About Holly

Holly Matthews, LCSW is a mental health therapist in Portland, Oregon specializing in using EMDR and other therapies to help clients heal from trauma, fears, anxiety, and loss.

Holly's style is warm, safe, and collaborative.

Holly graduated from Williams College in Massachusetts in 1996 where she studied English and Women's Studies. She earned a Masters in Social Work (MSW) at Simmons College in Boston in 2005, along with a Certificate in Urban Leadership. She trained and worked as a therapist at Massachusetts General Hospital before moving to Portland in 2007. After five years at Kaiser Permanente and two years with Portland Trauma Recovery, Holly is now in a solo private practice. Holly has two kids, three slow cookers, and a zumba habit.

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What to Expect

I am currently working via video only, and not offering in-person sessions at all during the COVID-19 crisis. Our first conversation will be a mutual interview to see if this is a good fit for us both. The fit, and the quality of our relationship, is very important. I will only work with you if I sincerely believe that I can be of help. Together we will shape the therapy based on your goals and priorities. I am always open to feedback, and I value your perspective. You are the expert on you.

What is EMDR?

EMDR is one of the therapies that I use. EMDR is a mind-body therapy that uses the brain's natural healing mechanisms to release trauma and stuck patterns from the nervous system.  Research supports EMDR as one of the few consistently effective approaches to relieving the symptoms of PTSD and other trauma-related distress.