Victoria Ward, PsyD

Meet Victoria Ward

Over the past six years, I’ve worked with people who came to therapy hoping to find an answer: why they feel the way they do, how to feel better, or why they keep finding themselves in the same patterns. Through my work in trauma centers, college counseling centers, and community mental health clinics, I’ve come to appreciate that therapy isn’t always about finding a single answer. Often, it’s about developing a different relationship with ourselves and creating more flexibility in how we respond to difficult thoughts, emotions, and experiences. This work has reinforced my belief that meaningful change is possible, even when it may feel difficult to imagine.

If you’re reading this, you may be wondering what that kind of change could look like for you. You might be doing well in many areas of your life while still feeling stuck, overwhelmed, caught in patterns of overthinking, or disconnected from what matters to you. You may be managing a demanding career, school, relationships, or other responsibilities while privately struggling with anxiety, intrusive thoughts, self-criticism, difficult past experiences, or ways of coping that no longer feel as helpful as they once did.

My approach to therapy is warm, compassionate, and collaborative. I draw from evidence-based approaches including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and Compassion-Focused Therapy. Together, we’ll get curious, without judgment, about the patterns that may be keeping you stuck and explore ways to relate differently to difficult thoughts and emotions, with more room to make intentional choices that reflect what matters most to you.

Our work may include making space for difficult emotions rather than fighting against them, developing a more compassionate relationship with yourself, and understanding yourself and your experiences in new ways. I believe our pain can sometimes tell us something about what we care about most, and therapy can offer a place to explore that with curiosity and care.

Beyond the Practice

When I'm not in session, I'm most likely curled up with my two very fluffy pets and a classic novel, hiking toward a beautiful waterfall, or in the kitchen experimenting with Asian and Italian recipes. I'm also on a never-ending quest to eat my way through Portland, so if you have a favorite spot, I'd love to hear about it.

How I Can Help

My work with LGBTQIA+ patients is especially meaningful to me, both personally and professionally. I also bring a neurodiversity-affirming perspective to therapy and value making space for different ways of thinking, experiencing, and moving through the world.

I have a particular interest in working with women, neurodivergent patients, young adults, college students, and people navigating anxiety, OCD, trauma, or relationship concerns. These are some of the areas I’m especially drawn to, but I welcome patients who come to therapy with a wide range of concerns, experiences, and reasons for seeking support.

If my approach resonates with you, I invite you to schedule an appointment to see if we might be a good fit.

Education & License

• PsyD, The Wright Institute

• Psychologist, OR #(TBD)