Rick Ogletree, MA, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Rick holds both a Bachelors of Science in Human Services degree from the University of Phoenix and a
Masters Degree from George Fox University in the Marriage and Family Therapy.
His studies have included; theories of counseling, human sexuality, individual, couples and family counseling
techniques, play therapy, sand tray, human growth and development, lifestyle and career development,
substance abuse, relationship assessment, group counseling and psychopathology.
During his counseling training he has worked with Janus Youth Programs, the Portland Sex Abuse Clinic and the
Domestic Violence Resource Center.
The majority of his focus is on relationships between parents and their children.
Philosophy and Approach
Rick believes that the relationship between the client and therapist is the most important aspect of any therapeutic setting. He strives to create a non judgmental atmosphere in which the client feels safe and comfortable. Rick holds the belief that the client is the expert on the presenting issues and values this expertise, using this knowledge in collaboration with the client, to address the concern or concerns presented.
Rick wants every client to have an experience in therapy that allows them to think differently when they leave each session. He believes that therapy is a place in which both children and adults can experience growth individually and together. To accomplish this he allows every person's voice to be heard and validated. Rick feels both children and adults have good reasons for their current actions and it is his job to investigate, in conjunction with the client, the changes that can be made which would lead to the client's desired goal.
Therapy with Children
When working with children Rick uses child centered play therapy and sand tray. He has found this allows the child to feel more comfortable and in charge during the session. When this feeling occurs within the child, issues and concerns are more easily addressed. A child's self esteem and self worth are extremely important in his view and Rick spends time exploring this area with each child. This often directly relates to many of the issues and actions being seen. Rick also uses a great amount of humor with children during sessions.
Therapy with Adults and Families
Often the reason a person begins seeing a therapist is that their life experience at this present time is not meeting their personal needs. Rick believes that everyone has multiple opportunities for their life experience and he strives to facilitate movement towards the type of experience the person is looking for. Rick will work in collaboration with the client/clients to set goals, devise strategies and monitor progress towards the desired experience.
