Shayla Archer, LCSW, PMH-C (she/her)
Shayla is a graduate of Portland State University’s Master of Social Work program. She holds an additional Master’s degree in Health Promotion & Education, and an undergraduate degree in Psychology. As evidenced by this collection of degrees, Shayla loves to learn, and her gentle curiosity is a key part of how she engages with clients in the therapeutic setting. Shayla’s style as a therapist is based in providing a grounded and non-judgmental space for her clients. She believes change can occur in small ways and large ones, and will collaboratively meet you wherever you are in the change process. Shayla brings a trauma-informed lens to her work and prioritizes understanding the intersecting identities that make you who you are today. Shayla has a particular interest in supporting clients who are navigating trauma-based concerns, which may include traumatic births, pregnancy loss, pregnancy-related medical procedures, and historical traumas which may be activated by the events and experiences that can occur when trying to conceive and experiencing pregnancy, birth, and postpartum.
Shayla primarily grounds her work with clients in the principles of Person-Centered Therapy and Internal Family Systems Therapy, and utilizes a variety of evidence-based interventions in her work, which allows her to tailor work with each client to the individual needs present. These approaches include Interpersonal Psychotherapy, Motivational Interviewing techniques, and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR, which she was trained in by the EMDR Institute in 2024). Shayla has completed her 200-hour yoga teacher training and enjoys integrating mindfulness and breathing techniques into session to support regulation and connection between mind and body. Above all, Shayla prioritizes the development of safety and trust with her clients, with the knowledge that a positive therapeutic relationship has been well researched to be one of the highest predictors of positive mental health outcomes.
Shayla primarily grounds her work with clients in the principles of Person-Centered Therapy and Internal Family Systems Therapy, and utilizes a variety of evidence-based interventions in her work, which allows her to tailor work with each client to the individual needs present. These approaches include Interpersonal Psychotherapy, Motivational Interviewing techniques, and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR, which she was trained in by the EMDR Institute in 2024). Shayla has completed her 200-hour yoga teacher training and enjoys integrating mindfulness and breathing techniques into session to support regulation and connection between mind and body. Above all, Shayla prioritizes the development of safety and trust with her clients, with the knowledge that a positive therapeutic relationship has been well researched to be one of the highest predictors of positive mental health outcomes.
In her free time, Shayla enjoys hiking, crafting, cooking new recipes, and spending time with her friends and family.