Licensed Therapist for Moms in Portland & Online
in MA & WA

with in-person Intensives coming soon to Portland.

Meet Rachel Zavertnik, Licensed, Board-Certified Psychotherapist, IFS & EFT Therapist, plus Certificated Child & Family Specialist

Ready to feel calm, regulated, and confident as a mom?

I provide therapy for high-capacity moms in Portland, Oregon, and offer telehealth services to clients throughout Oregon and Massachusetts.

You’re tired of being your own worst enemy, caught in the cycle of anger & guilt.

With years of experience as a therapist in Oregon, I’ve supported clients in Bend, Eugene, and Salem. Whether you’re seeking therapy in Portland, counseling in Bend, or guidance in navigating emotional overwhelm anywhere in Oregon, my approach is tailored to help you regain calm and confidence.

Therapy office in Portland, Oregon for anxiety and ADHD treatment
Anxiety therapy for moms in Portland, Oregon
Trauma therapist in Portland, Oregon specializing in emotional regulation
Telehealth therapy available in Massachusetts for anxiety and ADHD
ADHD and anxiety treatment in Portland, OR for high-capacity moms
Rachel Z, therapist in Portland, Oregon

Locations:

Therapy in Portland, Oregon

Trauma-informed, mom-centered therapy rooted in collaboration, emotional safety, & meeting you where you are.

  • Many therapies focus only on symptoms, offering quick fixes that may provide temporary relief but leave deeper emotional patterns untouched. In my therapy sessions, the focus is on root causes—the internal emotional blocks that drive stress, conflict, and self-doubt.

    By exploring these core patterns, we can release guilt, shame, and unhelpful beliefs that influence how you relate to your children, your partner, and yourself. Instead of simply managing behaviors, we uncover the underlying emotions and thought patterns that create them.

    This approach helps clients feel truly empowered and free. They notice a shift in how they respond to parenting challenges, communicate with their children, and navigate difficult emotions. Over time, they experience lasting calm, confidence, and presence—beyond temporary coping strategies.

    Therapy with me is not about advice or surface-level fixes. It is about creating internal freedom, building emotional resilience, and reconnecting with your authentic self so you can live with choice, clarity, and calm.

  • Authenticity is something I have lived, not something I try to project. Early in my career, I often felt like a fraud as a therapist. I had the training and experience, yet I struggled with my own child’s behavior and emotional challenges at home. I tried therapy, specialists, and parenting resources, and nothing seemed to work. I even questioned whether I was truly qualified to help others.

    My parent experience shaped how I approach therapy. Real change in parenting and family life comes from empathy, deep listening, and practical strategies that work in everyday situations. I understand what it feels like to be overwhelmed, unsure, or stuck when trying to support your child. Clients know I meet them where they are, with compassion, patience, and evidence-informed guidance.

    Here is what clients have said:

    • "Rachel has transformed my parenting experience. Her techniques have been incredibly effective with my stubborn child." — Anonymous Mom

    • "I have learned so much about parent-child communication with more empathy, stronger boundaries, and greater capacity for handling uncomfortable situations." — Mom of Two

    • "Working with Rachel has completely changed how I respond to my child. I feel calmer, more confident, and more connected as a parent." — Mom of Two

    Clients trust me because I combine real-life experience with evidence-informed therapy. Whether you are seeking parenting support, child behavior therapy, or family therapy online, I offer guidance that is compassionate, practical, and transformative.

  • Therapy is most powerful when the therapist is fully committed… not only to their clients, but also to their own ongoing growth and learning. I dedicate myself to continuous professional development through advanced training, workshops, and staying current with evidence-informed practices in parenting, child behavior, and family therapy.

    Equally important is my commitment to my own inner work. I actively engage in personal reflection, supervision, and therapeutic practices to ensure that I am aware, present, and grounded in each session. This allows me to hold space for clients with empathy, clarity, and authenticity.

    I believe deeply that the hard work of therapy is worth it. Real transformation often involves facing difficult emotions and patterns, yet the long-term results, emotional freedom, stronger relationships, and a sense of inner calm, are invaluable.

    Clients trust my commitment because they see it in every session. I approach therapy as a collaborative process, guiding clients through challenges while honoring their pace, their strengths, and their unique journey. My goal is to support each person in creating lasting change that ripples through their family, their relationships, and their life.

Telehealth Therapy for Clients in Massachusetts

In addition to serving clients in Portland and throughout Oregon, I offer secure telehealth therapy for private pay clients across Massachusetts.

If you’re a high-capacity mom navigating anxiety, ADHD, or emotional overwhelm, we can work together from anywhere in Massachusetts.

