I'm Emily Henderson, LPC - Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Oregon. I have a Bachelor's degree in Cognitive Science and a Master's degree in Counseling from George Fox University. I am experienced working with individuals, couples, and families to achieve increased mental, emotional, spiritual, and relational well-being. I spent 2 years working for the Early Assessment & Support Alliance (EASA), supporting adolescents and young adults who were experiencing early symptoms of psychosis. From there I started my private practice, Living Peace Counseling, where I have enjoyed coming alongside people with all kinds of mental health, life transition, and relationship concerns.
Prior to counseling, I spent 5 years as a youth pastor, where I had the privilege of journeying with teens and young adults through the tumultuous waters of shifting identity and growth. My spiritual orientation is Christian, though I welcome clients from all different backgrounds and spheres of belief.
I am a certified facilitator of the Prepare-Enrich program for marriage preparation and enrichment. My work with couples centers around changing problematic relationship patterns, increasing healthy communication, and creating space for authentic intimacy.
I am a certified Positive Discipline parent educator. I teach workshops, classes, and offer ongoing parent coaching. My desire is to provide parents with information and skills to raise up children who become strong, confident, self-aware, empathic, responsible adults.
My theoretical approach to counseling is based mostly on Adlerian, intersubjective, emotionally-focused, and attachment theories, informed by interpersonal neurobiology. I also utilize cognitive-behavioral techniques when appropriate. I believe that all people are wired for connection and have a deep, central yearning to find a place of significance and belonging. As we learn to navigate life, we develop patterns of perceiving, thinking, feeling, and behaving. Change occurs through the therapeutic relationship, as clients begin to experience themselves in new, different, and more fully authentic ways. This new experience frees clients to make new and different choices about how they will interact with themselves, others, and the world around them.
I believe that God has a unique design for everyone's life and a desire to bring freedom and restoration of peace. For clients who want to connect more deeply with God, I provide space for that to happen in our meetings.
I believe that understanding how our brains and bodies work is often instrumental in the healing and change process. I provide lots of education, brain tools, and referrals to other practitioners who can contribute to holistic health.
My hope for you is that through the counseling process, you will achieve an increased sense of peace with who you are and what you are doing with your life. I'm here for you, to listen to your story and to help you move beyond your past and present, into your best future.
Outside of my counseling practice, I enjoy bluegrass music, triathlons, and motorcycles. I am married with 2 children and a boxer.