Raya Kirtner,
Marriage and Family Therapy Intern

Raya was lucky to be raised by people who really understood and valued her as she was. Her family also took in other children over the course of her growing up via fostering, adoption, and by serving as chosen family. These experiences taught Raya the power of showing up. She was able to experience the healing that happens when we embrace people in their pain, rather than turning away. She learned that people are brave enough to face just about anything when they have loving others walking alongside them. Raya has always felt called to the work of companioning others—walking with people into their darkness and trusting that together, they can figure things out.

Raya works with people across the lifespan, from children as young as 3 to folks in later life. She has ten years of experience supporting young children and their parents in various roles as an advocate and teacher. She has worked with families experiencing domestic violence, intergenerational cycles of abuse, attachment issues, disability, and life stress.

Several fundamental beliefs and principles guide Raya’s work: the belief that all people make sense in the context of their story; the belief that we heal in relationships; and the belief that people move in the direction of health when they feel safe enough to express their emotions and truth (through words, play, or art). Raya strives to welcome you as you are, to build a relationship in which you feel safe and seen, and to work collaboratively to uncover the root cause of what troubles you.

In her spare time, Raya loves to get outside, whether in her garden, by hiking, or just walking around her neighborhood. Raya loves a good book, a hot mug of tea, and deep conversation with close family and friends.