Rikki Redhead
MS, LPC
I believe that the relationship between therapist and client is the most essential ingredient of a successful therapeutic experience. I strive to connect with my clients on a human level and create an affirming environment in which they can find and express their whole and authentic self.
As with many therapists I witnessed my fair share of mental health and addiction challenges within my family of origin and childhood peer network. Unfortunately, there are few resources and a lack of information about mental health in rural areas including the rural part of Oregon where I grew up. This deficit was apparent to me at an early age and yet, the couple of times where myself and my loved ones were able to access support were pivotal. These experiences in addition to being the person whom many of my friends and family members confided in were likely the seeds that sparked my interest in psychology and counseling.
Going into graduate school to study couples and family therapy, I did not have a particular interest in working with youth and assumed I’d primarily work with older populations. My experiences volunteering at Courageous Kids, a nonprofit for youth who have lost a loved one and providing therapy at Ophelia’s Place, a nonprofit for girl-identified and gender expansive youth drastically changed my perspective. I realized that I love the silly and human connections we can create with youth as well as learning from and being inspired by the knowledge and passion they bring. Further, it became apparent what an amazing opportunity it is to intervene in a person’s earliest years, perhaps cheering them on in preventing intergenerational patterns of trauma from continuing. A commonly cited piece of research that I have been privileged to witness on numerous occasions is that the presence of just one supportive adult in a child’s life can make all the difference in the world in terms of their resiliency and future outcomes. Upon graduating with my master’s degree I chose to continue working with youth and have never once regretted that decision.
In terms of some other experiences that have shaped my approach in therapy, I, like so many young girls needed a place where I could feel safe and celebrated to be my authentic self and this is something I always strive to provide to the youth I’m working with. Second, the guidance I’ve received in graduate school and post-graduate school from trainings and mentors have assisted in the formation of my strong trauma lens which I feel is applicable to nearly every case; there are almost always past experiences that inform presenting concerns and that have led to a series of both adaptive and maladaptive survival strategies. Finally, my experiences working with marginalized populations and witnessing the impacts of marginalization upon my friends and family have led to my firm belief that therapy and anti-oppressive practices are inseparable.
I believe that people are basically good and that we can all grow and work to become our best self; further, it is my belief that people are usually doing the best they can with the coping skills they possess. My experience has been that ‘unhealthy’ or ‘challenging’ behaviors are usually strategic survival strategies in which the individual has needed at some time in their life. Some of my passions as a therapist are supporting people around self-worth, self-compassion, relationship with body and food, communication, family patterns and history, trauma, parenting, attachment, and emotional literacy/regulation. I utilize a strengths-based, collaborative, and empowering approach in therapy and I also strive to build a strong, safe, and empathetic relationship with my clients as I truly believe this is essential for healing. I work hard to create a safe therapeutic space for people of all identities, particularly those with marginalized identities. It is important for me that clients know therapy is a space where we can talk about the traumatic impact of marginalization and oppression on mental health in addition to any valid feelings they may have about working with a therapist who may experience privilege in ways they do not.
I use a variety of therapeutic methods while working with clients including Virginia Satir's Method, Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT), Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), the Be Body Positive model, and mindfulness. I am a licensed Be Body Positive facilitator trained by The Body Positive – a national nonprofit based in Health at Every Size that works to heal people’s relationships with their bodies and prevent disordered eating. I am also certified in TF-CBT. Systems theory and a systemic lens underlies all of my work - this leads me to understanding the importance of context to explain behaviors and the importance of attending to relational and systemic issues.
Outside of work I love being outside and enjoying the nature our beautiful state has to offer; in connection with my rural roots I still appreciate the opportunity to get out of the hustle and bustle of Eugene. I am an enthusiastic reader and I also like to write; my favorite genre for both reading and writing is fantasy and I've always been a huge nerd. I absolutely adore animals and my rescue German Shepherd dog named Cinnamon. My husband and I are foodies and we love making food and trying new restaurants as well as traveling to new places.
Professional Background
The majority of my professional background consists of providing individual, family, and group therapy to girl-identified and gender expansive youth at Ophelia's Place (OP), a non-profit organization in Eugene. I completed my externship at Ophelia's Place while in graduate school and went on to work at OP as an employee from August of 2019 through the end of 2024. I obtained licensure while at OP and began offering clinical supervision to graduate student interns in 2023; I will be continuing to offer clinical supervision at Ophelia’s Place until June of 2025.
While in graduate school I also provided therapy for individuals, couples, and families at the Center for Healthy Relationships at the University of Oregon, a low-cost community mental health clinic. Finally, I volunteered for Courageous Kids on several occasions, playing the role of camp counselor at their annual summer camp; Courageous Kids is a non-profit organization providing grief support to children who have lost loved ones.
Education Credentials
I hold a Master's of Science in Couples and Family Therapy from the University of Oregon. I hold a Bachelor's of Science in Psychology from Oregon State University. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Oregon (License #C7336).