Specialties

Parenting & Emotional Regulation

Attachment & Inner Child Healing

Healing for High-Achieving Moms

Clinical Experience

Rachel Zavertnik, LCSW, LiCSW – Specialized in Trauma-Informed, Attachment-Focused Therapy for Moms, Families, & Individual Adults

    • Master of Social Work (MSW), Major: Clinical Social Work; Specialization: Children and Families & School Social Work GPA 3.8, Fordham University, NYC  (2008)

    • Children and their Families Specialist Certificate, Fordham University, NYC  (2008)

    • Fordham/Molloy MSW Scholarship & Edward Kane Scholarship  (2006)

    • LCSW State Licensure | OR: L5946

    • LICSW State Licensure | WA: 61341396

    • LICSW State Licensure | MA: 125292

    • Certificated & Board-Certified Child & Family Specialist  (2008 + 2013)

    • Internal Family Systems (IFS) & Ideal Parent Figure (IPF) Work – Healing inner child wounds, repairing attachment, setting boundaries

    • Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT/Tapping) – Rapid regulation of anxiety, stress, and emotional overwhelm

    • Polyvagal Theory in Action: Creating Safety in Therapy – Deborah Dana, LCSW (12.5 CEUs)

    • Nurtured Heart Approach Fundamentals – Howard Glasser, LMFT (9 CEUs)

    • Trauma-Informed Parenting – Emily Santiago (2 CEUs)

    • Brief Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Suicide Prevention – Craig Bryan, PsyD, ABPP (2 CEUs)

    • Ethics & Professionalism in Tele-mental Health & Social Media Use – Jeffrey Barnett PsyD, Keren Lehavot, PhD, others (various CEUs)

    • Mindfulness, Somatic, & Self-Regulation Techniques – Jon Kabat-Zinn, Jamie Marich, Martin Antony (1–6 CEUs)

    • Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) – On-site (14 hours)

    • Restorative Practices & Community Circles – Carl Smith, A. Clark (6 CEUs)

    • Legal, Ethical & Telehealth Best Practices – Joni Gilbertson, OSWCA trainings (various CEUs)

    • Supporting Children & Families through Divorce & Transitions – Brandyn Roark Caires, MS, LCPC (2 CEUs)

    • Ongoing commitment to continuing education in trauma, attachment, parenting, and emotional regulation (40+ hours every 2 years)

My Guiding Principles:

Connection, Authenticity, & Growth

My practice is intentionally structured for high-achieving moms who are motivated for deep, internal transformation. I've designed this work to be effective, but it requires courage and commitment.

A Good Fit Together? Let's Check.

Yes

We're likely a good fit if...

I want deep transformation, not just coping strategies. You're ready to stop looking outward for quick parenting fixes and start looking inward for true emotional healing.

I believe my reactions come from my past. You are ready to safely explore your own childhood wounds and attachment history (parental trauma) because you know that's the root of your current struggles.

I am open to non-traditional talk therapy. You are motivated to engage with modalities like Internal Family Systems (IFS) and Ideal Parent Figure (IPF) to create lasting change.

I am ready to commit to Out-of-Network (OON) care. You recognize this is a specialized investment in accelerating your emotional freedom and leading your family from a place of peace.

No

We may not be a great fit if...

I only want surface-level solutions. You are primarily looking for advice, immediate behavioral modification tips, or simple communication scripts.

I primarily want to focus on fixing my child. Your main goal is getting a professional to diagnose or treat your child, not to work on your own nervous system and regulation.

I prefer staunch, rigid professionalism. I show up authentically in sessions and believe a trusting, relational environment is crucial for deep work.

I need to stick to the occasional session. You cannot commit to consistent deep work (weekly, bi-weekly, or Intensives) necessary to break the cycle of rage and guilt.

Rachel Z

Social

Reach out about a session, an intensive, or to say hello!

What clients are saying…

I have learned so much about parent-child communication from Rachel Zavertnik, and her coaching has transformed the most difficult behavior (outbursts, hyperactivity). I have more empathy, stronger boundaries, and a far greater capacity for handling uncomfortable (parenting) situations. All of this has happened more quickly and with more ease than I had ever imagined.
— Mom of Two
The biggest surprise came from my dad. He’s an old farmer who usually avoids emotional chaos, but after spending time with my daughter, he asked me what I was doing differently. When I told him about working with Rachel Zavertnik, he said, ‘Well, whatever you’re doing, keep doing it, because it’s working.
— Naomi, Mom of an 8-Year-Old
I can now leave her overnight with confidence. Our connection is back, and our home is filled with peace.
— Naomi, Mom of a 8-year-old
Rachel has transformed my parenting experience. She’s given me personalized tools and solutions to overcome the difficulties I’ve faced since becoming a parent. Her amazing techniques have been incredibly effective with my stubborn child. She’s simply outstanding.
— Step-Parent of Two (5 + 15)

A Message From Rachel Z.

Therapy