About me

My name is Lara Simone D’Amore, but I have gone by my middle name, Simone, since I was a teenager. I have been in Private Practice in SW Portland since 2014. I speak Spanish as a second language and am competent to provide therapy in English and Spanish. My mission is to provide high quality care that is accessible and culturally informed.

Treatment Approach

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor with the Oregon Board of Professional Counselors and Therapists (License no. C3227). I tailor my therapy interventions to the needs of my clients, though I have a strong foundation in family systems and attachment theory. I understand that family involvement is highly beneficial to positive therapy outcomes for both children and adults.  I have extensive experience helping children and their families recover from trauma such as sexual abuse or domestic violence. 

I am trained in Eye Movement Reprocessing and Desensitization (EMDR) which is shown to be highly effective in reducing distress associated with trauma. I recognize that trauma not only impacts the individual, but each and every person who cares about the individual.  Some of my professional passions are supporting new and expecting parents and educating others about trauma through a strengths-based lens.

Experience

I have worked in the field of mental health for over 20 years and as a therapist for 16. I gained experience in a variety of settings including residential treatment centers, schools, home-based services, mobile crisis team, and outpatient treatment. I have lived and worked in in Alaska, Washington, California, and Oregon and I enjoy working with people from a variety of ethnic, cultural, and socio-economic backgrounds. I am LGBTQIA+ affirming and informed.

I completed my Master's of Science in Counseling Psychology from Alaska Pacific University in 2005. I completed my practicum with Alaska Family Practice Residency providing individual and couples counseling to adults. I received my Bachelor of Arts from Antioch College in 1998. 

  • Completed certificate training from Postpartum Support International
    PMADS: Components of Care

  • Completed PSU Adoption and Family Therapy Certificate Program

  • ​Completed EMDRIA-approved EMDR training from the Maiberger Institute

Personal Life

I live in Beaverton, Oregon with my family of humans as well as two dogs, two cats, and a snake named Sylvia. I am a White cisgender woman in a queer family. In my personal time, I might be found playing a rowdy game of Uno with my kids, practicing photography, or reading a good mystery novel.