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WILD

The natural world in its untouched and uninhibited state. The innate and instinctive aspects of ourselves that are often tamed or repressed by societal norms. Uncharted territories of the psyche, the primal emotions, and the untamed spirit that we may explore and integrate into our consciousness for a more whole and authentic self.

OPEN

Readiness and willingness to receive new experiences, perspectives, and emotions.  Vulnerability and courage to confront the unknown and the ability to be present with what is. A crucial ingredient for change; it is the fertile ground where insights can take root and transformation can occur.

BEING

The essence or the core of existence — the state of simply "being" as opposed to "doing." Acknowledging and honoring one's existence in the present moment, free from the constraints of past experiences or future anxieties. A call to mindfulness, where the focus is on the current experience, allowing for a deeper connection with oneself.

How I do therapy:

Imagine finally feeling like your true self, no longer overwhelmed or caught in a cycle of frustration from life's relentless challenges. Envision a nurturing space where supportive guidance gently unravels the burdens you've carried—be it relationship issues, stress, anxiety, the depths of depression, grief, or the shadows of past trauma—revealing the essence of who you are. This journey is about shedding the layers that were never yours to bear, transforming the struggle into a pathway toward genuine self-discovery and a vibrant, whole existence.

 

I've been there too, caught in the same exhausting cycles that seem to hold us back from truly living, and I understand the courage it takes to seek change.

 

Adopting a person-centered approach, I embrace a holistic methodology that considers the entire spectrum of the human experience — body, mind, and spirit. This inclusive philosophy integrates a variety of therapeutic techniques, such as Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Internal Family Systems, somatic therapy, and intuitive expression. Each modality is carefully chosen to enhance the mind-body connection. 

 

In our sessions, you'll find a blend of curiosity, empathetic listening, direct communication, and a commitment to a safe and nurturing environment that honors the uniqueness of your story.

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Drawing on nearly two decades of global professional experience as an international educator, leadership trainer, group facilitator, and yoga and mindfulness teacher, I bring a rich and diverse background to our sessions. As a wilderness rite of passage guide and eco-therapist, I incorporate the healing power of nature into our therapeutic process, offering a path to growth and recovery that harmonizes with the natural world.

 

Our shared journey will focus on transforming struggles into strengths, navigating life’s complexities with resilience, and making meaningful sense of your experiences.

 

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Simone Isadora Levine (she/her) 

Professional Counselor Associate, MA

I hold an Oregon license: #R9201 

I am under the supervision of Elizabeth Hoke, LMFT #T1440,

and Erin Mahone, LPC #C7329

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Who I am and why I'm here:

I've been on a winding journey over the last 40-ish years of life. Some chapters felt full and abundant, others painful and never-ending. At times, I felt alive; other times, like a walking zombie, distracted and numb to the world around me. I'll be the first to tell you that I don’t have it all figured out, and I hope I never do, because being a student of life is the one part of my identity I'd prefer to go unchanged.

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I'm a cisgendered, heteroflexible, able-bodied, white woman, raised culturally and religiously Jewish, though I now ascribe to a beautiful mishmash of Eastern philosophy (Buddhism, Hinduism, yoga) and nature-based spirituality that believes spirit is in the trees and the drop of rain that becomes the ocean.

 

I believe that life can be hard—sometimes because of systems of oppression, sometimes due to unlucky and unexplainable events, and sometimes because our minds make life seem harder than it is. I believe our bodies and nervous systems have much to tell us about survival and resilience, and that we need to learn to listen more deeply in order to heal. While being human is hard, our education system, parents, and leaders have not done a great job of teaching us how to be emotionally intelligent, how to listen to our bodies, how to practice compassion, and how to lead with love. I became a therapist to help change that.

 

My hope is that through my lived experience and education, I can support people in realizing their own innate wisdom and unblock their true potential to live an empowered, full, connected, and beautiful life.

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My disposition rests in joy, celebration, and the balance between magic and realism. I go deep and can hold endless space for the shadow, but at the end of the day, I see the silver lining, and I'm here to show you that too. 

 

Outside of my professional life, I love yoga, cooking, hiking, traveling, nature, spending time with animals, and driving my campervan/"mobile office" through North America!

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To inquire about therapy or group work, please email simone@wildopenbeing.com

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Education

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  • MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, University of the Cumberlands

  • MA in International Education, New York University

  • BA in Intercultural Communication, DePaul University

​Trainings & Certifications

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  • Internal Family Systems Level 1 (ongoing - complete in April, 2025)

  • Internal Family Systems Immersion

  • Clinical Anxiety Treatment Professional (CCATP)

  • Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Level 1

  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Intensive

  • Motivational Interviewing, Level 1

  • EMDR & Parts Work for Treating Complex Trauma

  • Registered Yoga Teacher - 500 hours

  • Trauma-Informed Yoga Teacher Training

  • Collaborative Problem Solving, Level 1

  • Wilderness First Responder

Specialties

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  • Anxiety

  • Depression

  • Trauma

  • Relationship Issues (including non-traditional relationships)

  • Teen & College Mental Health

  • Women's Issues

  • Grief

  • Cultural Adjustment (immigrants, third culture kids, expatriates, refugees, etc.)

  • Psychedelic Integration

  • Eco-Anxiety

  • LGBTQIA+

  • Multicultural Counseling

  • Career Counseling

  • Couples & Family Counseling

Commitment to Inclusivity and Collective Growth
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Our journey together is founded on a profound recognition and active acknowledgment of systemic inequalities and their extensive impact, especially on marginalized communities. We understand that fostering genuinely healing and nurturing environments demands a unified effort to dismantle these systemic barriers. This commitment drives us to both model and encourage our clients to partake in ongoing learning and reflection on these critical issues, aiming to cultivate a space where every voice, irrespective of background, identity, or experience, is heard, valued, and respected. Together, we pursue a vision of collective growth and wellness, empowered by the strength found in our diverse experiences and stories.

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