Dr. Rebecca Calhoun-Shepard

My role as a therapist is to facilitate a safe space for people to explore their concerns and work towards their unique goals. I help clients transcend difficult situations, relationships, stigma, or complex emotions that interfere with their life and well-being.  

A collaborative relationship is at the heart of my practice. It’s of utmost importance that clients feel heard, supported and respected, while simultaneously challenged. Some of my core values as a relational therapist include acceptance, authenticity, nonjudment, creativity, compassion and flexibility. I uphold that no person or relationship is too much, everyone is worthy of support, and I consider it an honor to work with people in this way.  ​

My initial task with new clients is to thoroughly identify the purposes of our work and gather relevant history. I listen for strengths, foster curiosity, embrace complexity, and move at my clients’ pace. I tend to conceptualize concerns through interpersonal and multicultural lenses. This involves active consideration of how past and current relationships, culture, history, and systems of power and oppression intrinsically link with distress and individual well-being (e.g., thinking patterns, beliefs, emotions, coping skills).   

My therapeutic orientation is integrative and tailored to the unique needs and context of individuals or relationships I work with. I draw inspiration and specific techniques from therapy approaches not limited to narrative therapy, feminist therapy, relational psychodynamic theory, philosophical hermeneutics, interpersonal neurobiology, mindfulness, Gestalt and strengths-based therapies. I offer evidence-based knowledge, but ultimately regard clients as the expert of their own experience and strive to evoke their innate wisdom. As appropriate, I collaborate with additional providers and connect clients with educational and community resources. Though specific outcomes for therapy are as diverse as the people I work with, I generally aim to facilitate an increased sense of agency, competency, understanding, and improve your life quality and relationships.  

I provide therapy with adolescent and adult individuals and partners (e.g., couples, polycules). Some of my additional areas of interest include jealousy, sexual identity, singlehood, impact of neurodiversity and ADHD on relationships, communication skills, women’s issues, and interpersonal trauma. I’m considered polyam-friendly, Queer-friendly, kink-aware, and trauma informed.   

One of my areas of specialty and interest is non-monogamy. Therapy with polyamorous folks was the focus of my doctoral research, which emphasized how providers can better support people who love this way. I recognize that how people do relationships is not one-size fits all, and I thoroughly enjoy working with and celebrating diverse relationships structures.  

I attended the University of San Francisco and The Evergreen State College as an undergraduate, where I majored in fine art and psychology. I earned a Masters degree and Doctoral degree in clinical psychology from Antioch University Seattle, and had the privilege of serving diverse communities across multiple clinical and community training sites. I completed a full-time doctoral internship, as well as postdoctoral residency at Portland State University.   ​

Education & Credentials

Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)

Washington Licensed Clinical Psychologist (LPsy) ​ ​

Blog Posts

Thinking about Opening up Your Monogamous Relationship? Some Considerations…

If you would like to learn more about how Dr. Calhoun-Shepard can help you or wish to set up an appointment, please call or send us a message!