Denise A. Lucas

Denise A. Lucas is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), EMDRIA Certified Trauma Therapist in Portland, Oregon. She works with adults 18 years and older. Many of Denise's clients come in when they have experienced trauma and are having symptoms that are impacting daily functioning such as anxiety, depression, interpersonal relationship, and occupational issues. Denise is particularly passionate about serving a wide variety of the adult population. Denise also has advanced training in the area of EMDR and has been certified as an EMDR Trauma Therapist. Denise is also a Certified Integrative Mental Health Profession (CIMHP) and takes a holistic approach to treatment meaning caring for physical needs as well as emotional needs if the client chooses.

Denise is trained in a variety of approaches, which she tailors to individual needs. In the session, she focuses on the client's current symptoms and how their symptoms are impacting their life. This approach supports clients to reach the life they desire of thriving instead of just surviving.

Denise's style is compassionate, non-judgmental, and person-centered. The client will first schedule a free 15-minute consultation to see if there is a good fit for both the client and therapist. If the relationship is a good fit the first scheduled appointment is an intake assessment followed by a discussion on hopes and goals for treatment.

Denise earned two master's degrees, a Master of Arts in Pastoral Ministry (Duquesne University) and a Master of Arts in Counseling (Multnomah University). She gained experience beginning at the Allegheny County Jail as a chaplain and continued cultivating her passion for helping people at the Department of Veteran Affairs, Cascadia Behavioral Health, and LifeWorks NW Community Mental Health which has led her to private practice focusing on trauma.