Tressa Ernst, LCSW
Meet Tressa
Hello! I’m Tressa Ernst (she/her), a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Oregon and Washington. I offer individual therapy for teens and adults ages 14 to 70, as well as group therapy, through virtual sessions.
I work with people navigating trauma, anxiety, depression, ADHD, chronic pain or medical concerns, relationship and family challenges, grief, substance use, and life transitions. I have a particular interest in helping people understand how difficult experiences can affect both the mind and body. I bring experience from inpatient psychiatry, community mental health, integrated primary care, and outpatient therapy to this work.
You Might Be a Good Fit If...
You’re looking for a collaborative space where your strengths are recognized alongside the challenges you’re facing. You may be:
Working through trauma or stressful experiences, including experiences that continue to affect your relationships or sense of safety.
Living with chronic pain or a medical condition and wanting support with its emotional impact.
Feeling anxious, depressed, irritable, or overwhelmed.
Navigating ADHD and looking for ways to better understand your needs.
Experiencing grief, a life transition, family conflict, or relationship concerns.
Working through substance use or concerns about self-harm.
Interested in how your body, emotions, and thoughts interact.
Looking for a therapist who welcomes your feedback and works with you toward your own goals.
How I Work
I see counseling as a collaborative process. Building trust matters to me, and I welcome your feedback about what is and isn’t helping. Together, we can shape our work around your goals and adjust our approach as your needs change.
I’m continually struck by the resilience of the people I work with. Therapy can make room for pain and uncertainty while also helping you notice the strengths you already bring. Depending on what you’re facing, our work might include making sense of past experiences, building emotion regulation skills, finding ways to respond to stress, or exploring how your body and mind are connected.
My Approach
I take a holistic approach and draw from different therapies based on what is useful for you. I have training in EMDR, including attachment-focused EMDR for complex PTSD, and often incorporate Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). My continuing education has also focused on Internal Family Systems (IFS), treatments for ADHD, and neuroscience-based approaches to chronic pain.
My clinical approach includes: EMDR · Attachment-Focused EMDR · Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) · Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) · Emotion Regulation and Relaxation Strategies
Education & Credentials
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Oregon and Washington
Master’s Degree in Clinical Social Work
University of Chicago
Focus on children, families, and evidence-based practices
Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology
Trinity Western University
Minor in Human Services
Additional Training and Continuing Education
EMDR, including attachment-focused EMDR · Internal Family Systems (IFS) · Chronic pain treatment approaches · ADHD treatment approaches
Interested in Working With Tressa?
Submit a prospective patient inquiry and let us know that you’re interested in working with Tressa. We’ll review your needs, preferences, insurance, scheduling availability, and current provider openings to determine whether Tressa may be a good fit.