Mia Hedahl
CSWA (OR), CSWC (CO), LMSW (NM), LSWAIC (WA) | APHSW-C
she/her
My Therapeutic Superpower:
Is making space for you to feel truly comfortable. I’m a real person, not a blank slate, and I bring my genuine, down-to-earth self to every session. By embracing my own humanity, I find it creates a space where you can feel safe to be yourself, share openly, and maybe even laugh through the tough moments.
Quotes that guide me most are:
“Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.” -Leo Buscaglia
“Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible.” -Dalai Lama
“People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” -Maya Angelou
Me in a few words
A kind and authentic person with a relaxed, open attitude. I’m warm, approachable, and find joy in creating genuine connections, making it easy to feel comfortable and truly understood in my presence.
Highlights
APPROACH & FRAMEWORK
Warmly client-centered. My first priority is creating a safe, supportive space where you feel genuinely heard and understood. We’ll use a blend of proven techniques tailored to you, drawing from strengths-based methods and trauma-informed care. My goal is simple: to partner with you as you build resilience, gain clarity, and find the confidence to navigate life’s challenges.
A real, human connection. You can expect a safe space where you’ll be met with genuine respect, compassion, and zero judgment. I’ll be here to truly listen, help you navigate challenges, and find practical solutions that feel right for you. Together, we’ll focus on your strengths and celebrate your progress, helping you feel more empowered, at peace, and ready to embrace positive change.
Creating a partnership where we can explore challenges and uncover your strengths together. Through open conversation and personalized strategies, I help you develop practical tools to manage emotions, shift your mindset, and overcome obstacles. We work as a team to foster growth and build resilience, empowering you to make lasting, meaningful changes in your life.
Top Approaches
- Thoughts & Emotions – Helps you understand and manage your inner world.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
- Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT)
- Solution-Focused Therapy
- Motivational Interviewing
- Relationships & Connection – Supports healthy communication, attachment, and emotional healing.
- Attachment-Informed Therapy
- Relational Therapy
- Psychodynamic Therapy
- Family & Couples Therapy
- Parent Coaching
- Body, Mind & Wellness – Connects physical awareness with emotional healing.
- Somatic & Breathwork Practices
- Mindfulness-Based Approaches
- Trauma-Informed Care
- Compassion-Focused Therapy
- Strengths-Based Therapy
- Creative Expression & Storytelling – Uses creativity and narrative to explore emotions and identity.
- Expressive Arts Therapy
- Narrative Therapy
- Play Therapy
- Drama & Role-Play Techniques
- Legacy & Meaning-Centered Work
- Grief, Identity & Life Transitions – Offers support during loss, identity exploration, and life’s hardest moments.
- Grief & Bereavement Counseling
- Anticipatory Grief Support
- End-of-Life Planning Support
- LGBTQIA+ Affirming Support
- Neurodivergent-Affirming Approaches
AREAS OF CARE
My personal and professional journey, particularly as a veteran, has given me a deep, lived understanding of the complexities of trauma, grief, and major life transitions. My work with first responders and families in medical crisis has taught me how to be a steady, compassionate presence in high-stress situations. This allows me to connect with you not just with clinical strategies, but with true empathy and a shared focus on healing.
I’m deeply drawn to working with people who are navigating life’s most profound transitions. I have a special place in my heart for veterans, first responders, and their families, as well as anyone in the midst of a medical crisis or end-of-life decisions. I’m also incredibly passionate about creating a welcoming, affirming space for neurodivergent folks, where we can work together to honor your unique processing style and build skills that truly support your well-being.
Think of our sessions as a space to breathe. My approach starts with creating a relationship that feels genuinely safe and supportive—like having coffee with a friend who also happens to be an expert in this field. When we’re looking at something heavy like trauma, we’ll move at your pace, always focusing on your strengths and resilience. We’ll use proven tools not as rigid rules, but as creative ways to untangle tough patterns and rediscover your sense of control. We’ll celebrate the small wins, find humor where we can, and always work as partners.
