Holly Moline Simons – Coming Soon
Curiosity and compassion are the foundations of my work as a therapist for children, their parents, and families. We grow through our relationships – with ourselves, our therapists, family, friends, and our communities. Because children communicate primarily through play, storytelling, behavior, and other expression – but not primarily through talk – I work to help both children and their families identify the themes, challenges, and experiences arising for them. Together, we nurture and establish healthy patterns. I draw upon therapeutic play, expressive arts, narrative therapy, and relational approaches, giving clients opportunities for movement, creativity, and other experiential communication.
I work with children neurological, developmental, and sensory differences such as autism and ADHD. In a previous work setting, I served children ages three to five who each had both developmental differences and mental health diagnoses. In another, I supported children ages two to twelve who experience depression, anxiety, domestic violence, addiction, homelessness, parental loss, and other challenges. Each of my clients made progress in self-regulation, relationship building, and positive behavior patterns.
I am a clinical social work associate with a master’s degree in social work from Portland State University, emphasizing childhood mental health, family systems, and social justice. I am working towards certification as a Registered Play Therapist through the Association of Play Therapists. My framework is humanist, reflecting my belief that each person, including children, have deep wisdom about their lives. I bring warmth, openness, knowledge, and training to the therapeutic relationship. The warm, safe space I create serves people with intersecting identities and is based on my beliefs in disability, gender, culture, religion, ecology, and body liberation. I encourage clients to increase self-reflection, notice moments of joy, live exuberantly, and grow.
Outside of my therapy practice, my miles are most often swam, hiked, or beach-combed. In my personal time, I enjoy making art, hearing live music, and spending time with my family and friends.