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About Me

Hi, I’m Amber Shimamoto. I’m currently completing my Master of Social Work at Portland State University and hold a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Fort Lewis College. I’ve worked with teens, adults, and older adults across acute care, residential treatment, forensic psychiatry, public education, higher education, and community-based settings. As a white, nonbinary, queer, neurodivergent person in an interracial marriage, I was drawn to this work because I believe everyone deserves a space where they can feel seen, understood, and supported. I especially enjoy working with BIPOC, LGBTQIA2S+, neurodivergent, trauma survivor, and hearing voices communities through an anti-oppressive, affirming, and relational lens.

Therapeutic Approach

I believe therapy works best when it feels collaborative, curious, and grounded in your lived experience. My approach is trauma-informed, justice-oriented, and strengths-based, drawing from Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), Narrative Therapy, Internal Family Systems (IFS), expressive arts, existential therapy, dream work, and Jungian Psychotherapy. Together, we’ll work toward healing, greater self-trust, and finding ways to navigate life that feel more authentic, empowering and sustainable for you.

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Credentials & Experience

I hold a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Fort Lewis College and am currently completing my Master of Social Work at Portland State University. My experience includes working in public K–8 schools, colleges and universities, residential treatment, acute psychiatric care, forensic psychiatric hospitals, and community-based collectives.

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Outside the Office

When I’m not working, you’ll usually find me in the garden, tending flowers, raising quail for eggs, or drinking coffee on the porch with my wife and two cats. I enjoy discussing dreams, painting, writing, and creating collages during art nights with friends. I also love falling down research rabbit holes on new special interests and watching films and documentaries that explore what connects us across time, culture, and place.