Our Team
Nicole Bongard, MA, QMHA-R (she/her)
Connection is a human drive, not only to understand each other but also to better understand ourselves. My approach to counseling is to offer space to explore the world we live in, our relationships, and most of all ourselves. Giving the time we all need to help figure out our needs in life is important, and having someone to help connect those dots makes a huge difference.
While I earned my master’s in counseling psychology at Northwestern University, my educational background started in sociology and applied psychology. This interest has continued to serve, allowing me to better understand clients who are dealing with complexities surrounding intersectionality, and how it affects one’s thoughts, behaviors, and feelings.
This comes in handy when focused on building strong therapeutic alliances with clients. Those bonds help form trust, but also help to foster growth in relationships. I also like to help clients who need help focusing on their connection with the body, such as working through past traumas or use of mindfulness and grounding techniques. Connecting to our bodies is also important in identifying our inner strengths to empower and improve one’s self-esteem. I also offer therapeutic services for those struggling with anxiety, depression, grief, and those dealing with systemic and/or women’s issues.
My core training has focused on using an integrative and holistic lens with CBT, psychodynamic, and mindfulness-based interventions to help clients better understand themselves. From an academic perspective and personally I see individuals as unique, and understand how we all must be treated as such. I work to value client’s strengths and weaknesses, while acknowledging the importance of each individual’s identity throughout the therapy process.
When I am not working, you can find me dancing while wearing headphones, training as an aspiring mall walker, and sharing my life with my two cats; Opal and Onyx.
clinical therapist
Paul Villaescusa, MSW, CSWA (he/him/el)
We all come into therapy for different reasons. Some people may have specific challenges they are looking to overcome, while others may just need to explore why they feel the way they do. Both in relationships and as individuals, often we first feel the barriers in front of us before we really understand where they are coming from. I see therapy as a conversation, and I am deeply committed to maintaining an open dialogue with you.
Challenges in my own life and the very complexities of identity itself have profoundly shaped my empathetic approach to life. I also recognize that you are the expert on your own lived experiences, and I am here to support you in your journey of resilience, empowerment, and self-discovery. I provide a space where you can feel safe exploring gender and sexual identities, overcoming the stigma of addiction, understanding the impact of discrimination, overcoming depression, anxiety, and trauma and other intersecting issues.
My approach to counseling is based on a holistic person-centered philosophy that emphasizes empathy, unconditional positive regard, and authenticity. As a therapist, my primary goal is to empower you to take control of your journey toward change, providing a safe and collaborative space where we can work together as a team to explore your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.
I am dedicated to fostering a strong connection and understanding with you as we work through these challenges together, because your journey is unique to me.
clinical therapist
Colleen Quigley, MSW, LCSW (she/they)
First and foremost, I am a psychotherapist helping people to understand and accept themselves with grace and compassion. My approach to therapy is holistic, taking into consideration the interconnectedness of physical, emotional, and relational well-being. I help people with long-standing and complex issues related to sex and intimacy. I am dedicated to helping clients resolve these issues and experience new ways of relating, develop satisfying relationships, and explore pleasure. I celebrate the unique identities, desires, and relationship structures of each individual. I specialize in working with gender, sexual, and relationship diversity. I am LGBTQIA+/Kink/ENM/GNC and Sex Worker informed and affirming.
I am also the Co-Founder, Lead Therapist, and Clinical Director of the Northwest Institute for Psychotherapy and Sexuality. We established this practice to provide inclusive and effective therapy by highly trained therapists. We believe that everyone is entitled to quality healthcare that supports expression of individuality.
As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker I provide psychotherapy services in Oregon, Washington, and New York. I graduated from the University of Michigan in 2014 with a Master’s in Social Work and began practicing the same year. I have advanced training in Emotion Focused Therapy, Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy, Behavioral Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, Somatic Practice and Mindfulness, Internal Family Systems, Relational Therapy and Sex Therapy. I hold a certificate in Sex Therapy and Sexual Education from the University of Michigan and I am a member of AASECT – the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists.
lead therapist, clinical director
Eris Schack (she/they)
co-founder, business director
Join
our team.
We are always looking for new talented therapists and mental health providers to join our team. Please reach out with your resume and a brief cover letter to apply today.