Her Story
About Mella
Mella Kaufman has been a therapist for over 20 years and has maintained a private practice for the same duration in Portland, Oregon. Her expertise began with intensive child and family therapy, working with families and individuals on trauma issues, and progressed into couples' work, dealing with trauma issues and parenting issues. Over time, her focus has shifted more toward female empowerment, addressing dynamics such as domestic violence, coercive control, and supporting women in healing from oppressive situations while navigating divorce and supporting their children. She operates two branches of her practice under somatic family therapy: one focused on women's empowerment advocacy and stabilization, often for those receiving Medicaid benefits, and the other on somatic family therapy emphasizing strength-based approaches like creating desired relationships and setting boundaries. Kaufman attributes her success to her combination of personal and professional experience, having overcome challenges in her own childhood and adult relationships, which provides depth to her understanding. She is also involved in advocacy and has established the WASH grant fund with a colleague to provide supportive services. Her educational background includes a Bachelor's degree in sociology from the University of Oregon and a Master's in Counseling Psychology from Lewis and Clark, received in 2006. She is affiliated with organizations such as Allied Brands, an Oregon-based chapter of female entrepreneurs, and Hot Mess Express, a national organization with a Portland chapter. Kaufman values making oneself proud, respecting oneself, knowing one's values, and honoring them in life and relationships.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Mella
01What do you attribute your success to?
I really feel that the reason this work I'm so passionate about this work and why it seems to be so effective is my personal and professional experience. I think I bring both, and so I've overcome a lot of challenges in my childhood dynamics, in my grown-up relationship dynamics, and so I've treated people for 20 years, but I've also had a lot of experiences myself, so I think it brings in a depth of understanding. And I also don't shy away from the advocacy.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Don't be afraid to fail. And so important to do the work that deeply resonates in an authentic way.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
It's easy to doubt your skills. It's easy to be more in the questioning yourself. It's so common especially for females. The important thing to keep in mind is that if you're called to do something, be aware of your strengths, be aware of that having meaning, and learn, be of course open to learn. Don't let yourself come from a disempowered space. Come from a place of trusting your pull and your draw to do that work. Trust yourself, believe in yourself. Don't let yourself feel like less than another professional. You have your own skills, your own perspective, and own value. There is always a population of people that will resonate with what it is you have to offer.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenge is the issue of funding for crisis. When women come to me with these situations, they need not only the somatic work but also these kind of wraparound supports like a safe home, basic needs. These additional supports like group therapy, advocacy with attorney or parenting coordinator. Another challenge is that oftentimes when individuals are going through really intense circumstances part of what happens is an overwhelm or a mental fog and managing all the different pieces can be challenging. For women moving into empowerment if there are dynamics in their family of origin or relationships that are not supportive it can be detrimental.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Making yourself proud, respecting yourself. Knowing your own values, and honoring them, and having your life and your relationships reflect that.
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