MEET JANAY

Janay Wright, MS, PCA

Professional Counselor Associate

approach

I believe that the systems we grow up in impact our worldview and expression. Depending on how much those systems still have power, they can affect our mental health as well. In many ways, I counseling can be a space to work out how you are impacted by the world around you.

I use theories such as Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), and Person-Centered Therapy (PCT) to support my work with clients. Theories are helpful, but the most important part of the counseling experience is establishing trust. Building trust and rapport creates the foundation for a good therapeutic relationship between client and clinician; the most important part of the work. During our sessions, I will learn about your values, perspectives, and experiences more deeply.

"I hope to help clients explore their relationship to the world. Knowing your power is to know where you are affected by social justice, or maybe even the lack of it. As a person of color, I hope to offer empowerment to clients. Our society makes victims of so many of us. Conversely, to understand your power is to understand where victimization is limited."

I have experience in various helping fields that allowed me to work with disability, palliative care, and severe trauma. Throughout my life, I've learned to value community and to give back to it. Through that value I started working as a Direct Support Professional to with adults living with physical and intellectual disabilities. I have work experience as a compassionate caregiver for the elderly. I have worked across systems from schools to intimate partner abuse homes. I have served women who have been sexually exploited, which often resulted in PTSD and/or substance abuse.

I have been honored to work with students from minority backgrounds. Most recently, I worked at PSU's Pan African Commons to plan programming that highlights the culture of Black/African students. I completed my counseling practicum with another local group practice and I was able to continue my service to clients living with a disability and clients of color. I am committed to crafting my counseling style and am familiar with moving out of my comfort zone in my work with clients. My experience thus far has empowered confidence for serving a diverse range of people.

experience

credentials

I received a bachelor's degree in Psychology with a concentration in Pre-Clinical Counseling from Judson University in Chicago, IL. I received my masters degree in Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling from Portland State University. Upon graduation, I started the Oregon licensure process and currently hold the title of Professional Counselor Associate.