Top Areas of Care
- Grief Counseling
- Bereavement Support
- Anticipatory Grief Support
- Meaning-Centered Therapy
- End-of-Life Decision-Making Support
- Palliative Care Support
- Hospice Care Support
- Dignity Therapy
- Spiritual Counseling
- Caregiver Support
- Trauma-Informed Care
- Somatic Experiencing (SE)
- Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
- Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)
- Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT)
- Resilience Training
- Narrative Therapy
- Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT)
- Post-Traumatic Growth Therapy
- Family Systems Therapy
- Couples Therapy
- Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT)
- Attachment-Based Therapy
- Relational Therapy
- Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)
- Solution-Focused Therapy
- Parent Coaching
- LGBTQIA+ Affirmative Therapy
- Neurodivergent-Affirming Therapy
- Culturally Responsive Therapy
- Multicultural Counseling
- Social Justice-Focused Therapy
- Strengths-Based Therapy
- Identity Development Therapy
- Trauma-Informed LGBTQIA+ Therapy
- Disability-Affirming Therapy
- Identity-Based Social Support
Q & A
I’ve always been passionate about creating space for people to feel seen and heard. That passion, combined with the incredible resilience I’ve witnessed in the human spirit, inspired my journey. My goal is to be a compassionate guide, helping others connect with their own strength to heal and grow.
It starts with genuine empathy and active listening. I build trust by showing up as my authentic self and respecting every part of your story. My priority is to meet you exactly where you are, without judgment, so you feel truly safe to be yourself.
My practice is unique because it blends deep compassion with a playful, down-to-earth spirit. I specialize in supporting neurodivergent individuals, caregivers, and those navigating profound grief, creating an inclusive, strengths-based space where you feel respected and empowered to find your own path to joy and confidence.
I see my role as being a compassionate and steady presence as you navigate the deeply personal journey of trauma and loss. Together, we move at your pace, honoring your experiences and creating a path toward healing that feels authentic to you.
One built on trust, safety, and real human connection. I strive to create an environment that feels like a warm, non-judgmental conversation, where you can be open and vulnerable. I see you as the expert on your own life, and I am a collaborative partner, here to support you in achieving your goals.
The deep human need for purpose, resilience, and joy. My work with people facing trauma, loss, and significant life challenges has shown me the incredible strength of the human spirit. I believe everyone has the capacity to find meaning, even in the hardest of times, and I am passionate about helping you tap into your own resilience to cultivate a life filled with fulfillment.
They’re navigating the heavy emotional weight of major life events. I specialize in supporting people through trauma (PTSD/CPTSD), anxiety, and depression. My heart is with families in medical crisis, those in hospice or palliative care, and individuals facing end-of-life decisions. I am also a passionate ally for neurodivergent folks, veterans, and first responders who are looking for a hopeful path toward healing.
BACKGROUND & IDENTITY
To approach them with humility, curiosity, and respect. I see our differences as a vital part of what makes you unique, and I am committed to learning about your perspective. I actively work to check my own biases and ensure our space is one where your cultural identity is honored and understood.
As an Air Force veteran, a neurodivergent person, and a mom, I bring a wealth of lived experience into my work. These parts of my identity help me connect with clients from a place of genuine understanding, creating a space where you feel seen, respected, and empowered on your journey of healing and growth.
As a child, I knew I wanted to be someone who truly listened and made people feel valued. My time in the Air Force as a police officer solidified that my passion wasn’t in enforcement, but in empowerment. This realization led me to clinical social work, where I could dedicate my life to making a genuine, positive impact.
COMMUNITY & CULTURE
Fighting to make mental health care a normal, accessible part of life for everyone. I am especially passionate about reducing stigma and ensuring underserved communities—including veterans, neurodivergent individuals, and families in crisis—receive the compassionate, high-quality care they deserve.
