Kelle DeBruin

Hello! My name is Kelle DeBruin. I am a Marriage and Family Therapist – Registered Intern with the State of Oregon. I hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Philosophy and Religion from Pacific Lutheran University (Tacoma, WA), a Master of Divinity degree from Luther Seminary (St. Paul, MN), and a Master of Science degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Capella University (St. Paul, MN). I’ve also completed extended work to be a licensed Behavioral Therapist in the state of Oregon (RBAI). When I tell my clients (and future clients) that I believe life is about transition and opportunity – I believe it! I am also an Ordained Minister in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). I have over a decade of experience in parish ministry and as a hospital chaplain. My experience has given me a very intimate place in people’s lives. I understand the stages of development and growth that a person goes through in life not only from my education, but through my personal experience journeying with people in the greatest and most devastating days of their lives. I intentionally do not classify myself as a, “Christian Counselor” due to the limitations I feel that title can have. While I believe my knowledge and experience adds a very specialized understanding of my client’s background and core beliefs, my pursuit in the therapy room has a grander purpose that faith and spirituality can fit into if that feels appropriate, but doesn’t necessarily dominate my therapeutic practice. My work focuses on the strength that comes from past experiences. I believe our opportunity to grow often depends on our ability to consider a realistic understanding of where we are in life and the paths that it took to get there. I admire the resilience that people exhibit from their past experiences and work from that strength shown in the past as we work together to understand the opportunities that are now present. Most of my work with clients follows a therapeutic approach that is collaborative in nature. Drawing from the interventions used with Emotionally Focused Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Cognitive Behavorial Therapy, and Solution Focused Therapy – my work with clients centers on understanding the client’s background in order to pursue areas of discovery and growth in their present and future realities. As I work with gay, lesbian, and bisexual clients I recognize the hetero-normative society that we often live in. It is a gift for me to offer a place where each individual and each couple are given the type of space and attention they deserve as they engage in the challenging but rewarding work of learning more about themselves and their partner. Please feel free to learn more about my specific areas of practice in the pages of this website and schedule a complimentary 15 minute phone session so we have the chance to get to know each other better.