Katie Avery, LMFT

Hi, I’m a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist based in Oregon, and I’ve been practicing since 2020. I earned my Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy from Capella University and my Bachelor’s in Psychology from the University of Oregon.

Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of working in many different settings—from inpatient crisis treatment and residential programs to community mental health and outpatient settings. I’ve supported adults living with traumatic brain injuries, severe mental health challenges, and clients from all kinds of cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds. These experiences have taught me that healing looks different for everyone—and that the most important part of therapy is the relationship we build together. Authenticity and trust are at the heart of my approach.

I believe you already have the strength and wisdom you need to create change. Therapy is a space to reconnect with those parts of yourself, to slow down, and to make sense of what’s been hard. I focus on building a genuine, trusting relationship where you can be your authentic self—no judgment, no pressure. We’ll move at a pace that feels right for you.

My specialties include anxiety, depression, complex PTSD, bipolar disorder, childhood emotional neglect, relationship and family challenges, perfectionism and over-functioning, people-pleasing patterns, and self-worth struggles. I’m also LGBTQIA2S+ and poly/kink affirming, and I welcome clients from all backgrounds, identities, and relationship structures.

My work is trauma-informed, emotion-focused, and rooted in family systems and solution-focused therapy. I see therapy as a collaborative process: you bring your experiences and insights, and I bring tools, reflection, and support to help you move toward the life and relationships you want. I believe our family systems and early experiences shape how we move through the world. Healing often begins with understanding those old patterns and learning new ways to care for ourselves and others.

With individuals, we might explore how past experiences and learned patterns are influencing your present life—and how to create new, more compassionate ways of being. With couples, I am trained in Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFT), an attachment-based approach which helps partners recognize disconnection, break negative cycles, and deepen their emotional bond. With families, I help members communicate more effectively and nurture connection. When working with teens, I often incorporate play, creativity, and art to help them process emotions and build self-awareness.

Outside of work, I love exploring the Pacific Northwest—whether it’s hiking, swimming, or camping. I’m a big fan of live music, reading thrillers, watching true crime documentaries, cooking, and cheering for the Oregon Ducks. And yes, I’m definitely a cat person!