Monica Maragos

Marriage and Family Therapist Associate

she/her

Growing up between two countries and two cultures, I learned early on there was more than one way to do things. I learned how beautiful and challenging it could be to differ, to lose and rebuild community through the process of figuring out our relationship to the world around us.

Questioning the ways we are and the ways we relate to one another inspired my fascination with the human experience and the interconnectedness of it all. I’m particularly drawn to how our experiences show up in our relationships and sexuality, and how both of these are impacted by larger systems.

I’m inspired by the richness that can come from living in connection with other humans, animals, plants, places, and ideas. I’m grateful to live in a loving network of relationships that bring me comfort, strength, meaning, space for growth, and so much joy. I value opportunities for presence and play, feel at home when swimming in open bodies of water, and have found a lot of healing through movement and dance, which are important parts of my life.

who i work with

My ideal clients are those who have curiosity about their experiences and a desire to overcome the obstacles that are preventing them from experiencing joy and belonging in their lives and their relationships.

I’m particularly drawn to working with relationship systems: friends, families, partnerships, polyamorous/non-monogamous relationships, kink/BDSM relationships.

Some of the issues I work with:

  • Sex and relationships

  • Belonging, home away from home, cultural minorities, migration grief

  • Adult parent-child relationships

  • Grief, life transitions, end of life, caring for older adults

  • Gender and sexual identity

therapeutic style

I believe that change can happen when we find acceptance and safety within ourselves, our relationships, and larger systems; and when we experience new ways of being. I believe everyone has the innate capacity to heal, and that the answers to our questions can be found within. I see my role as guiding clients to their inner source of wisdom and strength.

I understand our relationships, our environment, and our place in the world to have an impact on our individual experiences. This understanding takes into account issues of power and privilege. As a therapist and as a human, I make ongoing efforts to be aware of my own impact and grow.

My therapeutic approach is trauma-informed and based on experiential, attachment, narrative, and intergenerational therapy models. Most of my work happens through the lens of Internal Family Systems therapy (IFS) and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT). I hold advanced training in both of these modalities. I incorporate aspects of somatic mindfulness, as I believe our bodies can be an important part of the healing process. My approach to therapy welcomes growth, and is therefore intentionally evolving.

background

Education & training:

  • Master’s degree in Marriage, Couple, and Family Therapy with a specialization in Sex Therapy from the Lewis & Clark Graduate School of Education and Counseling

    Major coursework included: systemic therapy models, human development, family life cycles, equity in relational therapy, couples therapy, polyamory and family therapy, queer and transgender issues in therapy, domestic violence, human sexuality, sex therapy, addictions, dying and grief, dance and movement therapy, group counseling, and systemic assessment and treatment planning.

  • Advanced training in Emotionally-Focused Couples Therapy (EFT) by the International Centre for Excellence in Emotionally Focused Therapy

  • Internal Family Systems (IFS) trainings by the IFS Institute and PESI

  • Somatic and mindfulness-based trauma treatment

  • Psychedelics in therapy

  • Gambling counselor pre-certification

Clinical experience:

  • Private practice since 2022

  • Lifeworks NW

  • Lewis & Clark Community Counseling Center

insurance & fees

  • $155 per 50-minute session for individuals or relationship systems

  • Sliding scale rates starting at $75 per 50-min session

  • Insurance plans often have coverage for out-of-network providers and will reimburse some or all of the cost of therapy sessions. This is done via "superbills". I can help you look into this and get reimbursed if possible.

office hours & location

Mon 12-6 • Tues 12-6 • Wed 12-6 • Sat 9-3

My office space is located in SE Portland at 4531 SE Belmont St, in an ADA accessible building.

getting started

If you’re considering working with me, send me a message through the contact form and we can find a time to chat more. I offer free 20-min video calls to answer questions and to see if we’d be a good fit for therapy.

I offer sessions in person and via telehealth for clients residing in Oregon.

contact

Monica Maragos, MA, Marriage and Family Therapist Associate (#R7989)

Supervised by Carly Rubin, LMFT (License #T1838)

monica@inbetweentherapycollective.com

4531 SE Belmont St Suite 109, Portland, OR 97215

(971) 314-9289