Meet the Team

Skyler Johnston

Founder | Licensed Professional Counselor, MA Licensed LPC Supervisor, QMHP

Melissa Wijetunga

Licensed Professional Counselor

Liz Ash

Professional Counselor Associate

In Practice for 8 Years
LPC Supervisor Certification with OBLPCT, 2023
Certificate from National Board for Certified Counselors Inc. 995628 / 2019
MA & Certificate in Mental Health Counseling from Lewis and Clark College, 2017

MA & Certificate in Mental Health Counseling from Lewis and Clark College, 2017

Masters in Clinical Counseling from Emporia State University, 2021
Supervised by Lesley Burke, LPC C2683, (503)-662-8511

Abbie Sisouphanh

Professional Counselor Associate

Master of Science in Counseling; Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling
Supervised by Skyler Johnston, LPC C5526, (206)-753-7424

I assist individuals age 13 and up to work on a range of topics including anxiety, depression, trauma, PTSD, family dynamics, self-esteem, identity, social anxiety/skill building, relationship conflict, life decisions, career exploration and more.

My approach is grounded in a person-centered, trauma-informed framework, where I bring curiosity, authenticity, and collaboration into our work. I have training in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) and Collaborative Problem Solving (CPS), which allows me to integrate practical tools with deeper exploration. Alongside this, I draw from existential approaches, helping you explore questions of meaning, identity, and purpose. My work often focuses on understanding how past experiences have shaped current patterns, while also building self-awareness, self-trust, and clarity around decisions moving forward. I tend to take a strengths-based perspective, supporting you in recognizing your existing capacities while working through challenges and areas of growth. My background in creative writing and literature also informs my style, as I value storytelling, reflection and the ways we make meaning of our experiences.

I became a therapist out of a deep curiosity about people and the human experience. I’ve always been passionate about learning—through reading, creative work, podcasts, documentaries and a wide range of interests like sculpture, pottery, gardening and building a food forest rooted in permaculture. I’m fascinated by how we make meaning within our lives and the stories that shape us. I also find genuine fulfillment in connecting with others and supporting them through growth, healing and change. Therapy allows me to bring these together: to understand others more deeply while also continuing to learn more about myself. I’m committed to my own ongoing personal development, as I believe that continuing to grow in self-awareness helps me show up more fully and effectively for the people I work with.

I offer a free initial consultation and welcome you to contact me to see if I might be a good fit for your needs. Additionally, I accept most commercial insurance plans and offer a sliding scale for those without insurance. I appreciate your reaching out and hope to hear from you.

You can contact Skyler at Skyler@Brighterdaystherapyllc.com or 206-753-7424.

Skyler Johnston

Melissa Wijetunga

Whether you are new to seeking therapy or are well-versed with the process, I am committed to creating a warm and respectful space to support your sense of self and potential for growth. I work with individuals including children, teens, and adults. Do you find it difficult to cope with the challenges of family, work, or school? Has a recent circumstance caused you to feel lost or uncertain? Have your past traumas distorted your self-view as someone who is broken or unworthy? You can heal and I’m here to help. Together, we’ll build upon the talents and skills you already have to reach your future goals.

I earned a M.A. in Counseling Psychology from Lewis & Clark College. As an integrationist, my therapeutic philosophy is cognitive behavioral while drawing from strength-based practices. I am trained in trauma-informed approaches such as ACT, EMDR, & MBCT. Part of our work will be to identify barriers while maintaining your health and safety.

Being that the therapeutic relationship is essential to this work, I offer free initial consultations to see if I can provide the support you need. I currently work with clients who live in Oregon. I look forward to hearing from you (email inquiries preferred).

You can contact Melissa at Melissa.BrighterDaysTherapyLLC@gmail.com or (503) 563-8619

Liz Ash

I specialize in therapy to resolve relational issues, low self-esteem, identity issues, ambivalence, practical life challenges, unexpected life transitions, and negative thought patterns. I employ Person-centered modalities, intersectionality-feminist theory, nature-based approaches, CBT, ACT, Motivational Interviewing and bibliotherapy.

I offer warmth and space to express the known and unclear parts of yourself, without the fear and condemnation. In return I will sit with you in empathy, share relevant psycho-education, utilize experiential exercises to bring clarity, and use clinical skills to address the needs you present.

I understand that you may be feeling stuck in the type of ambivalence or distress that creates dysfunction and discomfort in living your life. Your hope for something more is important and I will help to bolster that belief within you.

You can reach Liz at liz@brighterdaystherapyllc.com or 971-369-9415

About Us

Licensed Professional Counselor

Professional Counselor Associate

"I work with individuals navigating anxiety, depression, self-esteem, loneliness, life transitions, and challenges related to work, school, and relationships. I also support those exploring identity, including cultural and racial identity, as well as individuals adjusting to disability or navigating neurodivergence. I am especially drawn to working with Highly Sensitive Persons (HSPs).

My approach is relational, person-centered, and trauma-informed, and tailored to each person I work with. I draw from CBT and ACT to support thoughts, emotions, and coping skills, as well as narrative, attachment-based, and psychodynamic approaches to explore patterns in relationships and identity. I also incorporate parts work to better understand internal experiences over time. I value collaboration and flexibility in therapy, adapting our work based on what feels most helpful for you.

I aim to offer a space where you can slow down, sort through what’s coming up for you, and feel heard without needing to have everything figured out yet. I’ll meet you where you are. I welcome you to reach out for a free consultation to connect and see if it feels like a good fit to work together."

You can reach Abbie at Abbie@brighterdaystherapyllc.com or ‪(971) 238-4807

Abbie Sisouphanh

Professional Counselor Associate