Stephen Higgins MSOM, LAc (he/him)

Stephen Higgins MSOM, LAc | Dragon Rises Center for Wholeness in Portland, Oregon
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Many of us reach points in life where we feel stuck, overwhelmed, or uncertain about who we are and where we’re headed. You may be struggling with feeling disconnected from yourself, caught in painful relationship patterns, working through grief, facing a life transition, or longing for more joy and ease. You might also be carrying the weight of trauma—past experiences that still feel alive in your body and disrupt your ability to feel safe, connected, and whole. Life can feel challenging, but you don’t have to face it alone!

Therapy offers a supportive relationship where you can be deeply heard and understood, release old patterns, and rediscover your authentic self. In my practice, I provide trauma-informed, somatic counseling for individuals as well as couples—including those navigating monogamous, open, poly, or ENM relationships. I also offer trauma resolution counseling for people experiencing post-traumatic stress, developmental trauma, or the lingering effects of difficult life events. I always start our work with a free 30-minute phone or video consultation “discovery call” for us to determine that what I offer is a good fit for you.

My approach draws on holistic, body-centered psychotherapy methods including Hakomi, Primary Attachment Psychotherapy, and the Re-Creation of the Self model. I also bring over a decade of experience as a Licensed Acupuncturist, which grounds my work in a whole-person perspective that honors the wisdom of mind, body, and spirit. Most importantly, I bring warmth, curiosity, and compassion to create a safe space for meaningful healing and growth.

Together, we’ll slow down, make sense of what you’re experiencing, and help you build deeper connections with yourself and others. My goal is to support you in creating a life that feels more grounded, authentic, and fulfilling. Please feel free to schedule or reach out via the links below. I look forward to being a resource if I’m able to!

Education

Counseling

My professional counseling journey began in 2015 with four years at the Hakomi Institute of Oregon through a two year long training and two additional years as a teaching assistant in Hakomi Mindfulness-Based Somatic Psychotherapy. I have completed additional continuing education in Hakomi Therapy, Primary Attachment Therapy, the Re-Creation of the Self Model of Human Systems (a “parts work” model similar to Internal Family Systems or IFS), and Lifespan Integration. I continually receive training and consultation from experienced mentors in the Somatic Psychotherapy field, and I am currently completing a Masters degree in Counseling Education through Adams State University. I have been seeing counseling clients since 2018.

Chinese Medicine

For nearly a decade prior to formally studying Chinese medicine, I devoured books on the subject, received countless treatments, and had the opportunity to form close relationships with practitioner-mentors. I began my formal education at the Oregon College of Oriental Medicine in 2007, and I hold a Master of Science in Oriental Medicine (MSOM) from the National College of Natural Medicine, 2012. I also teach in the field of Chinese medicine, regularly offer case consultation to budding Chinese medicine practitioners, and was a faculty member in the Master of Science in Integrative Mental Health program at NUNM.

I regularly offer care to people who have experiences of:

  • Anxiety and Panic

  • ADHD and Neurodivergence

  • Depression

  • Disordered eating

  • Existential crisis

  • Trauma and Developmental Trauma (PTSD and CPTSD)

  • Addiction-related issues

  • Loneliness

  • Relationship difficulties

  • Life transitions

  • Self-esteem issues

  • Mood disturbances

  • Emotional ups and downs

  • Insomnia

  • Cancer and Cancer Treatments like Chemo and Radiation

  • Chronic UTIs, Prostate enlargement, and urinary difficulties

  • Tinnitus/Ringing in the ears

  • Post-surgical and pre-surgical issues such as edema and pain

  • Migraines and chronic headaches

  • Heart Disease

  • Chest pain, Chest tightness, Heart palpitations

  • Asthma and Shortness of breath

  • Bleeding disorders

  • Diseases of the Liver and Gallbladder

  • Addison’s Disease and other Endocrine disorders

  • Mental and Emotional disorders

  • Musculoskeletal pain (such as low back pain, upper back pain, neck pain, shoulder pain, knee pain)

  • Digestive issues (such as acute gastroenteritis, chronic constipation, chronic diarrhea, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, celiac disease/gluten sensitivity, and other allergies)

  • Infertility, painful menstruation, and other gynecological presentations

  • People who know they have more to offer but aren’t sure how to make that happen

  • People who don’t know where they fit in

  • People who are amidst shifts in career and/or other life transitions

  • People who want to get to know themselves better

  • People who need a supportive space

I also have a good track record of utilizing Chinese medicine to treat people who experience:

I regularly work with:

  • LGBTQ+ folks and Gender-nonconforming Individuals

  • People who identify as HSPs

  • People with sexual abuse histories

  • People with histories of abuse, abandonment, and/or neglect

  • People who have difficulty connecting with themselves and others

  • People who find life overwhelming

Book your Free 30-minute Discovery Call
Go to my Online Scheduler
Send me an Email