who we are

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and Supervisor in Alaska, a licensed counselor in Oregon, as well as a certified chemical dependency counselor. I have found it my life's mission and personal meaning to give back to the community. I truly believe in the ability to make deep and lasting changes and have witnessed this many times over with the individuals I have been honored to work with. 

I grew up in a town of 200 in the mountains in Oregon and since then,  have traveled as much as I can. I have found that ultimately I am the happiest and most at peace living back amongst the mountains in Alaska, with my  family and animals, and have been here  for over 10 years.

 I have worked in the mental health field for over 20 years, and as a clinical therapist for the past 19. I initially went to school for art and received an AAS in fashion illustration in NY in 1999,  a BS in Psychology at Portland State University in 2004, and a MA in Counseling Psychology from Pacific University in Oregon, in 2007 and incorporate creativity and expressive arts in my practice.

I am EMDR certified, use a trauma informed framework and my therapeutic approach is strength based &  person-centered. The value of unconditional positive regard is at the core of my beliefs.

I have worked with many different populations and settings and have learned and gained knowledge from each experience.  Early on in my career I worked in residential treatment for adolescent girls with mental health and substance abuse concerns, adults with chronic mental illness and later spent many years at an outpatient therapy at community mental health clinic in Oregon providing individual and group therapy.

 In Alaska I have worked in the university system as a counselor for the Dean of Students Office at the University of Alaska Anchorage, and have spent many years as a behavioral health consultant in an integrated primary care clinic at the Native Medical Center. The modality between the mind and body and the cultural respect and integration is at the heart of my philosophy and practice.

 In private practice, I have  the opportunity to dive deeper and help resolve the underlying root contributing to current distress and offer more in depth therapy for teens, adults and elders.

My focus and specialty is in trauma and PTSD. In particular I believe in generational healing and use attachment and somatic based EMDR. I work  with all aspects  and manifestations of anxiety and depression, medical concerns/chronic pain, prenatal + postpartum concerns, grief and loss, OCD, alcohol and substance misuse, ADHD/neurodivergence, relationship concerns and others. 

 I believe that each of us experience stress and challenges in life at times and therapy can be beneficial for personal growth and transformation for everyone.

 Sierra Stevens, Licensed Professional Counselor, Eagle River, AK, 99577 | Psychology Today