Karis Rook
They/Them | Professional Counseling Associate
I am a non-binary creative from Milwaukie with a personality that is a little more “Muppet” than human. I enjoy reading, learning, gardening and homesteading, and exploring creative expression through making art. I value curiosity, lifelong learning, and finding meaningful ways to connect with the world around me. Whether I’m tending to plants, exploring new ideas, or creating something unexpected, I find joy in the process of discovery and making space for creativity in everyday life.
I believe art therapy is grounded in the human need to express ourselves through making. Creativity shows up in our lives in so many ways, from making art and cooking to decorating, dressing ourselves, and expressing our unique selves through language. When we become immersed in the act of making, different parts of ourselves have the opportunity to work together, creating space for change, insight, and learning.
I hold a Masters of Arts in Art Therapy from Lewis and Clark college and a bachelors in American Sign Language Linguistics and Language Acquisition from Western Oregon University. I am currently a Clinical Mental Health Counseling associate under the Oregon board of Licensed Professional Counselors and Therapists as well as a Provincial Registered Art Therapist with the Art Therapy Credentialing Board. I am being supervised by Kris Bella, ATR-BC, ATCS and Lynn Hager, LCSW.
Currently Accepting New Clients In-Person & Online
Contact them directly at Karis@linkpdx.org
How I Got Here
Life is funny, Art therapy is my third career. Before becoming an art therapist, I spent over 10 years as a teacher, worked as a sign language interpreter, and advocated for people with disabilities. After working in education and the disability world, via covid’s quarantine, I decided it was time for another change. This mostly came through me and my community members having several pretty poor experiences with mental health clinicians, and I knew therapy could be different and better. If I learned anything from working with the disabled, when there is a barrier, we get to doing the work ourselves. I want not only the care people receive to be more accessible, but the field itself as well. These experiences continue to inform my transdisciplinary approach to therapy, where I see each person as a living ecosystem and the expert of their own life.
My Approach to Therapy
My approach to therapy is holistic and grounded in liberatory theory and practice, with an emphasis on authenticity, trauma-informed care, curiosity, and celebrating differences. I draw from strength-based and person-centered approaches, liberatory and positive psychology, motivational interviewing, and psychodynamic theory, while incorporating somatic, occupational, and play-based approaches, as well as crip and queer theory. Still a teacher at heart, I believe that educating ourselves and one another is foundational to creating meaningful change. Our sessions may not look or feel like the therapy you’re used to, and that’s by design.
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I draw from a variety of approaches, including:
Art Therapy
DBT/ACT
Gestalt
Psychodynamic
Person centered
Somatic
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I work especially well with members of the LGBTQIA+ community, people in helping professions, and other neurodivergent individuals.
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I have experience supporting clients navigating depression, anxiety, trauma, neurodivergence, including ADHD and Autism Level 1, and identity exploration.
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I hold a Masters of Arts in Art Therapy from Lewis and Clark college and a bachelors in American Sign Language Linguistics and Language Acquisition from Western Oregon University. I am currently a Clinical Mental Health Counseling associate under the Oregon board of Licensed Professional Counselors and Therapists as well as a Provincial Registered Art Therapist with the Art Therapy Credentialing Board.
I am being supervised by Kris Bella, ATR-BC, ATCS and Lynn Hager LCSW.
When I am not working…
Outside of work, I enjoy embodying the creativity I so passionately talk about. I’m an avid thrifter, gardener and homesteader, reader, lifelong learner, artist, and nerd. I love exploring different forms of artmaking and crafting, and engage in my own creative practice through journaling, sculpting, and finding new ways to express myself. (And yes, there’s a reason I distinguish artmaking from crafting—ask me about it!) I also enjoy learning about native plants and plant-based medicine, playing tabletop games, and am currently working on learning both Spanish and Klingon.
Let’s Work Together!
If you find yourself connecting with what I’ve shared, I encourage fill out our online interest form and our admin team will reach out personally to learn more about what you're looking for and help match you with the right therapist. You also welcome to reach out to me directly at Karis@linkpdx.org with any questions you may have about me or how I work.