Kimberly Cavallo, LMFT

Kimberly Cavallo

Kimberly Cavallo’s Therapist Disclosure Statement <<< (Clickable) 

Although every human being is unique, with a different story to tell, one thing we all have in common is the longing for connection. It is the thread that runs through our life stages. From the moment we are born we are trying to connect.It is my firm belief that all people desire to be cherished, acknowledged, validated, and affirmed. We are biological, social and spiritual beings, and these all affect how we move through the world. When these connections are not what we hoped they cause us pain. When we come to the realization that all of our effort to fix what is causing us pain has not had the desired result, we are motivated to reach out for help.

Whether you are coming to therapy over strained relationships, grief, anxiety, or feeling out of sorts over big life changes, by seeking therapy you’ve made the courageous first step towards healing. My philosophy of therapy centers around building a strong relationship between myself and my client. This, in turn, creates an environment for change, helping clients share their inner thoughts and feelings that might be preventing them from feeling successful in their relationships and their lives. This can be done by building a mutual and collaborative alliance.

I received my Master of Arts in Marriage, Couples and Family Therapy at Lewis and Clark College Graduate School of Education & Counseling in Portland, Oregon. I currently hold a Marriage and Family Therapist Associate License from the State of Washington.  My therapeutic approach is influenced by training in relational psychotherapy and attachment theory. As a systems therapist, I also view therapy through a lens of the biopsychosocial model which is the relationship between psychology and biology. Whether I am seeing an individual, a couple or a family, my approach is the same. We are the product of the systems we reside in.

In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family. I love gardening, reading books and socializing with friends. I also enjoy exploring Oregon and Washington and the diversity they offer geographically.

Specialties and areas of focus

  • Couples
  • Families
  • Anxiety
  • Trauma
  • Grief/Loss
  • Parents or caregivers of people on the Autism spectrum
  • People on the Autism spectrum

Q&A with Kimberly

1.) Some therapists are more comfortable addressing the immediate problem, while others want to focus on the deeper issue. Which are you?

I prefer to focus on the deeper issues in therapy. It is my therapeutic belief that the immediate problem is a symptom of a much deeper issue.

2.) Do you tend to lead the session, or follow my lead?

I tend to do both, depending on the client and what their needs are for the session.

3.) What are your strengths as a therapist?

I have been told that I have the ability to connect with people and I am also direct with clients when it is needed.

4.) If you had one superpower, what would it be and why?

The ability to read minds. I think it would be fascinating to know what people are really thinking at any given moment!

5.) What makes you laugh?

Sarcasm and irony!

6.) Who would you have dinner with, dead or alive?

Viktor Frankl (Man’s Search for Meaning)