HOW I WORK As a therapist, my goal is to engage collaboratively and compassionately with my clients throughout the vast process of change. My approach is rooted in the belief that a safe therapeutic relationship is the foundation of effective psychotherapy. In order to work well together, we will need a comfortable connection. In this spirit, I strive to create a safe and non-judgmental environment throughout our therapeutic journey. I am grounded in practice by attachment science and the understanding that quality of life is determined by the health of our relationships. My goal as a therapist, whether working with an individual, a couple, or a family, is to help my clients understand what is needed in order to become emotionally strong and attuned, both individually and within relationships. My approach is strengths-based and non-pathologizing.
I am a champion for empowered decision-making and healing. I am equipped to address a wide range of mental health concerns; and my practice specialties broadly encompass reproductive health and its impact on emotional wellness. This involves perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs), but it also includes fertility, the impacts of PMS/PMDD, men and paternal wellness, adoption, third party reproduction, and transitions to parenthood. I offer care at times of grief and loss, particularly related to fertility, family-making, and the perinatal period. I have a special interest in cultural considerations in mental health care; and my work further involves body image, the mind-body relationship, and disordered eating. If you're not sure you're a fit for my practice but you are interested in working with me, that's great! Let's talk! A preliminary phone consultation can help us determine whether or not I'm a good match for you and your needs.
MY EXPERTISE & THERAPEUTIC MODALITIES I have advanced training through the International Centre for Excellence in Emotionally Focused Therapy, Postpartum Support International, the Marce Society, The American Adoption Congress, the Adoption Initiative, All Adoption Consulting and Training, the Harvard Program for Global Mental Health, and the Center for Community Engagement's Eating Disorder Treatment Training. These specialized training opportunities inform and support my work in the perinatal period, with couples and relationship health, with individuals and families impacted by adoption and third party reproduction, in eating disorder and body image work, and in my commitment to culturally relevant care. Also, I am a birth and postpartum doula, and this training and experience has allowed me to provide additional hands-on care in the therapeutic context. Preparing for birth and postpartum, offering support with post-birth recovery, and supporting skill development in the care of a new baby (or multiple babies) are important parts of my clinical approach.
I offer individual, couple, and family therapy
I use emotionally focused therapy; interpersonal psychotherapy; mindfulness-based methods; parent-infant dyadic therapy; narrative methods; feminist empowerment
I draw from an ever-evolving list of frameworks to inform my practice. These include trauma-informed care, emotionally-focused therapy, attachment theory; feminist theories; Health at Every Size; intuitive eating
I strive to offer culturally relevant care and I am an LGBTQ+ affirming provider
MY COMMITMENT TO COLLABORATION Throughout my work in various settings, I have been an active interdisciplinary team member practicing alongside a diverse array of care providers. I continue to value collaboration as one of the most important aspects of quality care for my clientele. Throughout our work together, I prioritize relationships and ongoing collaboration with nutritionists, midwives, nurses, physicians, lactation consultants, doulas, and other members of your care team.
MY BACKGROUND Originally from Wisconsin, I have lived and worked on a small island in Alaska, in Portland, Oregon, New York City, and Boulder, Colorado. My passion for this work began in 2004 when I was a graduate student intern at a birthing center and neonatal intensive care unit within a large hospital. In addition to working in multiple hospital settings, I have practiced in community mental health, with the women's health team at a primary care clinic serving newly-arrived refugees, in a small day-hospitalization program for women and infants, and in private practice.
A BIT ABOUT ME When I'm not working, you can find me hiking, skiing, and running trails, backpacking through the West, or enjoying a bike ride around town, typically in the company of my husband and dear friends. I am a keeper of chickens, a swimmer of lakes, a warm lap for an old cat, a companion to a rescue dog, and an admirer of llamas.
jessmharr10[at]gmail.com 503.679.4650 I am not currently in private practice. Please be in touch if you would like a referral in Portland, OR or Boulder, CO.
