melissa c. perry, Ma
(they/them/she/her)
I am a queer, white human raised on the east coast of the United States, and for over 20 years I have been supporting individuals and groups through transformation and change. I hold a Master of Arts in Process-Oriented Facilitation and Conflict Studies from the Process Work Institute in Portland, OR, and I received my BA from the New School in New York City.
From a young age I was moved by suffering and injustice, and I had a deep desire to make the world a better place. I was disturbed by what seemed the world’s lack of response to all this pain. I have been particularly disturbed, and personally impacted, by the culture of silence around traumatic experiences. My inherent care for and ability to feel others has guided my work.
My practice focuses on presence, healing and transformation. I am moved by the potency of relationship and what evolves when we come together in intentional space. I have studied core energetics, transparent communication, meditation, movement and dance, and I am a certified yoga instructor with a daily practice. I have facilitated groups and individuals working with internalized oppression and social rank and power. I completed a 2-year training program at the Radical Aliveness Institute and 1 year training program at the Santa Fe Institute for Shame-based Studies. These all inform the way I work.
I am interested in the connection between the wider world and our individual experiences, particularly in relation to our identities and experiences. I frequently work with LGBTQIA and non-binary and gender non-conforming individuals, and individuals working on trauma. I completed my clinical training through the River’s Way Clinic at the Process Work Institute, and I currently have a private practice in Portland, OR and online.