Jenn Delaune, MS, MFT Associate
Portland, Oregon
VerifiedFeaturedTelehealth Available
My Approach to Therapy
Life is beautiful, messy, and complex. Any type of transition, whether it is our interests changing, relationships evolving, careers shifting, friendships out of alignment, new or potential estrangement, or the profound weight of grief or trauma, often leaves us feeling untethered. If you feel lost, confused, or unsure of your current or next steps, I am here to help you find your footing. Together, we will not just manage your symptoms or slap a band-aid on them; we will look at the why behind your patterns to build lasting resilience.
My approach is a blend of deep psychological work and human connection. Expect curiosity, empathy, and a touch of humor (and yes, likely some profanity). We will use creative metaphors and pop-culture references to make sense of our complex internal worlds, deconstructing inherited relationship contracts and processing intergenerational trauma along the way.
Healing is deeply tied to the world around us. I am dedicated to maintaining a space where the full spectrum of identity is honored with curiosity. This includes my allyship with and a dedicated commitment to the safety and visibility of those from BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, and historically excluded communities. Together, we will transform reactive habits and behaviors into conscious, healthy choices. It would be a privilege to partner with you.
My Practice & Services
Beyond the Individual: Healing in Connection
Along with helping individuals reclaim their narrative and supporting couples through the ebb and flow of partnership, I facilitate growth within the broader circles of your life: Friends and Families.
Honoring Chosen Family
Our platonic bonds are often the most enduring relationships in our lives, yet they rarely receive the therapeutic attention they deserve. If a friendship is facing a rift, a major life transition, or a breakdown in communication, therapy provides a dedicated space to explore and heal. Together, we will decode the unique language of your friendship, address unresolved conflicts, and build a more intentional, supportive connection that honors your shared history.
Understanding the System
Families are complex ecosystems where the past frequently informs the present. I work with families to identify roles and patterns that may have once provided safety but now hinder the collective whole. Rather than focusing on fixing one person, we look at the system as a whole to reduce household stress and bridge gaps in communication. My goal is to help your family unit navigate these complexities, creating an environment where every member feels truly seen and respected.
Specific Issue(s) I'm Skilled at Helping With
Being a Marriage and Family Therapist is my second career. Before entering the therapy room, I spent more than 20 years in the corporate world. I understand the complexities, the politics, and the specific language of high-pressure environments. While I excelled in those roles, I found my true fulfillment in mental health. By blending my corporate background with clinical experience, I can deeply relate to clients navigating the grind and seeking more meaning in their professional and personal lives.
Importance of the Client-Therapist Alliance
I believe the most crucial element of therapy is not a specific technique; it is the relationship we build together. Research consistently shows that the quality of this relationship is the strongest predictor of positive outcomes in therapy.
Trust is not a given; it is earned through my consistency and your comfort. Because I have sat in the client chair for many years, I have a deep respect for the courage it takes for you to show up. You do not have to wonder if I understand the weight of this work; I know firsthand that therapy is a significant investment in yourself that can, at times, feel hard and uncomfortable.
My own journey has shown me how a secure professional bond creates the safe environment needed to navigate life transitions, especially those moments when the past seeps into the present and you cannot move forward, or when you feel like the eye of a hurricane, with chaos swirling around you, or when it feels impossible to manage the weight of anxiety, grief, or trauma while the world keeps turning. We will work as a collaborative team, using my dual perspective to help you carry the weight until you are strong enough to navigate it on your own. While this process requires deep effort, I know, both as a therapist and as someone who has walked this path, that the version of you on the other side is absolutely worth it.
Expertise & Specialties
Age Groups I Work With
TeensAdultsElders
Groups I Work With
PROFESSIONALS AT ANY LEVEL: Addressing work-life balance, burnout, and career demands. YOUNG ADULTS & COLLEGE STUDENTS: Navigating the shift to independence, academic pressure, and identity formation. INDIVIDUALS IN MIDLIFE: Re-evaluating your purpose and navigating your next chapter. OLDER ADULTS (65+): Compassionate support for retirement transitions, legacy building, and finding continued meaning and connection. PATH-CHANGERS: Collaborative partnership for anyone at a crossroads, ready to intentionally redefine their life direction at any age. LGBTQIA+, BIPOC, HISTORICALLY MARGINALIZED COMMUNITIES: Affirming, culturally responsive care honoring intersectional identities and lived experiences.
Therapy Services & Specialties
Concerns & Challenges Addressed
Adjusting to Change / Life TransitionsAnxietyBlended Family IssuesCareer ChoiceCareer Issues Caregiver Issues / StressCommunication ProblemsDepression
Therapeutic Approaches & Evidence-Based Methods
Collaborative TherapyIntegration of different therapy modelsInternal Family Systems (IFS)Motivational Interviewing Narrative TherapySolution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT)
Industries & Communities
BIPOCLGBTQ+