RECLAIM YOUR LIFE
Rediscover Confidence, Peace, Connection, and Joy!
I’m Valentina Pishchanskaya-Cayanan, LMFT. A holistic, multicultural, Portland therapist for anxiety, big life changes and trauma. Virtual counseling available throughout Oregon and Washington.
You’ve done all the recommended “self-care” practices and you realize that there aren’t enough long walks, chocolates or bubble baths in the world to make you feel like the confident, calm and joyful person that you so badly want to be.
Right now….
You’re tired of overthinking everything
Your people pleasing tendencies are leaving you exhausted
Your family just doesn’t get you
Fear of failure is making your decisions for you
You’re burned out and over it
You’re motivated and ready for change
So let’s do something different
Together we will take our time getting to know all of you. We will look at everything from physical wellness and life experiences, to the different identities you hold and your most important relationships. We will explore how these and other aspects of your wellness are helping you and what may be keeping you from your goals.
Each session is structured in a way that is most helpful for you.
I may have fancy letters behind my name, but you are the expert on your life. Therefore, I don’t come into a session and say we have to do this or that. I may have ideas and suggestions on what we can work on, but if that day you just need to vent about your boss that doesn’t respect your boundaries, find solutions for a problem that came up with your family or have a place to cry because…life then that’s what we’ll do.
During sessions I try to balance being kind and compassionate, but also honest and straightforward. Humor and a touch of sarcasm may sometimes find its way into our work together as well.
My goal is to create a brave space where you can feel comfortable diving deep, opening up and making life long changes. Most importantly, I try to be myself and create an environment where you can be yourself too.
What it’s like to work with me.
You've put in the effort, researching books, listening to podcasts, and scouring the internet for answers to your challenges. But despite all that, you're still struggling. While those resources can be great, they're not personalized to your unique situation, and they can't adjust to what you're going through in real time.
That's where I come in
In our sessions, I bring my entire self to the table – drawing from my education, professional expertise, and personal experiences. My goal is to tailor our work specifically to you, so you feel understood and supported. I'm here to be more than just a resource; I'm committed to being a real person who walks alongside you as you work towards your goals.
Clients often tell me that I'm someone they feel comfortable opening up to, and that I understand them without making them work for it. I'm truly excited to get to know you better and to support you as we collaborate on your path forward.
“Let's embark on this change together!”
How my experience and expertise can help you.
I’m an immigrant from Ukraine who came to the United States as a child. As someone who had to grow up with a foot in each culture, I have a deep understanding of the intricacies involved in honoring your roots while navigating your current environment.
It can be difficult to meet the expectations that are asked of you and still stay true to yourself.
Having an immigrant partner, from a different culture and raising a child who is a part of all three, comes with its challenges. However, it is those unique and beautiful experiences that allow me to have insight and appreciation for the diverse experiences that make us who we are.
I'm here to support you in every way I can. As a trained EMDR therapist, I've been equipped with effective tools that are backed by research to help you navigate through past challenges and step confidently into your future.
Furthermore, my expertise as an integrative mental health provider means I understand how your physical well-being ties into your emotional wellness. Together, we'll use holistic approaches to address every aspect of your journey towards healing and growth.
My Training & Education
Bachelors in Psychology, University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy, University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist, Oregon & Washington
Trained EMDR Therapist
Certified Integrative Mental Health Provider
MY logo explained
Blooming Resilience: Why Sunflowers Inspire Healing and Hope
In lots of cultures, sunflowers are symbols of joy and optimism, always turning towards the sun. They not only reach for the future but also cleanse the soil they grow in, removing toxins. For me, sunflowers hold even more meaning, reflecting the strength and resilience of my Ukrainian roots. So, just like a sunflower, we can overcome past challenges, growing tall and strong as we face the future ahead.