Ruth Tessema, MS, LPC

Rush Tessema immigrated from Ethiopia at age four and grew up in Portland, Oregon. She attended Portland State University and received her Bachelor of Science in Psychology. During her time in college and pre graduate school she volunteered at Mt Hood Kiwanis Camp, Doernbecher’s Pediatric Audiology Department, and provided tutoring and mentorship in the community. Ruth graduated from Penn West University with her Master's in Counselor Education with a focus on K-12 school counseling. She holds her teaching license and worked in Portland Public Schools as an elementary school counselor. During her time in PPS, she taught social/emotional lessons to K-5 students as well as health/abuse prevention education, and executive functioning lessons. She also provided individual and small group support on various needed topics.

Today, she runs a successful private practice as a licensed professional counselor, providing psychotherapy for teens and adults with trauma history using holistic approaches. Ruth is also a breathwork facilitator and sound healing practitioner. During her freetime, she enjoys painting, picnics with friends and family, hiking in the Columbia Gorge, and spending time with her cat Leo.