AJ Buchele
Licensed Professional Counselor Associate
AJ earned his Bachelor of Arts in Sociology in 2008 from the University of Portland. After a combined 16 years of military and first responder experience, AJ returned to school and in 2023 completed his Master of Arts in Counseling at Western Seminary. He is a member of the American Counseling Association, a National Certified Counselor, and is currently training to become a Certified Sex Addiction Therapist (CSAT).
I view counseling as a collaborative process between the counselor and the client. I strongly believe that my role as a counselor is to show my clients unconditional positive regard. I believe all people are deserving of love and respect and someone’s actions and/or thoughts do not define who they are. I think that everyone has the capability within themselves to find healing and purpose in their lives, especially in the face of adversity.
Michael Cooper
Licensed Professional Counselor Associate
Michael graduated in 2012 with a Bachelor of Theology from Portland Bible College and then completed a Master of Arts in Counseling from Western Seminary in 2023. He is current member of the American Counseling Association (ACA).
Counseling Approach
My counseling approach is rooted in the principles of empathy and person-centered care, where I believe in fostering a strong therapeutic relationship with my clients. With the key being that the client knows how to solve their own problems.
In our sessions, I will operate as a supportive guide, much like a trail guide on a hike, allowing you to take the lead in your exploration of thoughts, feelings, and experiences. By combining narrative and cognitive approaches, I empower individuals to navigate their unique paths, encouraging them to share their stories and explore the ways in which their thoughts shape their reality.
Shannon Duke
Licensed Professional Counselor Associate
Shannon graduated in 2001 from Multnomah University (then Multnomah Bible College) with a Bachelor of Science in Bible & Theology, minoring in Educational Ministry. In 2023, Shannon earned her Master of Arts in Counseling from Western Seminary.
I believe humans are complex beings, and as such, approach therapy holistically: considering the physical, emotional, mental, spiritual, and relational aspects that affect clients.
I view counseling as a journey with the therapist walking alongside the client. This means we collaborate in the healing process, working together to set goals and facilitate change. This also means that I believe the therapeutic space, first and foremost, must be a place of trust, safety, compassion, and respect.
Timothy Fitzsimmons
Certified Pastoral Counselor
Tim 'Elias' Fitzsimmons received certification in Pastoral Counseling from Hope Institute for Pastoral Counseling, with a focus on Scripture and neuroscience, healthy sexuality, PTSD, and the neurology of money. He has studied how the brain responds to trauma & anxiety, and how to Biblically address PTSD, unhealthy sexuality, affection for money, and addictions.
Since 2010, I have met weekly with men to disciple and counsel them, eventually being led to do so on the mission field. With every encounter, the Holy Spirit used me as a vessel to provide hope and healing in my calling to counsel men and couples with a certification in Pastoral Counseling.
My heart is to help clients face themselves, give them helpful tools to refine themselves, and most of all connect them with the Spirit of God & His Word to find freedom and transformation for themselves. My desire is to see each client thrive spiritually, sexually, financially, emotionally, and relationally.
Kristin Marshall
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Kristin earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Planning, Public Policy, and Management, with a focus on Non-Profit Management from the University of Oregon. She earned her Master of Arts in Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling in 2023 from George Fox University. She is also a member of the Association for Play Therapy and pursuing her Registered Play Therapist credential.
If you're looking for an empathetic and accepting space to work from the pain and challenges you're currently experiencing towards the health and wholeness that you're seeking, I would be honored to help. Here, you can expect an open, compassionate space to engage in your mental health care. I work with children, teens, families, couples, and individuals. When I work with kids, I utilize play therapy to create space for them to work through the issues that may be causing challenges at home or at school.
Brad Peterson
LPC, LMHC
Brad began his professional counseling career in 2002, while completing his Master of Arts in Family Ministry from Multnomah Biblical Seminary, and prior to completing his Master of Arts in Counseling from Western Seminary in Portland, OR in 2005. He began his church ministry experience in 1991, after his first year at Multnomah University (then Multnomah School of the Bible), and has been pastoring or serving regularly in church ministry the past 30+ years. His unique approach provides clients with a powerful blend of both pastoral care & clinical excellence.
In 2023, he began my 21st year of professional counseling experience, beginning with Domestic Violence Perpetrator Group Treatment Facilitation in 2002. He developed his own, faith-based curriculum and program as a WA State Certified Domestic Violence Perpetrator Treatment Provider and Supervisor that operated from 2006 to 2014, while continuing to further his professional education & training in other areas.
Carol Peterson
Certified Pastoral Counselor
Carol earned her Bachelor of Arts in Religious Education from Prairie Bible College in 1997 and her Master of Arts in Pastoral Studies (with an emphasis in Women's Ministry) from Multnomah Biblical Seminary in 2001. She is also a certified Pastoral Counselor with the Board of Christian and Pastoral Counselors through the American Association of Christian Counselors. With over 30 years of personal and professional ministry experience, Carol brings a heart of compassion for the hurting, as well as a deep desire for them to experience the healing touch of the Father's love.
I will take my client through lies they believe about themselves and replace it with the truth in how God sees them. I will help them discover the root from which their symptoms (i.e. anger, depression, anxiety, etc.) originate, and allow Jesus to speak His truth and healing into those areas.
Austin Radford
Licensed Professional Counselor Associate
Austin has five years of clinical experience working with adults, children, and families in community mental health, residential care, and within student ministries at his church. He earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology and Biblical Theology from Multnomah University and a Master of Arts in Counseling from Western Seminary.
Change is hard, especially when trying to do it alone. Austin’s will walk with you through any transition, self-improvement, or lasting change that you want to make in your life. To reach this positive improvement, Austin walks people through Evidence-Based practices and techniques that are Client-Centered, Strength Focused, and Relational in nature. These approaches can help those struggling with anxiety, depression, stress, transitions, men’s issues, spiritual problems and much more. Austin is also Gottman trained and specializes in Couples, Pre-Marital, or Marriage counseling.
Carmen Ryan
Licensed Professional Counselor Associate
Carmen earned her Bachelor of Science in International Management and Marketing at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, then earned her Master of Business Administration at Santa Clara University. She went on to earn a Master of Science in Education School Counseling at Portland State University and completed a Principle License Program at Lewis and Clark College.
I strive to meet every client where they're at socially and emotionally. I seek to create a safe, non-judgmental space for each client through careful listening and observation, and by forming an authentic, trusting, and compassionate relationship where understanding and healing can begin. In processing difficult experiences, thoughts, and behaviors I take a whole-brain, whole-body approach and customize a treatment plan for each client. We also build upon their strengths and unique gifts, and utilize play, art, nature, and book therapy, as well as YogaCalm and Collaborative Problem Solving.
