Business Details
Your Trusted Therapist in Portland, OR
With over 31 years of experience in mental health, I have dedicated my career to helping individuals and couples navigate life's challenges. My journey began with an internship at Bethesda Naval Hospital's outpatient psychiatry department, followed by advanced training in psychodynamic and psychoanalytic therapies. For more than two decades, I have maintained a private practice in Portland, Oregon, where I combine clinical expertise with compassionate care. My approach emphasizes understanding clients as whole persons, addressing both surface symptoms and deeper underlying patterns.I hold a Master of Social Work from The Catholic University of America and have pursued postgraduate training through institutions like the Institute of Contemporary Psychoanalysis. My practice is informed by memberships in professional organizations including the American Association for Psychoanalysis in Clinical Social Work. I prioritize creating a secure therapeutic space where clients can develop resilience, improve relationships, and achieve greater life satisfaction through collaborative exploration of their unique experiences.
Services
Individual Therapy
Couples Therapy
Trauma Counseling
Anxiety Treatment
Relationship Counseling
Life Transition Support
Highlights and features
- 31 years of clinical experience in mental health settings
- Specialized training in psychodynamic and psychoanalytic therapies
- Focus on treating clients as whole persons rather than symptoms
- Proven success helping couples improve communication and connection
- Active participation in professional psychoanalytic organizations
Services
Individual Therapy
Comprehensive treatment for adults seeking personal growth and healing from emotional challenges. Utilizing psychodynamic approaches, this therapy addresses anxiety, trauma, and behavioral patterns through collaborative exploration of past experiences and present difficulties. Clients develop greater self-awareness and improved coping strategies in a supportive environment.
Couples Therapy
Specialized treatment for partners facing communication breakdowns and relationship distress. Focus areas include conflict resolution, rebuilding trust after infidelity, and improving emotional connection. The therapeutic process creates a safe space for both partners to express needs and develop healthier interaction patterns through guided dialogue and practical exercises.
Trauma Counseling
Targeted therapy for individuals experiencing lasting effects of traumatic experiences. Combining psychoanalytic principles with evidence-based techniques, this service helps clients process unresolved trauma, develop emotional regulation skills, and reduce symptoms like flashbacks and hypervigilance through gradual, supportive exploration of traumatic memories.
People
Katharine Doel
Therapist
Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 31 years of experience in mental health. Specializes in psychodynamic therapy for individuals and couples. Holds MSW from Catholic University and completed advanced psychoanalytic training. Focuses on creating secure therapeutic relationships to foster personal growth and improved relationships.
Questions
What types of therapy do you offer?
I specialize in psychodynamic psychotherapy for individuals and couples, addressing anxiety, trauma, relationship issues, and life transitions using evidence-based techniques tailored to each client's needs.
How long are therapy sessions?
Standard sessions last 50 minutes, with extended sessions available when needed. The therapeutic process determines session frequency, typically ranging from weekly to biweekly meetings.
Do you accept insurance?
I operate as an out-of-network provider. Clients receive detailed receipts for potential insurance reimbursement. Payment is due at the time of service through cash, check, or electronic payment methods.
What if I need to cancel an appointment?
I require 24 hours' notice for appointment cancellations. Late cancellations or no-shows may incur a full session fee to maintain scheduling integrity for all clients.
How can I determine if therapy will help me?
I offer brief phone consultations to discuss your concerns and determine if my approach aligns with your needs. This 15-20 minute conversation helps both of us assess potential therapeutic fit without commitment.
What makes your approach different?
My training in psychoanalytic methods emphasizes understanding deep-seated patterns rather than just symptom management. This depth-oriented approach creates lasting change by addressing root causes of emotional distress through collaborative exploration.
