CLARE KNUDSEN | LMHCA (WA), Professional Counselor Associate (OR)

Hi, I'm Clare!

As a counselor and human, I believe in the healing power of presence and safe, authentic connection. My first priority is to be an empathetic witness to your story, offering a space in which you are seen, heard, and valued. You deserve to be safe and seen. 

My approach is rooted in the Existential-Humanistic perspective, which emphasizes authenticity, relationship, meaning, and the present moment. Put simply, I view counseling as a practice of presence—with ourselves and each other. In session, I hold a curious, mindful, compassionate posture towards you and whatever arises in therapy, creating a space in which every part of you is valued and welcomed. Through this, you may come to befriend, value, and welcome parts of yourself that were once disconnected, feeling greater clarity about your situation, compassion for yourself and others, and direction in your life. In this work, I integrate trauma-informed care, mindfulness, nature-based interventions, movement, creative expression, and the 5 Needle Protocol (5NP), tailoring counseling to support your unique needs and experiences.

The 5 Needle Protocol (5NP) is a standardized, supportive treatment for individuals experiencing substance use disorders, mental health conditions (such as anxiety or depression), and stress and trauma. It consists of thin, single-use acupuncture needles or ear seeds placed at five locations on each ear for at least 30-45 minutes. 5NP is not a stand-alone treatment for medical and mental health conditions or stress. Rather, it is an adjunct treatment for well-rounded plans of care, supporting healing by stimulating nervous system regulation. It is not a necessary part of therapy with me, but I offer it as it serves your needs and therapeutic goals. To offer this service, I completed required training and supervision, and I am a registered 5NP technician with the Oregon Medical Board. (Please note: 5NP is only offered during sessions that take place in Oregon.)

We are complex, relational beings shaped by many factors - relationships, identities, environment, spirituality, and more. While I personally hold Christian beliefs, I deeply respect that each person explores spirituality in their own way. Whatever your beliefs, you are fully welcome here, and we can incorporate spirituality into our work as much or as little as you choose.

People often come to counseling feeling stuck, whether due to trauma, grief, relationship challenges, anxiety, depression, or life transitions. In our work together, you will discover more about yourself and how you move through the world, allowing you to live life more consciously. I’m honored to be with you as we explore what healing, growth, and freedom can look like for you. Together, we’ll identify your goals and build on your existing strengths to move toward a more meaningful and fulfilling life.

Outside of work, I love gardening and being outside, spending time with my husband and friends, playing on the pottery wheel, knitting, meeting dogs, and learning new things. Before completing my Master of Arts in Counseling at Western Seminary in 2026, I spent seven years mentoring college-age and young adult women in Christian ministry.

I am licensed in Oregon as a Professional Counselor Associate (R9440) and provisionally licensed in Washington as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor Associate (MHCA.MC.70117270), under the supervision of Dr. Bart Fowler, M.A., Psy.D., a licensed psychologist in Washington (PY60153263) and Oregon (1297). My practice adheres to the laws and regulations governing counselors in both Oregon and Washington, as well as the American Counseling Association Code of Ethics.

Please reach out to me via email or phone call - I would be happy to provide a free 15-minute consultation call to see if we could be a good fit!

BACKGROUND

  • B.S. in Psychology, University of Georgia

  • Master of Arts in Counseling, Western Seminary

  • Registered 5NP Technician, Oregon Medical Board (FNP230481)

  • 7 years experience mentoring college-age and young adult women in Christian ministry

FEES

Initial appointments are scheduled as intakes and are billed at: $280
Recurring appointments with established clients are billed at: $185

*We offer discounts and scholarships based on reported financial need.

In-network with the following insurances:
Oregon: Aetna, Regence
Washington: Aetna, Regence, Cigna(Evernorth), Premera, Lifewise of Washington

AVAILABILITY

I am accepting new clients and am available on Mondays and Tuesdays (telehealth or in-person at the Portland office) and Wednesdays (telehealth only). To schedule, please reach out to Clare directly using the contact information above or complete the New Client Intake Request Form to learn more.