About Courageous Roots
FOUNDER, LICENSED PSYCHOLOGIST
Andrea Millen, PsyD
Therapy is courageous work. I’m glad you’re here making this first step.
My specialty is in working with people who experience Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), anxiety disorders (including panic, social anxiety, emetophobia), work-related stress, hair pulling, skin picking, nail biting/picking, and hoarding.
The clients I work with are diverse. I often integrate the science and art of mind-body practices as an addition to therapy. My clinical approach is rooted in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), somatic/embodiment practices and is informed by an anti-oppressive/anti-racist and pro queer/LGBTQ+ approach with a focus on my client’s strengths.
Creating Courageous Roots Institute and providing speciality therapy that champions your courage is an honor and dream come true. Thank you for being here.
Diversity Statement.
My clinical approach is informed by social justice and cultural humility. The commitment to exploring and dismantling internalized white supremacy on both a personal and professional level is an integral part of my clinical work and training. I recognize the long-standing barriers for BIPOC to access therapy as well as the impact of systemic racism, inequities, and discrimination. Increasing BIPOC representation in OCD research and improving access to culturally-informed mental health care is vital. In our work together, I invite conversations about how my whiteness impacts our therapeutic relationship and work.
A little more about my education and training.
I graduated from Pacific University’s Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) program with a focus in Health Psychology. I completed my internship at the Denver VA Medical Center and postdoctoral fellowship at Stanford University.
I was trained in Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) for OCD, in 2009 during my first year of my PsyD program. I was incredibly inspired by my clients and their innate courage. I witnessed meaningful change in my client’s lives from receiving ERP and loved the creativity when creating effective exposures. I became deeply passionate about ERP and knew this was a niche of psychology I would continue to nurture and expand on throughout my career.
Since 2009, I’ve pursued extensive training in ERP, including a postdoctoral fellowship at Stanford University on the OCD and Related Disorders track. I’ve also had the privilege to be involved in creating and implementing clinical trial studies for OCD and Hoarding at both Columbia University and Stanford University. Additionally, I am a graduate of TLC Foundation for Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors Professional Training Institute. I offer Inference-based CBT (I-CBT), another promising method of therapy for OCD.
I provide trainings and workshops about OCD and Hoarding Disorder, including presentations at the International OCD Foundation (IOCDF), the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA), Stanford Medical Center, Lyra Health, and Mindstrong Health.
I offer consultation for therapists who are interested in learning more about how to treat OCD using ERP, I-CBT, and embodiment practices.
In 2017, I travelled to Rishikesh, India and completed a 200 hour Yoga Teacher Training with my teacher, Yogrishi Vishvektu, PhD, founder of Akhanda Yoga. Additionally, I completed a 9-month Yoga Therapy training in Portland, OR with Sarahjoy Marsh, MA, E-RYT.
Since returning from India, I’ve continued my personal, daily practice and teach community yoga classes. I also created and taught mind-body classes for an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) for people who experience OCD and other anxiety disorders.
I’m exploring the potential benefits of integrating Ketamine Assisted Therapy (KAP) as adjunct to evidence-based treatment for people experiencing OCD. During my postdoctoral fellowship at Stanford, I worked with Dr. Carolyn Rodriguez and The Rodriquez Lab investigating the potential benefits of ketamine for OCD. In 2021 and 2022, I served as an Assistant and presenter for the Psychedelic Coalition for Health’s KAP training for mental health and medical providers. I am a graduate of PRATI’s Ketamine and Psychedelic Medicine Training. Currently, I am offering KAP as an additional tool as clients further integrate their learnings and insights from OCD treatment.
Nourish your courageous roots.
Book a free initial consult call with Dr. Millen.
Therapy is an investment in your time, energy, and resources. It’s important to find a therapist that feels like a good fit for you. For most people, reaching out to a therapist can feel intimidating.
You’re not alone.