Melinda Arnold, MA, LPC, CST, NCC

SERVING ADULT INDIVIDUALS AND COUPLES; SUPERVISION

Philosophy and Approach:

There are so many contributing factors that impact our emotional and relational health. Family, social influences, faith experiences, and relational experiences (to name a few) all play a role in shaping us. It can often be challenging to do the work of improvement and healing alone. As a professional counselor, I am honored to partner with you in the journey to personal freedom and health. My desire is that emotional ailments are alleviated, that traumas are healed, and sexual difficulties are overcome. I originally entered the counseling profession with the desire to work with survivors of abuse, but that vision has grown to also focus on individuals/couples with sexual difficulties, including dysfunction, pain, and other intimacy challenges. It is a joy to help people realize their sexual potential and to enjoy each other so closely.

I choose a holistic, integrative approach in counseling based on developmental and attachment theories emphasizing experiential, cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), emotionally focused therapy, and EMDR techniques. Regarding sex therapy, I practice from a perspective that sex is at its best when experienced with true intimacy, a fearless and joyful vulnerability. It is also my understanding that sexuality is personal, physical, emotional, relational and spiritual, therefore healthy sexuality is the process of addressing all five of those areas to emphasize connection. Sex therapy is often more directive with specific take-home assignments to establish or heal both the sexual and emotional bonds between the couple or individual.

As your counselor, you honor me by sharing your life and growth with me. I will not hide myself behind silence or position and will have high regard for you as a person. I will bring the best that I know from my study and experience as well as the highest of my insight, wisdom, and spiritual guidance. I will keep a holistic perspective in our work together because I believe that your mind, body, and emotions all work together to form a whole and healthy person.

Formal Education and Training:

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (#C4847).  My education includes a Masters of Arts in Counseling from Multnomah University and Bachelor of Arts in Spanish and International Studies from Portland State University. I have also received certification training from the Institute of Sexual Wholeness in Sex Therapy and another from the Northwest Institute of Intimacy. I have been trained in EMDR through EMDRIA and as a Mending the Soul facilitator. I am committed to a continual pursuit of new techniques, theories, and information that I may learn through continuing education courses and independent reading and research.

Payment for Services:

My fee is $175 for a clinical hour (50 minutes). Payment is made upfront for each session by check or credit card on file. Currently, I do not accept insurance, however, I am able to provide receipts for you to submit to your insurance company for out-of-network reimbursement. Limited sliding scale options are available based on need and availability. All appointments will be charged as stated above unless cancellation is made with a 24-hour notice of your scheduled appointment or there has been an agreed-upon emergency related to cancellation.

A Bit More Personal:

I moved to the Portland area as a teen and have enjoyed calling the PNW my home ever since. While not in the office I am usually found spending time with my husband (Nathan), kids (Micah and Pax), and dog (Lucky Bear). I enjoy running, biking, kayaking, and most things active, as well as going to see live music and spending time with friends. I am passionate about issues of human justice and will frequently be caught enjoying fair trade chocolate. I’m always up for a trip to explore someplace new, domestic or abroad. 

To schedule an appointment, please call 503-406-8848 or email Melinda@waypointpdx.com.