Gibson Counseling and Arts
Licensed Counselor and Professional Artist
A long-time, Oregon-based, licensed professional counselor with extensive experience in counseling and clinical supervision, I focus on individuals and couples, with special interests in aging and parenting and creativity as a means to health. I hold an M.S. in counseling psychology, a Ph.d. in philosophy specializing in theories of psychology and ethics, as well as a BFA and MFA in art. I have shown regionally, nationally and internationally. I love to bring art into therapy, but that is your own choice. Ask me how. One can also, more simply: live artfully.
When not working, I am happiest with my family (esp. our little first grandchild,) making art, writing, gardening and with our two Ragdoll kittens, whom the vet says to "treat as toddlers." These sisters are known to mature slower than other cats! They are making up for losing our best girl, a shelter cat who taught me how special this breed is. Their antics and love bring the family so much joy. I enjoy helping people find their own creativity.
Life is a creative, developmental process. Beauty is all around, even in how we approach the hard parts. Expression is the goal; your ideas about what is beautiful and healthy may even change, with therapy.
My Approach
Who I work With
I provide therapy for adult individuals and couples dealing with personal and relational challenges. I am especially interested people facing into into the second half of life, because we often do not take the developmental issues of aging seriously. Older people can feel especially unseen. Yet this can be an enormously rich time. And while I am not a veteran, I am trained and honored to work with them.
I treasure diversity;
I think it is what will
save the world.
My Journey
I have pursued a truly
interdisciplinary life and education because my three areas of study seem like one related braid - exploring truth, beauty and justice. Justice for you is finding ways to embrace the well-being you deserve.
Above all, it is the serious and playful study of art and art history that helped with my own history and clinical issues, strengthening my sense of self more radically than anything else. This taught me in new, less cognitive ways, to live a truly curious, connected life, Creativity, problem-solving, and self-expression take so many forms. They can take patience and work though.
To know me as an artist, please visit: www.gibson-arts.com
Modalities and Such
My primary modalities include, but are not not limited to: attachment and developmental theories, and internal family systems. But these words are jargon; primary is our relationship, but even more important is your own with yourself. Developing and finding that is the work, as well as the honor of doing it together.
Courage and commitment will let you find your own path, your own truths, your own strengths; the meaning and purpose that lie within. At times we may tend towards depression, anxiety, even the sense for many that we are imposters. You are not alone. Life is rich.
Services:
Clinical Supervision
I will be providing clinical supervision some time in 2026. I require supervisees to meet at least twice per month.
I only work via telehealth because I am myself immunocompromised.
Supervision fee: $140 per 55 min.
48 hours notice for cancellation are required or full
payment will be charged.
Payment is due at time of service.
541-632-3393
Available 9 am - noon
Tuesdays - Thursdays
Therapy
*I work entirely via
telehealth for therapy clients, with very occasional exceptions.
Therapy fee: for both individual: $150/55 min. session
Therapy for couples: $170/55 min. session
fee is $170 per 55 min.
*Please note that couples sessions begin with
a "double" session, to do an adequate assessment and
a proper greeting. This may continue if all
parties agree on what is needed.
Payment is due at time of service.
Insurances I take at this time
are changing, so I am not taking clients
at this time.
Land address: 5441 S. Macadam St., Suite A
Portland, Oregon 97239
541-632-3393
NOTE: telehealth only
Available 9am - noon Tuesdays-Thursdays
when practice reopens.
Art: ask me how.
We can make many kinds of art together: painting, clay, found object sculpture, hand-sewing, collage, journaling, more. Art can be exceptionally healing and revealing. Regardless of that special quality, it is always important. You can express yourself in many ways. No experience necessary! This is one of my favorite things to do with others. (A little humor goes a long way too, in therapy and in creativity. Allows you to be patient with yourself as you explore.)
Possibly we will begin a Creative Health group in Fall of 2026, focusing on creative art
practices as a means of relaxation, health, de-stressing, and finding pleasure in our lives. Some of you will go on to embrace bigger goals!
Cost: TBD
Detail of a larger painting and collage; always an experiment, which teaches so much in itself.
Sabrina nips to ask for love, which she craves.
Me: "Sabrina, use your words!" They are very young sisters.
Bella, the other criminal...