Hello, I’m Jane Plagge, Licensed Psychologist in Portland, OR. I believe in empowering individuals to overcome life’s obstacles and live life fully. I work with individuals who may feel stuck in their experiences of anxiety, depression, chronic pain, stress, or trauma to again connect with their values and engage in what they find meaningful.
My approach to therapy and counseling is holistic and strength-based. I see each person as a whole and capable of change. You are the expert on your own experience and I work collaboratively with you to build upon your existing strengths, as well as introduce new skills and strategies to help you take meaningful steps towards your goals and values.
Kindness, compassion, humor, and honesty are values of mine and I bring them into the counseling room. My colleagues and clients describe me as down-to-earth, warm, and playful. As the saying goes, sometimes laughter is the best medicine – laughter can increase connection, break down barriers, and even expand openness and acceptance of ourselves. What we discover in our shared humanity often incites laughter.
While, it’s true, we are all human, we also are different. I strive to provide my clients with an inclusive environment in which they feel safe and at ease to talk openly. I attend to the mind, body, and sociocultural factors and the complexity of their interactions on an individual’s experience.
I believe in change and the importance of practicing based on what research shows works. I provide evidence-based treatments adapted to fit my client’s specific identified needs. I am trained in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (including Behavioral Activation, Prolonged Exposure, Cognitive Processing Therapy), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (including mindfulness-based strategies), and Compassion-Focused Therapy.
My Qualifications and Experience
I am licensed as a Clinical Psychologist in Oregon (#2137) and Washington (PY60141821). I completed my pre-Doctoral internship at the VA North Texas Health Care System in 2009 and my post-Doctoral fellowship in Health Psychology at the VA Portland Health Care System in 2010. I worked for 10 years as a Clinical Psychologist at the VA Portland Health Care System specializing in the treatment of chronic pain and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) prior to starting Bridgetown Counseling. I worked as a trainer and consultant in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and provided CBT for chronic pain workshops and consultation to VA clinicians across the nation. I have provided supervision to psychology interns and fellows. I am affiliated with OHSU as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychiatry. In addition to clinical work and teaching, I have experience in research and have published in the areas of PTSD, chronic pain, and women’s health in peer-reviewed journals.
Education
- 2009 Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (Psy.D) Pacific University
- 2006 Master’s in Clinical Psychology (M.S.) Pacific University
- 2002 Bachelor of Science in Psychology (B.S.) University of California, Davis
Learn more about the therapy and counseling services I offer here.
Jane Plagge, Psy.D. 