Chiara Paul

(she/her)
Professional Counselor Associate, ATR-P

Waitlisted
BCBS, OHP, Cigna, Providence, or direct payment ($125/session)

I believe therapy should be client-centered. You will always be the greatest expert on your life and your capacity to heal and grow; my role as therapist comes second. I believe that our internal system naturally works for our good, and despite the challenges we face, this system has no bad parts. These internal parts help navigate our world, maintain our safety, and amplify our strengths. My goal is to support all parts of the system in being seen, heard, and validated; to aid in their development; and to encourage their relationships with other parts and with the system as a whole.

I work from a strengths-based, trauma-informed perspective, using art, craft, and play to foster communication between our parts, our bodies, and our true self. My clinical approach is informed by Internal Family Systems theory, Interpersonal Neurobiology, and the Expressive Therapies Continuum. I’m passionate about working with neurodiverse clients of all ages–especially tweens and women discovering their neurodivergence in adulthood; maternal mental health issues–including birth trauma, pre/postpartum body image, and the intersection of neurodiversity + motherhood; those looking to incorporate faith and spirituality into counseling; and anyone who struggles with traditional models of talk therapy. I identify as a proud neurodivergent and someone experiencing multiple unseen physical disabilities. As a white, cis-gender, female, I recognize my privilege in American culture. I wish to name such privilege, interrupt my biases, and use my social location to advocate for and amplify the voices of those who face continued oppression.

I hold a bachelor’s degree in clinical psychology and theology from Franciscan University of Steubenville (’15) and a master’s degree in counseling and art therapy from Lewis & Clark College (’22). In addition to standard therapeutic coursework, I’ve studied specialized areas of child and adolescent therapy, family systems, trauma, neurodiversity, disordered eating, and spirituality in counseling. Previous clinical experiences include child/adolescent inpatient psychiatric care, alternative schooling, community mental health, unhoused and DHS-involved families, and crisis intervention.

On the town – you can usually find me treasure-hunting at the Goodwill Bins or partaking in Portland’s rich coffee culture. At home – I love exploring my Southern Italian heritage in the kitchen, sharing puns and memes with my spouse, and making our 4-year-old laugh.