Cheri Partain

(she/her)
Clinical Social Worker Associate (CSWA) and Family Therapist

Waitlisted
BCBS, Cigna, Moda, Pacific Source, OHP or direct payment ($150/session)

I believe that each of us has the capacity to heal no matter where we might have started or what we are currently facing. My job is to help you uncover the truths you already know and become the best version of yourself. I do this by validating your lived experience, helping you recognize and harness your strengths, and using a lot of humor along the way to let you know therapy can be fun, you are safe, and we can do this together!

I specialize in working with children and families and my approach is compassionate, strengths-based, non-judgmental, and client-led. I am an attachment therapist, which means that I will help you explore your current and past relationships and how these attachments, or lack thereof, play a part in current challenges. With children I do this through play and storytelling, with adolescents we may do this through music and media, and with families/parents I use a multi-modality approach to help each person in the constellation feel heard and understood.

I hold a bachelor’s degree in sociology with a minor in Japanese from Linfield College (99’) and a master’s degree from Portland State University in social work (04’). I have been a social worker for two decades working extensively in the adoption and foster care community, as well as child welfare and therefore have expertise in supporting a variety of families in whatever forms they may take.  In addition to standard coursework, I am trained in Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI), Therapeutic Lifestory Work, and Collaborative Problem Solving (Tier 1). I lean heavily on family systems theory and cognitive behavioral theory, as well as polyvagal theory and mindfulness.  I am also a strong and active ally for those who identify as LGBTQIA+ and welcome those from diverse backgrounds to be in therapeutic relationship with me.

When not at work, you will typically find me spending time with my two teenagers and partner finding as many opportunities to laugh as possible. When not wearing my mom hat, I enjoy running on the trails of Forest Park, backpacking, downhill skiing, practicing yoga, or curling up with a very good book and a strong cup of coffee with a large side of chocolate.