Chelene Blair
Licensed Professional Counselor
Certified Grief Informed Professional
Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC III)
Areas of Specialty:
Grief, trauma, anxiety, depression, and anger management.
Philosophy and Approach
I believe that, as humans, we seek connection, purpose, acceptance, understanding, and love; and it is when one or more of these aspects is diminished, we experience depression, anxiety, and other symptoms of distress. I contend that trauma and unresolved grief are most often drivers in the disruption of mental health and wellness and it is with a willingness to explore deep thoughts and feelings, a dedication to the process of healing, and a commitment to change that symptoms can be controlled, reduced, and/or resolved leading to greater life satisfaction. It is then that we are able to experience connection, find purpose, give and be given acceptance and understanding, and recognize love in all its many forms.
My approach to the therapeutic process is eclectic, meaning I use techniques and tools from a variety of theories and therapies. I mainly draw from Narrative Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Trauma-Informed Therapy, and Grief-Informed Therapy. Although this agency does not provide substance use specific treatment, I am able to address problematic substance use as self-medication for distress symptoms and assess the need for a higher level of care and focused substance use treatment. My specialties, acquired through experience, training, and interest, are trauma and grief work. I further specialize in atypical and ambiguous grief I describe as unexpected loss, loss with societal stigma, and/or loss that is not typically recognized as loss.
I strive to create a therapeutic relationship involving mutual trust, respect, truth, and communication, which is required for mutual commitment to health and healing.
Formal Education and Training
I have a Masters of Arts in Counseling Psychology from Lewis and Clark College in Portland, Oregon. I, also, have a Masters Certificate in Gender and Women’s Studies from Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green, Kentucky. In addition, I completed a six-month certification course in Grief Informed Therapy. My credentials are as follows: Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with the Oregon Board of Licensed Professional Counselors and Therapists; Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC III) with the Mental Health and Addiction Certification Board of Oregon; and Certified Grief Informed Professional (CGP) with Evergreen Certifications.
For my licenses in the state of Oregon, I am required to complete a minimum of 20 hours of continuing education per year which must include a minimum of 6 hours specific to ethics training in order to maintain my credentials. To continue my certification as a CGP, I am required to complete a minimum of 6 hours of grief focused-continuing education per year.