Elyse Johansen, PCA

Hey there. My name is Elyse Johansen (she/her), and I am a Registered Professional Counselor Associate in the state of Oregon. I work with individuals (adolescents and adults), couples, and families both in-person and via telehealth seeking a person-centered, relational, and process-oriented approach to therapy.

Some of the people I work with have felt hesitant or resistant to counseling in the past, or arrive feeling socially, culturally, or emotionally isolated. Others come in feeling stuck or paralyzed by opposing wants, needs, or internal parts—wanting things to be or feel different while also feeling protective of what's familiar.

I offer therapy for concerns including trauma, relationship and attachment patterns, identity exploration, anxiety, life transitions, and internal conflict. My work is especially supportive for those who value depth, collaboration, and a non-pathologizing space to better understand themselves and their relationships.

Are you a good clinical fit?

I tend to work well with clients who are curious about themselves and open to reflection, even if they’re not always sure what they’re feeling yet. Many of my clients come to therapy navigating trauma, relational patterns, identity exploration, anxiety, or life transitions. If you’re interested in understanding yourself more deeply, building safer relationships (including with yourself), and doing this work in a collaborative, non-pathologizing space, we may be a good fit.

My Approach

My approach to therapy is relational, collaborative, and grounded in the belief that healing happens in the context of safety, trust, and connection. I work to co-create a therapeutic relationship where you feel supported enough to show up as your full self—including the parts that feel messy, painful, conflicted, or hard to name. Together, we’ll explore your inner world at a pace that feels respectful of your nervous system and your lived experience. I am a social justice–oriented counselor who strives to be anti-colonial and affirming of diverse identities. I aim to be transparent about power dynamics in the therapy room, welcome feedback, and stay committed to ongoing self-reflection and unlearning. My work is trauma-informed and person-centered, and is influenced by Internal Family Systems (IFS), attachment theory, emotionally focused therapy, relational psychodynamic theory, and existential-humanism. I also integrate somatic awareness to support mind–body connection and nervous system regulation.

I look forward to working with you!