Arwen Maas-DeSpain

 

MA, MEd, LMFT

I create an environment that is comfortable for you to be yourself. I trust that you are the expert on what works best for you, and my job is to be a collaborative partner working together on your goals.

My approach to therapy is collaborative, trauma-informed, and strengths-based.

There are many life experiences that brought me to counseling as a profession. I have lived in five countries, identify as Queer, and have personal interest in polyamory. I am a parent to three boys, now all teens or older, and enjoy each of them as individuals. I have lived in a war zone in Israel and have personal experience with PTSD, as well as particular interest in grassroots peace processes.

Outside of the counseling world, I am the founder and Assistant Director of a non-profit that works with unhoused people in Lane County. I have worked with children and families for over 13 years. All of these experiences have given me insight into many different aspects of being human in the world. I love to hear people's narratives and unique stories, and like to connect and help people where I can. I am a strong believer in therapy, both as a giver and receiver.

I enjoy spending time with my sons and visiting family in Eastern Oregon. I love my two dogs and our cat, as well as the family reptiles. When I find time to do self care it is reading books, meditation, and taking night walks.

I assist clients who are experiencing a range of presenting concerns including: depression, anxiety, PTSD, trauma of all kinds, grief and loss, life transitions, LGBTQIA+, spirituality, and couples issues.

AREAS OF FOCUS

Who I Work With: Adults, Teens, and Couples

While I work with a wide range of people and presenting problems, some of my most common topics of focus include:

  • Depression

  • Anxiety

  • PTSD

  • Trauma

  • Grief and Loss

  • Life transitions

  • LGBTQIA+

  • Spirituality

  • Couples Issues

Counseling Technique

I use a combination of strengths-based behavioral models and solution-focused therapy. I am most interested in identifying what you'd like to work on and helping you map a path to your goals.

Professional Background

Over the past 13 years I have worked with individuals, teens and families in a variety of settings including community-based (homes), hospital, and clinics. My work with unhoused people occurs on the street and in camp settings. I received a Bachelors degree in Sociology from the University of Oregon and a Master's degree in Social Sciences from the University of Amsterdam. I went on to compete a Master's degree in Couples and Family Therapy from the University of Oregon and did my internship with Oregon Community Programs. I worked for OHSU's NICH (Novel Interventions in Children's Health) program, and was the Clinical Supervisor for a local drug and mental health treatment program for parents involved with the child welfare system.

Education Credentials

  • M.Ed. Couples and Family Therapy, University of Oregon

  • M.A. Social Sciences, University of Amsterdam

  • B.A. Sociology, University of Oregon

I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the state of Oregon (LMFT, license T1060)

 
TherapyDani ChambersInsight Northwest CounselingTelehealth, Eugene, Anxiety, Depression, Therapy, Life Transitions, Grief & Loss, Trauma, Spirituality, Relationship Issues, PTSD, LGBTQIA, Couples