By celebrating you for exactly who you are. I create an inclusive space by actively listening and honoring your unique background, identity, and life experiences. Through cultural humility and a commitment to learning, I ensure my practice is a welcoming and affirming environment for all.
With curiosity, respect, and an open heart. I see cultural differences as an opportunity to learn and grow, both as a therapist and as a person. I am mindful of my own biases and engage in ongoing self-reflection to ensure my approach is always sensitive and affirming to your unique cultural context.
Neurodivergent Individuals Supporting you in embracing your unique strengths, challenges, and thriving in daily life and relationships.
Veterans and Military Families Offering guidance and support as you navigate life after service, with a focus on healing and adapting to new challenges.
Children and Adolescents Helping kids and teens express their feelings, build confidence, and connect with their families.
Caregivers and Families Providing resources and support to help you manage stress, strengthen family bonds, and care for loved ones with compassion.
Grief and Loss Walking with you through the pain of loss, offering comfort, understanding, and support as you navigate the grieving process.
End-of-Life Decisions Helping you make thoughtful, meaningful decisions with your loved ones, ensuring your values and wishes are honored.
LGBTQIA+ Individuals Creating a safe space for you to explore your identity, offering support and affirmation as you embrace who you are.
Trauma and Resilience Supporting you in healing from past trauma and building strength to move forward with resilience and hope.
Couples and Families Working together to improve communication, resolve conflicts, and strengthen your relationships, making you feel more connected and understood.
Identity and Self-Discovery Guiding you as you explore your sense of self, helping you embrace who you are and navigate life transitions.
OUTSIDE THE SESSIONS
Connection and giving back. I find my deepest joy spending time with loved ones and volunteering with Make-A-Wish Oregon. Whether we’re exploring a farmers market, finding a hidden waterfall, or fostering a new litter of puppies, I’m happiest when I’m sharing moments of light with my family, my Wish Kids, and my pups.
That for the sheer fun of it, I’m currently learning two new languages—Spanish and Italian! It’s a joyful challenge I’ve taken on purely for personal growth. It’s a wonderful way to connect with different cultures and a great reminder that it’s never too late to learn something new.
Simple joys! I adore all flowers (especially daffodils and tulips), gummy candy, and good chocolate. I love to draw, craft, and create. Music is my constant companion, with a playlist that jumps from Buddy Holly to Lizzo. Blues has my heart, but anything with a good tempo can get me dancing and singing along—loudly and completely off-key!
EDUCATION/TRAINING
State Licenses
- Oregon: Clinical Social Worker Associate (CSWA) #A17014
- Washington: Licensed Clinical Social Worker Associate (LSWAIC) #SWIA.SC.70033931
- Colorado: Clinical Social Worker Candidate (CSWC) #SWC.0000002556
- New Mexico: Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) #SWB-2025-0862
Education & Certifications
- MSW, Master of Social Work (Mental Health Focus) – University of Southern California, 2014
- BSW, Bachelor of Social Work – Colorado State University Pueblo, 2011
- AS, Criminal Justice – Community College of the Air Force, 2006
- APHSW-C, Advanced Palliative and Hospice Social Work Certification – Certified 2019
- SAFE Foster/Adoption Home Study Certified – 2022
My journey began in the Air Force, where a degree in Criminal Justice ignited my passion for supporting people in a more empowering way. This led me to pursue my BSW and then my MSW from USC, where I specialized in clinical social work with a deep focus on trauma-informed care. My professional path has centered on providing compassionate, steady support during life’s most difficult transitions, particularly in hospice, palliative care, and grief counseling.
I have supported people of all ages who have experienced trauma, from domestic violence to medical crises. My approach is to create a safe harbor where you are in control. We move at your pace, and you only share what you’re ready to. My goal is to help you understand how trauma has impacted you and work together to find a path toward healing and empowerment.
