About Dr. Tidwell

Dr. Brandy Tidwell - A young white woman with brown and lavender hair and brown eyes and two nose piercings. Smiling, wearing a black turtle neck, and standing in front of trees.

Hi, I’m Brandy (she/her)

I’m a Licensed Psychologist offering in person services in Portland, Oregon and telehealth throughout Oregon and Washington. I specialize in complex trauma and PTSD, LGBTQIA+ and women’s health, somatic and mindfulness-based therapies, and psychedelic harm reduction and integration. 

I believe we each have a fundamental need to be seen, valued, and accepted for exactly who we are. My primary goal as a therapist is to provide a safe and affirming relationship where we can collaboratively explore who you are, how you came to be, and who you wish to become as we work together toward your goals. 

I practice therapy from a holistic and systemic perspective, taking into account the multitude of ways your physical, psychological, and relational health interact and inform one another. In session this might look like processing emotions through mindfulness and somatic exercises, practicing skills for regulating your nervous system, getting curious about your attachment style, learning to communicate your needs and boundaries, examining your belief systems, learning to relate with yourself more compassionately, and exploring ways to live in alignment with your values. 

My hope is that through our work together you will come to accept yourself more fully, feel empowered to live authentically, and cultivate a greater sense of safety, connection, and hope as you move forward in your life.

Dr. Brandy Tidwell doing eagle pose (a yoga pose), with arms crossed. Dr. Tidwell is a young white woman with brown and purple hair, tattoos on her arms, and is wearing a black top.

Therapeutic Approach

I approach therapy from a theoretically integrative lens, building on a foundation of systems theory, interpersonal neurobiology, intersectional feminism, Buddhist psychology, and trauma-informed care.

From that foundation, I integrate a variety of evidence-based models tailored to each client’s unique concerns, background, and preferences. I have specialized training in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Prolonged Exposure (PE), Skills Training in Affective and Interpersonal Regulation (STAIR), and Motivational Interviewing (MI). I’m also a registered yoga instructor (RYT-200) certified in the Trauma Conscious Yoga Method (TCYM) and enjoy integrating yoga into therapy as relevant.

Beyond any specific modality, what matters most to me as a provider is centering your experience and collaborating to develop a treatment plan that meets your needs and honors your right to have choice in your health care.

Training & Experience

  • Oregon Psychologist License (2024)

  • Washington Psychologist License (2024)

  • Doctor of Philosophy in Clinical Psychology (2023)

  • Trauma Conscious Yoga Certification (2022)

  • Registered Yoga Teacher (2020)

  • Master of Science in Psychological Science (2019)

  • Bachelor of Science in Behavioral Science (2016)

I have six years of clinical experience with diverse populations across a range of settings, including university counseling centers, community mental health, a women’s prison, primary care, specialty clinics, and group practice. I completed predoctoral internship at the Portland VA Medical Center, where I focused on evidence-based therapies for PTSD, substance use, women’s health, and LGBTQIA+ health. I completed postdoctoral fellowship at Portland Psychotherapy Clinic, Research, & Training Center, where I specialized in PTSD treatment, mindfulness-based therapies, and psychedelic harm reduction and integration.

Body of water with rain falling, creating ripples in the water

Background & Values

One of the strongest predictors of positive therapy experiences is the quality of the therapeutic relationship. Just like any other relationship in life, you may click with some providers better than others, and that is okay! You deserve to find the right fit for you, and sometimes knowing a little about your therapist as a person can help inform the decision making process. 

I’m a white, queer, cisgender woman. I grew up in a conservative religious culture where I didn’t feel a sense of belonging, which importantly influenced my path toward becoming a psychologist, taught me about the value of inclusion, and continues to fuel my passion for serving marginalized communities. I believe in the fundamental worth and dignity of all people. I hold anti-capitalist, anti-imperialist, and anti-racist values. I grew up with low socioeconomic status and was the first college graduate in my family. I’ve been in the pacific northwest for several years and consider it home. I’m happiest when snuggling my pups, mindfully moving my body, playing in the rain, immersed in deep conversation, and eating good food with dear friends.

It is among my highest values to honor and celebrate diversity in all forms. I work to educate myself about various cultural backgrounds while also meeting each client with openness and humility to learn about their unique experience. I strive to be aware of my privilege, practice reflexivity, and remain open to feedback about my impact in the world. I’m deeply committed to the lifelong process of deconstructing systems of oppression within and around me and hope to contribute toward a more liberatory and just world for all beings everywhere.