A woman with dark hair smiling broadly, showing her teeth. She is wearing colorful earrings with floral patterns and a dark blazer over a teal top, against a dark background.

Hi, I’m Marie cacao.

I am a Psychotherapist who works with individuals, couples, families, and groups by helping them slow down, listen, and discover the wisdom already present in their bodies. My approach is rooted in compassion, authenticity, and humor, and I bring a transparent and direct presence that invites both brave vulnerability and honesty. I believe meaningful change comes from developing awareness of yourself, your relationships, and the impact you have — not from quick fixes, but through learning to trust the guidance that arises within.

I support people navigating life transitions, grief, trauma, stress, addiction, and identity challenges, as well as those seeking more nourishing and sustainable relationships. In my work I weave together somatic awareness, energetic practices informed by Indigenous/Native traditions, and a deep respect for the body as a source of wisdom and healing. I also practice Gestalt, Family Systems, and Internal Family Systems theories and principles, which guide how I help clients uncover, integrate, and shift patterns that no longer serve them.

I provide psychotherapy with compassion, humor, and a willingness to be transparent, direct, and authentic. I create a supportive environment for people going through difficult life transitions, coming to terms with painful experiences, and recognizing unhelpful patterned behavior. My work is centered around helping you develop awareness of yourself, your interactions with others, and the impact you have on your relationship with yourself and others, which then allows for lasting change and meaningful connection. I also offer support for learning how to get your needs met more effectively and sustainably, while building and maintaining relationships that are truly satisfying and nourishing. Alongside my client work, I supervise new therapists, offering guidance and mentorship as they develop their own clinical voice and capacity.

My professional background supports and grounds this way of working. I received my Master’s in Couples and Family Therapy in 2007 at Argosy University in Honolulu, Hawaii. I became a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in Oregon in 2013. Since completing my graduate program I have trained extensively in Gestalt Psychotherapy, Process Group work and facilitation, and Reichian/Orgonomy bodywork as well as other modalities. Since 2012, I have also been learning from and working with Native American elders who are healers in their communities. I opened my private practice in 2009 and have been providing clinical supervision and training since 2016.

I began working as a caseworker in 2005 with unsupported youth and older adults impacted by significant trauma and severe mental/emotional illness in group homes, hospitals, and prisons. My initial training as a therapist became focused on Addictions, Sexual Abuse (especially childhood sexual abuse), Family and Group dynamics. These areas remain central to my practice today, though I also support clients with a wide range of other needs.


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Approaches

Insurances accepted

Gestalt Therapy

Family/Marital Therapy

Orgonomy

Somatic

BlueCross and BlueShield

Regence

PacificSource Health Plans

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