evelyn’s story

Hi! I’m Evelyn (she/her). Thank you for giving me this opportunity to introduce myself to you. Deciding to meet new people takes bravery— especially during life’s challenging seasons. I am honored to share a bit of who I am as you consider and select a professional connection. 

My path to becoming a therapist was unique. I lived my teens and 20s as a writer, director, and performance artist focused on theater, film, body, and outsider art. In these collaborative creative spaces, I was most inspired by processing trauma, redefining autobiographical narratives, embodying identity, reclaiming rites/rituals, mythology, liberation, and the performance of gender. Over time, I realized that I was more engaged by the behind-the-scenes emotional and relational processes than the final product. I joke that I went from doing emotional work on stage for live audiences to doing emotional work in private, confidential rooms for 1-8 people at a time.   

Prior to my adventurous adulthood, I was born and raised in a small, rural Midwestern community where I felt both supported and out-of-place. It wasn’t until I moved to the West coast in my early 20s that I truly felt “at home.” So much of my perspective as a person and a therapist comes from experiences of intuitive knowing, seeking a place to belong, the quest to self-actualize, and the impact that our environments/relationships have upon our lives. I believe that when people feel truly seen and supported, they can experience transformational insights that empower profound positive change. Growth is such a deeply personal magic. 

Now for the professional stuff…

I received my dual Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and Theatre Arts from the University of Iowa and later earned my Master of Arts degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Oregon State University.  

As a therapist, my approach is collaborative, relational, person-centered, and non-pathologizing. I tailor my approach to suit each person, which means therapy changes as I get to know you, your concerns, your goals, your guiding values, and what does/doesn’t work for you in therapy. I love incorporating experiential therapies such as internal family systems, art therapy, narrative therapy, and psychodrama. I also utilize dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) and have formal training in LGBTQIA2S+ affirmative cognitive behavioral therapy for adolescents (AFFIRM CBT). I enjoy working with individuals, groups, and families. 

Before joining Sprout, I worked and volunteered in a variety of nonprofit mental health programs, including sexual assault victim/survivor advocacy, inpatient residential facilities, crisis/emergency street response, outpatient clinics, and alternative academic settings. 

You can reach Evelyn directly at evelyn@sprouttherapypdx.com