Pamela Skiver, LCSW
States: Oregon Washington
Finances:
Private Pay
In network: PacificSource, Moda, First Choice Health Network, Samaritan, OHP PacificSource, Providence
Modalities: Child-Centered Play Therapy, Art Therapy, Sand Tray Therapy, Prenatal Bonding BA, Talk therapy
“If we hope to create a non-violent world
Where respect and kindness replace fear and hatred
We must begin with how we treat each other, at the beginning of life.
For that is where our deepest patterns are set.
From the roots grow fear and alienation
Or love and trust.”
Suzanne Arms
As a licensed clinical social worker with over 20 years experience as a psychotherapist, I am often asked how I became interested in the psychology of prenatal/birth, infants, and young children and their families. My journey began as a short-term child welfare worker witnessing, tragically, the results of families being separated and wondering how this story could have been avoided. I entered a Graduate Program in Infant Toddler Mental Health to focus on meeting family’s needs as an early interventionist and meet the needs of these families before passing trauma on to their children and future generations.
Entering the world of Birth Psychology/Prenatal Bonding BA confirms the powerful relationship the unborn baby has, while still in the womb with his/her parents, and with the outside world. This early bonding, “a Souls Cord”, defines how prenatal and perinatal experiences generate a biological template. This template forms future relationships about ourselves and others, and can last a lifetime.
My practice includes Prenatal Bonding BA facilitation, as well as Art Therapy, Child-Centered Play Therapy, and Sand Tray therapy when working with young children and their families. My work draws from Relational Neurobiology, Attachment Theory plus concepts from Dan Siegel’s work (Whole Brain Child, No Drama Discipline), and Circle of Security and other attachment focused theories when working with parents.
Prior to joining Alive Holistic, I worked in pediatric clinics as a Child Behavior Health Consultant, Outpatient mental health clinics as a Child and Family Therapist, and I am currently a Child/Family Mental Health Consultant for an early learning center supporting low income families.
When not working, I can be found reading, taking long walks in the beautiful Pacific Northwest, and spending time with my husband, and loved ones.