago. This experience shaped my cultural sensitivity and deepened my understanding of identity, belonging, and transition. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my husband and children, gathering with friends and family, playing piano, writing, hiking (the leisurely kind), taking road trips, reading historical fiction, painting with oils, doing strength/weight training, dancing, and karaoke.

To schedule an appointment, please call me at 503-395-5522 or email Heleen@waypointpdx.com

Existing clients can request an appointment on the client portal below. https://www.lifesolutions.io/client-portal/