Nathan Heydari

Hi, I'm Nathan Heydari, and I am an Expressive Arts Therapist in Portland, Oregon. I also offer online services to residents of Oregon.

Counselor in Milwaukie, OR
Supervised by Earlyn Smith, LPC

Services
  • Individual
  • Family
  • Adolescent/Teen

About My Clients

Have you been feeling disconnected lately? Perhaps you feel creatively blocked? Are you overwhelmed by life and the current state of the world, and unsure how to find peace while also yearning for change? Are you hesitant to get help because you don't want to be labeled, or worse - medicated and dismissed? I can help! I work with whole people, in the context of the world we actually live in. You are a unique individual, not just a diagnosis. My approach is different.

My Background and Approach

Expressive Arts therapy is a process I hold close to my heart, as it has transformed my own life. Expressive Arts is a Trauma-Informed approach which allows you to work at a pace that is comfortable for you. I understand how scary it can feel to reach out. I hold space for people to heal without pressure or expectation. You will be safe and respected here. I hold a Master's Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a concentration in Expressive Arts Therapy. I have worked in non-profit community mental health for the past 11 years, all over the United States, in both rural and urban communities. I have learned that above all else, truly compassionate care for mental health must come from a place of collaboration and non-authoritarianism. Growth comes from a place of internal, personal power – it is never imposed upon us by any outside force, especially not a coercive one.

My Personal Beliefs and Interests

I believe that good care is trauma-informed, and that means acknowledging the dark history of the field, and working actively everyday to break down previously instilled hierarchies, labels, and ideas about “pathology” that fail to recognize the context of the system in which many of our struggles originate. I work hard to make sure that Garden of the Heart is a welcoming, nurturing, and judgment-free environment. I am always open to feedback, dialogue and discussion to foster understanding and growth. I also believe therapy should be affordable and accessible, and I will work with you to develop a plan that works with your life. If you are ready to explore the story of your soul, I hope you will consider reaching out for a free consultation to see if we might be a good fit. I’m looking forward to getting to know you!

At A Glance

  • Experience: 7 years of practice
  • Languages: English
  • Rate: $60 - 80/session

Reach out to Nathan