Hi, I’m Michelle Debelis (she/her), a Licensed Professional Counselor and the founder of Desiderata Counseling.

I am a cisgender, queer-identified counselor in Portland, Oregon with an approach to therapy grounded in empathy, curiosity, and respect. I believe that healing happens in safe, authentic relationships and that each person naturally strives to become their best selves. However, life is known to throw curveballs. I view my role as someone that helps people find their path and work towards their goals. 

Originally from New Hampshire, I hold a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Plymouth State University and have been providing therapeutic services since 2017 serving adults, children, and families. My professional background includes work in community mental health, crisis intervention, and ongoing outpatient counseling, giving me a deep appreciation for the many ways people grow and heal. I am also an established telehealth & community-based provider, experienced in helping clients through secure virtual sessions and in the community when appropriate. I do not currently offer in-person office appointments, though this may change in the future.

My practice is person-centered and collaborative, informed by training in Collaborative Problem Solving (CPS), Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). These approaches and more help guide treatment while keeping clients in the driver’s seat. Feel free to reach out with any questions about my approach to therapy – a consultation is a great place to start if you are curious.

I’m especially passionate about helping clients reconnect with their inner voice, navigate transitions, and build lives rooted in self-compassion and meaning. My work is informed by an anti-carceral, trauma-informed lens, honoring the systemic contexts that shape our individual experiences and emphasizing autonomy throughout the healing process.

Wherever we meet, my goal is to meet you exactly where you are – with warmth, openness, and respect.