How I Work

Whitney Summerer – Portland-based therapist using narrative and character-based therapy approaches

Have you ever watched Westworld? In the show, each character’s reality and personality emerge from a carefully designed set of core memories that shape their narrative. I approach therapy similarly.

If we can understand your foundational moments, those core experiences and patterns that shape your unique way of seeing the world, we gain clarity about who you are, how you operate, and why you react the way you do. With that insight, we have the agency and awareness to actively map your character development, identify areas needing attention, and intentionally decide where you want your story to go next season.

My style is strategic, collaborative, and personalized. Therapy with me is less about clearly understanding your internal world, mapping your macro and micro patterns, and creating an intentional plan.

I offer in person sessions in Downtown Portland and also Telehealth.

A woman with long hair sitting on a stool, smiling, in front of wooden louvered closet doors, in black and white.

About me

I’ve always been a natural helper — the kind of kid who could sense what others were feeling before they spoke. Growing up in a religious environment where love had conditions, I learned early what it felt like to carry shame, silence parts of myself, and long for true belonging. When my dad came out and was rejected by most of his community, I quietly navigated my own sexuality with little support. It took years to come home to my queerness, sensitivity, and desire to build a life that felt honest and expansive.

Today, I work with people in transition — emotionally, relationally, and existentially. My clients are often questioning inherited narratives, unpacking identity, healing relational wounds, or moving through grief and change. Some are exploring neurodivergence or nontraditional relationships, others are simply trying to find themselves again.

My approach is warm, relational, and depth-oriented. I integrate attachment theory, family systems, and parts work through a trauma-informed lens. As a white, cisgender, bisexual woman in a poly triadic relationship, I bring awareness of identity and systems into the room with humility and care. There’s space here for all of the different parts of you.

TRAINING

I’m committed to ongoing learning in areas that reflect my values and the needs of my clients. My continued training includes:

  1. EFT Externship (ICEEFT): Emotionally Focused Therapy for Couples

  2. Gottman Level 1: Bridging the Couples Chasm

  3. Fundamentals of Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)

  4. Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST)

  5. Polyamory-affirming therapy (The Affirmative Couch)

  6. Intro to EMDR

EDUCATION

Professional Counselor Associate – Oregon
License #: R7422
Supervisor- Jed Rendleman, LMFT License #: T3141

Education
M.A. in Professional Mental Health Counseling
Lewis & Clark College, Portland, OR
Graduated 2022