About Jessica
Approach to Therapy
It will probably come as no surprise that I see connection – the relationship between client and therapist, between us – as central to this whole business of therapy. Sometimes people ask if just talking can really help; it’s a fair question. I would say it’s not the act of talking, but rather the way we talk, and the way we show up, that makes a difference. We get to have new experiences in therapy that support the changes we want to make outside of therapy.
People I work with describe my presence as warm and gentle. I’ve also been told my face is pretty expressive, so you may not have to guess about my reaction to what you’re sharing with me. But if you’re ever unsure, feel free to ask!
There are a few core principles that guide my practice:
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Seeking therapy, or any other type of help, does not mean that you are broken or that something is inherently wrong with you. Of course we will address the problems you need help with, but we will draw on inner resources you already have to support this work.
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Trusting relationships not only meet our needs for belonging and safety, but also help shape our sense of self. In these relationships, there is room for both togetherness and separateness.
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If you view emotions as unnecessary or problematic, you’re not alone. Experience has shown me that when we know how to regulate our feelings, kind of like adjusting the volume on the music we listen to (striving for not too soft and not too loud), our feelings can help us better understand our experiences, find meaning, and make decisions. They also help us either draw closer to others or take time for ourselves, depending on what we need.
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I am curious about all the things that have shaped who you are today. Our personal histories, significant relationships, cultural backgrounds, and identity markers can contribute to both the problems we’re experiencing and the inner resources we possess.
This also means that I believe social justice issues are mental health issues. All systems of oppression and marginalization, including white supremacy, transphobia, heterosexism, income inequality, sexism, ableism, and anti-fat bias cause traumatic harm. My work towards liberatory social justice practices is ongoing, both as a therapist and as a human. I understand that our respective cultural backgrounds and identities will intersect in unique ways; we can talk about and explore this in whatever ways feel helpful to you.
The theories that inform the practices I’ve described above include Emotionally Focused Individual Therapy (EFIT), which itself relies on attachment, person-centered, and family system theories; feminist and social justice theories; and mindful self-compassion.
Jessica Sarabale, MA, LPC
I (she/her) have happily claimed Oregon as home for over 20 years, but I grew up in San Francisco and lived in Seattle and Reno before landing here. Outside of work I make sporadic attempts at being a crafty person (as in making things, not as in being deceitful!), cherish my time with chosen family, and geek out about the latest fantasy/sci-fi book or show I’ve discovered. I identify as a fat, queer, cisgender white woman.
Experience
I started working as a mental health therapist since 2015. Previous experience includes working with teens and adults in a private group practice and at a community mental health organization. Prior to becoming a therapist, I worked off and on in the non-profit sector, accumulating more than 10 years of related experience including coordinating programs for youth, families, and older adult volunteers as well as working with adults with severe and persistent mental health issues.
Education and Certifications
Master of Arts in Community Counseling, Bushnell University, 2015
Bachelor of Social Work, University of Nevada, Reno, 2002
Emotionally Focused Individual Therapy - Level 1 Certificate, The International Centre for Excellence in Emotionally Focused Therapy, 2021
Eating Disorder Treatment Graduate Certificate, Lewis & Clark College, in progress