Meet Will Hale, MA

Oregon Registered Marriage and Family Therapist Associate

Supervised by Carly Rubin, LMFT

I guide couples into new ways of addressing relationship concerns from communication issues to recovering from affairs. I also assist with emotional disconnection, resolving conflicts that seem impossible. I also provide pre-marital counseling for engaged couples.

I use Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFCT), rooted in extensive research on human connection applied to couples, family and individual counseling. This approach helps us address patterns that can block a sense of closeness and satisfaction. Couples rediscover how to invest in the relationship equally while honoring their differences. Neither of you will shoulder the blame, be stuck with a labeled or find me taking sides.

Skeptics, newcomers and fans of counseling all share that my style is offers safety and compassion as we do meaningful work on their relationship.

While I have specific insight into Christianity, I am committed to honoring your values. You can bring your whole self without fear of bias, judgement or demand for perfection.

Education and Training

  • Master of Arts Marriage, Couples & Family Therapy

  • Bachelor of Arts Educational Ministries

    Psychology Minor

  • Core Skills in Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy

    Externship in Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy

    Introduction to Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy

    Introduction to Emotionally Focused Individual Therapy

  • Completed Level 1 and Level 2

  • Completed Phase 1

Will’s Background

Counseling Background

I started my counseling career by attending graduate school from 2011 to 2013. During the program I held an internship at Open House Ministries Homeless Shelter in Vancouver, Washington from 2012-2013 working with couples, adults and teens.

Between 2013 and 2021, I primarily worked in church ministry in positions that blended operational oversight and pastoral care including: HR and staff systems, hospitality and facility care; leading small groups, supporting and training volunteer and staff leadership, and maintaining community partnerships with area helpers.

From 2021 to 2022 I returned to counseling and worked at Core Values Counseling, a clinic in Hillsboro, Oregon. During that time I gained experience using Gottman Method Couples Therapy and working with couples and adult individuals.

In 2023 I started my private practice in Tigard, Oregon and started to deepen my focus on Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy. I share office space with a few other private practice counselors including my wife, Sharon. When I’m not in session, I dedicate my work time to professional development that includes individual and group supervision, attending trainings, reading and building relationships with other clinicians in the Portland metro area.

Personal Background

The path towards my clinical career started high school. This is when I became fascinated with my psychology classes and I experienced growth in my own counseling. Since then I have committed to sharing a similar sense of hope and empowerment to others. Along the way I’ve also spent time working in coffee shops and food service, missions-focused nonprofits, Churches, lawn care, summer camps and skating rinks.

Outside of work, my wife and I are busy raising three spirited boys, gradually updating a house, and aspiring to enjoy as much of the PNW outdoors as possible. None of this happens without a steady supply of good coffee, audiobooks and an extremely diverse Spotify playlist.