Couples therapists in Hillsboro, OR

Matrescence, or the identity shift at the heart of becoming a mother, is a deep, confronting process. So much surfaces during this transition. Maybe you're feeling far away from yourself and unsure when the ground will steady itself again. Maybe old losses, traumas, and wounds are returning to you in new ways, or you're feeling lost in the forest of change. Maybe you feel far away from your partner and unsure how to find each other again. Maybe you're navigating pregnancy loss or fertility challenges, or struggling to decide if you want to become a parent at all.

I'm a psychodynamic therapist specializing in perinatal mental health, matrescence, and family of origin wounds, including trauma. I'm a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (T2574) and hold a Master of Arts in Marriage, Couple, & Family Therapy from Lewis & Clark College. I have formal training in perinatal mental health, and basic training in perinatal EMDR.

My name is Muriell Carlisle, for over 15 years, I’ve dedicated my life to making a positive impact on individuals, couples, groups, and families through the art of counseling. My journey has taken me across continents and through diverse settings, shaping my unique perspective on the human experience.

Welcome. Thank you for taking the first step toward wholeness. I am a licensed marriage and family therapist who focuses on systemic and relational healing. This includes journeying with my clients through ancestral, childhood, and adulthood life challenges to help them access and address pain.

I know that you expected your life to be fulfilling and enjoyable, but instead you just feel tired, discouraged, anxious, and stuck in patterns you can’t seem to break. Maybe you avoid conflict in your marriage just to keep the peace, going through the motions in public while feeling disconnected in private. Or perhaps the weight of stress, a job you don’t enjoy, or a sense of being stuck has drained the energy and meaning from your life.

Deep down, you want to laugh again, feel close to your partner, and truly be teammates instead of adversaries. You don’t have to settle for this version of your life or your marriage—change is possible, and something better is within reach.

In today’s world, many of us are carrying more than just personal stress. Climate concerns, the pandemic, economic instability, political division, and rapid cultural change have created a sense of collective trauma that deeply impacts our mental health. In my work, I recognize that individual struggles don’t exist in isolation—they are shaped by the larger systems and environments we live in.

My goal has always been to support people navigating trauma, personality disorders, depression, and anxiety by exploring the deeper layers of the psyche. Together, we work to build self-awareness, understand unconscious patterns, and develop practical tools that support meaningful and lasting change. I work with a diverse range of clients, from adolescents to older adults (ages 13–65+).

My therapeutic style is eclectic, integrative, and holistic. I draw from a variety of approaches to meet each client where they are, while also acknowledging how societal structures can influence mental health. Areas of particular interest in my work include complex trauma, the psychological impacts of modern economic systems, eco-anxiety, non-dogmatic spirituality, and emerging perspectives in psychedelic-assisted therapy.

Above all, I believe healing happens in a space of safety and authenticity. I strive to create a judgment-free, inclusive environment where clients are met with unconditional positive regard, empathy, validation, and genuine care.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, searching for deeper understanding, or simply looking for support, you are welcome to reach out.

I have a world class education, but there is more to me than that: There have been many iterations of "Alan" over the long years of my life. There is the drug addict that has walked the clean and sober path for 33 years. There is the truck driver and the tattoo artist, the husband (married 31 years), the father, the grandfather, the great grandfather, the foster father, the step-father. There is the Buddhist and the philosopher. I am reaching out to you. There is nothing you can tell me that will offend me.

And I can write a darned good introduction too! LOL!

I hope to meet you soon!

My experience is centered on collaborating with youth, adults, and families. During these developing years and shifting dynamics, additional care for our health is needed. I work with emotional regulation, relational rifts, enhancing communication, and acceptance of self.

With attachment focused therapy as my base, I utilize mindfulness and experiential approaches in our work together. Our conversations and therapeutic activities are guided by your experience and goals.