Monica Fish, MA, LPC, CADC I

SERVING ADULT INDIVIDUALS, TEENS, AND COUPLES

Philosophy and Approach:

It is my great joy and passion to create a space for curiosity, encouragement and grace for clients. Healing often grows naturally when taking the time together to slow down and listen for what we need, and actually respond! 

I work with clients who experience depression, anxiety, OCD, various traumas and losses. I find that the majority of those I work with have at some point had those they are closest to let them down in a big way. These may even be parental figures or a significant other. This kind of relational pain can cause animosity or mistrust toward the world, as well as doubts about personal worth and value. From here stems a variety of ways to respond that are not adaptive to growing freely and healthfully. It may feel like being stuck in the same old story and emotions on repeat. This is an indicator of exactly where to begin. 

I take a client-led, compassionate and down-to-earth approach to counseling. Together, we can unfold your story. We can sit with the difficulty just long enough to give it space to voice and release its burdens, then move toward wholeness using an Internal Family Systems model. EMDR can help minimize the severe reactions and instinctual fears involved, moving them back into the past and out of the present. I work from a strong attachment based lens- stepping into a role of safe, unconditional acceptance while strengthening various internal and external resources. Spiritual, emotional, physical and relational aspects are all given ample opportunity to assist in this process. 

Formal Training and Experience

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor with the State of Oregon (#C5964)

My education includes a Masters of Arts in Mental Health Counseling from George Fox University in Portland Oregon with a focus on trauma studies. I am a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) and enjoy working with those in long-term recovery. 

Past counseling experiences at UGM Life Change Program, as well as Morrison Child and Family Services equipped me with hands-on training in crisis management and working with individuals who deal with substance abuse, houselessness, family ruptures and chronic mental illness.

Before starting my professional career, I worked for almost 10 years within behavioral and special needs classrooms, residential mental health treatment programs, and with “youth in crisis” locally and in the Midwest. I also had the opportunity to spend six months abroad learning Spanish with a Counseling-focused training and international outreach organization in Argentina, Honduras and El Salvador in 2012. 

Payment for Services:

My fee is $155 for a clinical hour (50-55 minutes). Payment is made upfront for each session online via Therapy Portal or in-office via check or credit card. I am able to provide receipts for fees to submit to insurance for out-of-network reimbursement. All appointments will be charged a cancellation fee unless cancellation is made with a 24-hour notice of your scheduled appointment or there has been an agreed-upon emergency related to cancellation.

Personal:

Having grown up in the Pacific Northwest, I am grateful to have a connected and rich community of friends and family in the area. I married my husband in 2014. Together we have had a daughter and a son who now keep me both lighthearted, and on my toes! I come from a heritage of psychologists and other helping professionals who have cared for many with art, passion and generosity. These influences helped guide me to an interest in counseling at a young age. My favorite hobbies include yoga, singing, board games, and enjoying the whimsy and awe of nature through gardening, hikes, and traveling to uniquely beautiful places. I also enjoy the cuddly times with my usually feisty kitty, “Leopold.”

To schedule an appointment, please call me at 503-597-8142 or email Monica@waypointpdx.com