Tracy Gilmore, LCSW

I am licensed to practice psychotherapy as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Oregon and Illinois, with 16 years of experience providing psychotherapy (adults, children, and adolescents; individual, parent-child, family and group therapy) and 12 years providing clinical supervision and consultation.

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My work is enriched by other interests and training, including broad, deep and critical thinking (MA, Philosophy) and art (MFA, visual arts). Less formally, I have studies and practiced yoga and spirituality.

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I hold respect for the mystery of each individual’s strengths and challenges, as well as the way that those who are outside of society’s dominant expectations/image of “normal,” (e.g., not white, not straight, not neurotypical, or just not average) must invent their own version of excellence and well-being and find their own way there.

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I know the process of healing and growth personally and professionally. I know what it is to struggle through many of the things I help others with, and I know what book learning has to say about it, and I know what many clients and friends have found helps them. Because of this I can relate to my clients deeply, and this can also increase your sense of relating to me. This also increases my ability to help you find your wisdom, discern what is actually working for you, and bring helpful ideas and questions.

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My approach is deep, and deeply practical. I am trained in therapy approaches that reach the depth needed for real healing and fulfillment, not just functioning. On the other hand, I do not linger in the depths without regard to cost (time or money). I have worked hard to find things that work, and work as quickly as possible.

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I am able to be honest with clients - real - compassionately, without judgment. I have made many mistakes myself, faced shameful weaknesses, and have supported many people as they grieve their mistakes and find a way to change. Our mistakes can be profoundly hurtful, but judgment is irrelevant -- the question is whether you are who YOU want to be, whether YOU respect you, and if not how to get there.

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I work with the body, with sensitivity to trauma and negative body feelings. I do this via somatic psychotherapy and incorporating yoga and other physical practices. Recent trauma science provides strong evidence that this is crucial to trauma therapy. In my experience, it is also extremely powerful for other problems.

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I work relationally. This includes everything from being able to talk about our work from a practical standpoint, such as your sense of whether it is worth the cost to you, to talking about how you and I feel in the relationship. I am skilled in talking about difficult topics, e.g., when you feel I'm not helping you. On the other hand, while I offer relational work, I do not impose it on you - some clients want it and others don’t. If you don't, I can stay in the “neutral” therapist role.

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