The Institute

Joan Porter MFT, Founder – Clinical Director

Do you want to be happier, more satisfied, or feel better? As a therapist with over 20 years of experience, I have supported clients in healing through change and personal growth. I offer a safe, confidential environment to explore emotional patterns that may be preventing clients from living up to their fullest potential. I enjoy helping couples and families maintain lasting relationships using a research-based approach: (CERTIFIED GOTTMAN COUPLES THERAPIST & REFERRAL NETWORK APPROVED MEMBER, Emotion Focused Therapy, and the Developmental Model). Experienced Rover Therapist at the Art & Science of Love Workshops facilitated by Doctors John and Julie Gottman where hundreds of couples attend regularly. In addition to the Gottman training, Joan was personally trained by LCSW Marcia Gomez and LCSW Michael Basta (Master Therapists) and also continues to assist them with Gottman method couples workshops throughout the year.

Although I have been trained in cognitive behavioral, emotion focused, somatic, transpersonal, and family systems therapy, my orientation is psychodynamic. This method involves the transformation of often-unconscious beliefs and patterns about the self and others that can get in the way of forming satisfying relationships and functioning effectively in life.

I offer new resources to clients to deepen levels of meaning, connection, and vitality through insight, experience, and evidence-based practice. If you are dealing with past trauma, present pain, or current life changes help is available. I would be honored to accompany you on a deeply satisfying counseling journey.

Additional Credentials

Seattle Pacific University/PhD Training and Coursework – 1999
Hoffman Institute Graduate – 2006
Member CAMFT (California Association of Marriage & Family Therapists, CA69166 – 2006

Psychodynamic
Relational
Solution Focused Brief (SFBT)
Somatic
Strength-Based
Transpersonal
Trama Focused