Who we are
The Hope Connection is a diverse team of therapists dedicated to supporting individuals, couples, families, children, and groups in building healthier, more connected lives. We integrate evidence-based modalities—including CBT, DBT, Play Therapy, Emotion-Focused Therapy, and Sand Tray—to explore relational dynamics, behavioral patterns, and limiting beliefs that may hinder personal growth.
Our mission includes providing culturally responsive care and outreach to diverse communities, including LGBTQ+ populations, through tailored therapeutic and educational services in the Portland and Newberg areas.
Meet the Co-Founders
The Hope Connection was founded in Portland in 2013 and expanded to Newberg in 2016. Created by experienced therapists and wellness providers, our practice offers a supportive, collaborative space for independent mental health professionals to serve diverse client populations in a shared, community-focused environment.
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Shari holds a Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy from George Fox University and brings over three decades of personal and professional experience to her work with children, families, and couples. As a mother of three and married for 38 years, Shari draws on her lived experience to offer empathy, insight, and practical support to her clients.
Shari enjoys working with individuals, couples & families supporting clients through challenges related to relationships, emotional regulation, and past trauma. Certified in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), Shari integrates evidence-based techniques to help clients heal from distressing experiences and build healthier, more connected lives. Her approach is compassionate, collaborative, and rooted in deep respect for each client’s unique journey.
Shari helps clients explore patterns, overcome obstacles, and move toward a more fulfilling life. Her approach is warm, personalized, and grounded in evidence-based practices—supporting clients through grief, parenting issues, relationship stress, and life transitions.
Shari also offers clinical supervision for LMFT & LPC interns working toward licensure.
Rates:
$180-225 per session. Shari is in network with PacificSource, YCCO, & Oregon Health Plan. Out-of-network billing is also available.
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Liz holds a Master’s degree in Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling from George Fox University. She is a Registered Play Therapist and Supervisor (RPT-S) certified by the Association for Play Therapy.
Liz specializes in working with children, families, and couples, using attachment-based approaches and play therapy to address trauma, anxiety, behavioral concerns, and emotional regulation. She believes in helping clients re-author their life stories with purpose and joy. Her work supports individuals across all ages, including young children (ages 3–10), through developmentally appropriate and family-inclusive interventions.
Her treatment areas include anxiety, depression, grief, self-harm, identity, abuse recovery, parenting, and relational concerns. Liz is also a certified Prepare & Enrich facilitator and offers EMDR therapy and clinical supervision for LPC and LMFT interns.
Memberships:
AAMFT (American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy)
APT (Association for Play Therapy)
Rates:
$160–$190 per 50- or 90-minute session. Flexible fees available.Insurance Accepted:
CareOregon (OHP), Regence BCBS, PacificSource, Optum, Providence, Cigna, Beacon, Anthem, Reliant, and others. Out-of-network billing available.Contact:
Liz@HopeConnectionCounseling.com
📞 503-928-6542 | 📠 Fax: 971-339-5274
Investing in Your Well-Being
Therapy is an investment in yourself—we’re here to help you understand your options.
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We offer a variety of services and rates to accommodate your needs and your budget. Explore our therapists’ profiles to view their individual pricing and accepted insurance.
We have several interns who are trained in many therapy techniques and provide quality services at a discounted price. Each intern works with a mentor and has regular supervision.
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We offer several methods of payment. We will accept cash, check, and credit/debit cards.
Most of the therapists at The Hope Connection offer out-of-network provider coverage. They can provide a receipt that you can submit to your insurance company and some therapists will bill your insurance company for you. With self-pay, your confidentiality is protected and decisions about therapy are made by you rather than your insurance company.
Please check with your therapist about payment options and fill out the following form to provide your therapist with the information they will need to know to help you with insurance billing.
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All scheduled appointment times must be kept or cancelled 24 hours prior to the appointment time. Failure to cancel 24 hours in advance or "no showing" will result in a full charge of the missed appointment. No future sessions will be scheduled until this fee has been paid.
FAQs
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Everyone experiences sadness, anxiety, loss, stress and other challenges in their life. At times you may have the skills and support to get through them and at other times you may find that those skills no longer work and you need help. There is no shame in being self aware and recognizing when you need extra support. Therapy is an opportunity for you to take responsibility for where you are in life and take the steps necessary to change your situation for the better. Statistics show that the earlier someone seeks help, the easier it is to get through the situation. There doesn't need to be a stigma around seeking strategies to make the one life you have more joyful and fulfilling.
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Therapy can be an important part of your process toward gaining a better understanding of your life's challenges. Therapy can help you better manage your feelings of stress, anger or sadness, find solutions to work/family/relational problems, enhance your coping skills when under stress or in a crisis and gain a better understanding of your behavior patterns that may be contributing to your symptoms.
In a safe and confidential space, a mental health therapist will work with you to gain an understanding of your mental health condition. You will collaborate on defining your wellness goals and establishing a stable and dependable plan of treatment.
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Therapy is a collaborative process tailored to your unique challenges and goals. You may seek support for anything from life transitions to trauma, and the approach will vary based on your needs. Some therapists offer brief, goal-focused work, while others provide longer-term support.
Finding the right fit is important, so consider meeting with a few professionals. Therapy may involve talk-based interventions, expressive techniques, or other methods. Sessions typically begin weekly and are adjusted over time. You may also be given exercises or reflections to explore between sessions.
If other healthcare providers are involved, your therapist may request permission to coordinate care. Success in therapy relies on your openness and active participation.
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Yes, confidentiality is upheld in the highest regard throughout the therapeutic relationship. When meeting with your therapist for the first time they will provide you with their Professional Disclosure Statement and review confidentiality as well as your rights throughout treatment. Informed consent is a foundation for a trusting relationship and a successful process.
Confidentiality & Privacy Policy
Mental health providers are mandatory reporters. The law protects the relationship between a client and a counselor/therapist, and information cannot be disclosed without written permission or when exceptions are mandated.
Exceptions include:
Suspected child abuse or dependent adult or elder abuse, for which we are required by law to report this to the appropriate authorities immediately.
If a client is threatening serious bodily harm to another person/s, we must notify the police and inform the intended victim.
If a client intends to harm himself or herself, we will make every effort to enlist their cooperation in ensuring their safety. If they do not cooperate, we will take further measures without their permission, which is provided to us by law to ensure their safety.