PROFESSIONAL INTERESTS AND PROJECTS
Be as unique as the people it serves—flexible, accessible, and deeply human. Everyone deserves support that fits their life, whether that’s through telehealth, community care, or approaches that honor your whole self. Therapy shouldn’t be a rigid box; it should meet you right where you are.
By actively breaking down barriers. I partner with local groups, offer flexible payment options when possible, and champion the message that seeking support is a sign of strength. I am committed to doing my part to ensure everyone who needs help feels seen, heard, and empowered to get it.
To continue deepening my work in trauma care and grief support, especially for neurodivergent individuals and veterans. I am also dreaming up a children’s book about healing after loss to offer gentle support to the youngest hearts. Ultimately, my goal is to continue finding creative ways to make healing more accessible and help people build lives filled with resilience and joy.
CLINICAL PRACTICES
You can expect a warm, supportive, and non-judgmental space where you can feel safe to be yourself. We’ll work as partners to explore challenges, celebrate your strengths, and create a personalized plan for growth. This is your journey; I’m here to guide and support you as you build resilience and well-being.
Our sessions are flexible and centered around you. We’ll typically start with a warm check-in to see how you’re feeling and what’s on your mind. From there, we’ll explore the topics you want to address, using techniques that feel right for you. We’ll wrap up our time together by highlighting key takeaways and discussing intentions for the week ahead.
As a team effort. You are the expert on your life, so we create your treatment plan together. We’ll set realistic, achievable goals that truly matter to you. This plan is a living document—we’ll check in on it regularly and adjust it as you grow and your needs change, always ensuring you feel empowered in your progress.
Absolutely not. My role is to create a safe harbor for you. This is your space, and you are always in the driver’s seat. You decide what to share and when. My only job is to support you with compassion and without judgment, wherever your journey takes us.
SHARES
The Happiness Lab with Dr. Laurie Santos
Focus: Science-backed strategies for enhancing happiness and well-being.
Why Listen: Hosted by Yale professor Dr. Laurie Santos, this podcast delves into the psychology of happiness, offering practical advice to improve your emotional health.
10% Happier with Dan Harris
Focus: Mindfulness and meditation for everyday life.
Why Listen: Dan Harris, a former news anchor, explores how meditation and mindfulness can lead to a calmer, more focused mind, featuring insights from leading experts.
Unlocking Us with Brené Brown
Focus: Human vulnerability, courage, and empathy.
Why Listen: Brené Brown discusses personal and societal topics, fostering a deeper understanding of ourselves and others through candid conversations.
Where Should We Begin? with Esther Perel
Focus: Exploring the complexities of relationships through real therapy sessions.
Why Listen: Renowned therapist Esther Perel invites listeners into intimate conversations that reveal the intricacies of human connection and emotional dynamics.
Psychology of Aging with Dr. Regina Koepp
Focus: Mental health and aging.
Why Listen: Dr. Regina Koepp, a board-certified clinical psychologist specializing in older adults and families, shares expert insights on mental health and aging, dementia, caregiving, and end-of-life issues. Each episode provides evidence-based information to deepen understanding and promote well-being for older adults and their families.
ADDITIONAL SERVICES & OFFERINGS
YES! Groups are here to help you feel supported, connected, and empowered on your journey. There are a few group options to support you:
Stress & Mindfulness Group Relax, reduce stress, and learn simple ways to stay calm every day.
Parenting Support Group Connect with other parents and get tips on supporting your kids through challenges.
Grief Support Group Share your feelings and find comfort with others who understand your loss.
Crisis Support & Focus Group Get help during tough times and learn ways to stay organized and focused.
Trauma Recovery & Creative Expression Group Heal from past trauma through art and creative activities in a safe, supportive space.
Wellness & Resilience Group Build strength and feel better by focusing on your emotional and overall well-being.
Other services, like mindfulness or grief support, can give you extra tools to handle stress, feel more in control, or deal with tough emotions. They’re a great way to get support in different areas of your life, making therapy even more helpful. By trying them, you’ll have more ways to feel better and build skills that last.