Frankie Forrester

M.S. Professional Counselor Associate, N.C.C.

they / them

About me

As a Black, non-binary, transracial adoptee, identity work is the name of my game for me. I focus my clinical work in supporting those navigating challenges that arise from identity work: racial, gender, familial, societal, etc. The subject of adoption is particularly close to my heart and one that holds much nuance and intricacy. We may be a good fit if you are BIPOC and/or gender non-conforming individual. I also specialize in working with children, and pre-teens.

My schooling and debt journey (lol) began with a BA in Social Anthropology from Portland State University and a Master's in Teaching from Concordia University. I worked as a licensed 4th/5th-grade school teacher at a local charter school in Portland, Oregon, where I emphasized positive discipline and a project-based learning approach. However, I quickly discovered that my passion lay in one-on-one interactions with youth. This realization led me to pursue a second master's degree in Marriage and Family Counseling from Portland State University. Additionally, I have undertaken post-graduate training in Gestalt therapy with a focus on working with children and families.

Beyond my professional pursuits, I am an avid equestrian. I provide horseback riding lessons to both children and adults, continuously enhancing my skills through training sessions and hands-on experiences with horses.

☹ under my covers

❀ against horsey necks

✌︎ in the shower!

My Favorite Places to Cry…

Insurance Accepted

OHP/CareOregon/HealthShare

Kaiser

How I Work

Change is possible for all people.

I collaborate most effectively with clients who are committed to actively participating in the therapeutic process. I strive to build rapport and trust with each of my clients by being transparent and authentic. Utilizing Gestalt, Somatics, and flavors of other process oriented modalities, I hold space for exploration of whatever arises in the here and now to enhance your therapeutic journey.

I operate from the perspective that individuals are inherently whole and continuously adapting to their challenging environmental conditions. I am interested in supporting people to accept vs denying parts of themselves. This process is often marked by discomfort and messiness.

The process of change is daunting – I believe that when you seek change, you’ve become aware that something isn’t helpful anymore. When we change, we undo old familiar patterns that might feel like home to us, and yet these patterns have outlived their usefulness. The horror of change is that we are stepping into the u n k n o w n. 

The struggle unfolds in the valley where the comfort of the familiar clashes with the novelty of the unknown. In my understanding, mental illness finds itself in this same valley, where conflicting desires and ways of being create a discordant interplay. Together let's explore both the internal and external forces pulling you in numerous directions.

I believe there is healing to be found in shared stories, laughter, rapport, and mindfulness practices. I believe the body holds profound wisdom regarding one's history and I want to listen fully to you as a whole person. If mindful, humorous, and compassionate care is what you seek, I am here with an outstretched hand.

My Specialty Areas

⪧ BIPOC care

⪧ Identity Development

⪧ Queer/Trans exploration

⪧ Children, Pre-Teens, Teens

⪧ Transracial Adoptees

Populations of Interest

⪧ Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC)

⪧ LGBTQIA+ community members

⪧3+ year old children, teens, family dyads (parent/child)

Insurance Accepted

⪧ OHP/CareOregon/Health Share
⪧ Kaiser