About Me

Young woman with brown hair smiling while handling a vinyl record on a turntable in a bright living room with potted plants and a bookshelf.

“Interested in everything, and nothing else.” —Umberto Eco

Things that make me, me.

Experience, clinical training, and a small streak of rebellion against “business as usual” all shape the way I sit in the therapy room.

Working life—

Professionally, I’m a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in Oregon with a background in bioethics and research. I’ve spent years studying how people and systems impact one another, and what it actually takes to stay human in the middle of all that. I addition to my practice I’m currently a PhD candidate and researcher in Experimental Psychology at the University of Ottawa and associate researcher with Harvard Law School’s Petrie-Flom Center for Health Law Policy’s POPLAR project (health law, policy, and bioethics)

How I ended up here—

Personally, I’m a born‑and‑raised Portlander from a family of creatives who taught me what it means to be devoted to your craft and to the people it serves. Before I shifted into healthcare, first as a massage therapist, I was a working audio engineer and producer. On paper that might look like a strange left turn; to me, it’s the same through‑line: listening closely, catching what’s underneath the surface, and helping something honest come through.

People who know me well describe me as insatiably curious, a little nerdy about the details, and deeply interested in how we make sense of being human—especially in complex relationships and high‑pressure roles. Whether I’m in session, writing, consulting, or doing research, I’m usually asking some version of the same questions: What’s happening here? What’s the cost of how things are set up? What might feel more livable?

I’ve worked alongside and within medical and care settings, and I understand the particular strain of supporting others while trying to have a life of your own. I’m especially attuned to what it’s like to be the one people look to—the caregiver, the clinician, the person “in charge”—and what doesn’t get said until you’re in a private room where it’s safe to say it.

Outside of work, you’ll probably find me cooking, hanging out with people I love, getting outside, planning the next trip, diving into sci‑fi, or trying (with mixed success) to be a slightly less insufferable music nerd.

  • Master’s degree in Marriage, Couple, and Family Therapy from Lewis and Clark’s Graduate School of Counseling—a program centering systemically oriented, culturally competent clinical training. This approach accounts for the cultural, social, and spiritual issues that shape the whole person.

    Master’s degree Bioethics and Science Policy from Duke University.

    PhD in progress from the University of Ottawa in experimental psychology with Dr. Monnica Williams in the Laboratory for Culture and Mental Health Disparities.

    Current associate researcher with Harvard Law School’s Petrie-Flom Center for Health Law Policy, Biotechnology and Bioethics POPLAR project.

  • People often describe me as:

    • Curious and clear—I ask questions that help you zoom out and actually see the pattern.

    • Warm and grounded—I can sit with big feelings and hard stories without flinching.

    • A bit funny—we will probably laugh, even when things are heavy. Humor is allowed here.

    • Direct but kind—I won’t just nod along; I’ll share what I’m noticing, gently but honestly.

    My approach is integrative and tailored to help you make sense of your story, understand your parts, and build a life that feels more attuned, honest, and sustainable. Models I draw from (click on their links to learn more):

  • EMDR Foundational/Basic Training (Parts I & II)

    First module for certification to provide EMDR therapy given by EMDRIA-Approved New Leaf Trauma Center. Preparing therapists to provide excellent and attuned EMDR therapy to guide clients towards healing and growth.

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    Certificate in Traumatic Stress Studies | Trauma Research Foundation

    Comprehensive Certificate Program in Traumatic Stress Studies offered by Bessel van der kolk, M.D., Richard Schwartz, Ph.D., Stephen Porges, Ph.D., Elizabeth Warner, Psy.D., Margaret Blaustein, Ph.D. Deborah Korn, PsyD, Frank Anderson, M.D., Jana Pressley, Psy.D, Ruth Lanius M.D. Ph.D., Alexandra Cook, Ph.D

    Modules: Neurobiology of PTSD and Developmental Trauma; Attachment Theory and Relationships; Treatment Foundations and Assessments; Attachment, Regulation, and Competency (ARC) and Supporting Regulation in Childhood; Adult Treatment and Component-Based Psychotherapy (CBP); Dissociation and Internal Family Systems (IFS); Trauma Processing and EMDR; Sensorimotor Treatment and Sensory Motor Arousal Regulation Treatment (SMART); Sand Tray Therapy, Play and Activity, Theater and Trauma-Drama, and Trauma Sensitive Yoga; Trauma-Focused Neurofeedback; Vicarious Trauma and Self-Care; Special Issues including Sexual Exploitation, Community Trauma, and Sexual Behavior Problems.

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    Problem Gambling Pre-Certification I

    Rick Berman, MA, LPC, Mark Douglass, LPC, CADC III, CGAC II. Lewis and Clark Graduate Center for Community Engagement. [Portland, OR; 2018]

  • Academic Journals

    Harrison TR, Faber SC, Zare M, Fontaine M, Williams MT. (2025) Wolves Among Sheep: Sexual Violations in Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy. Am J Bioeth. 2025 Jan;25(1):40-55. https://doi: 10.1080/15265161.2024.2433423. Epub 2025 Jan 13. PMID: 39804304.

    Williams, M. T. & Harrison, T. (2025). When clients say they have tried psychedelics: What mental health care providers need to know. The Behavior Therapist, 48(4), 567-577.

    Williams, M. T., Harrison, T.R., La Torre, J.T. (2025) Cultural Formulation and Culturally Adapted Treatments for Depression. American Psychological Association (APA) Handbook of Depression.

    Harrison, T. R. (2023). Commentary: Arc: A framework for access, reciprocity and conduct in psychedelic therapies. Frontiers in Psychology, 14. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1248967

    Harrison, T. R. (2023). Altered stakes: Identifying gaps in the informed consent process for psychedelic-assisted therapy trials. Journal of Psychedelic Studies, 7(S1), 48–60. https://doi.org/10.1556/2054.2023.00267

    Harrison, T.R. (2022). Altered Stakes: identifying gaps in the psychedelic-assisted therapy research informed consent process. Master's thesis, Duke University. Retrieved from https://hdl.handle.net/10161/25858

    Morrison, T., Ferris Wayne, M., Harrison, T.R. Learning to Embody a Social Justice Perspective in Couple and Family Therapy: A Grounded Theory Analysis of MFTs in Training. Contemporary Family Therapy (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10591-022-09635-8

    Harrison, T. R., Ferris-Wayne, M., & Maragos, M. (2021). Ethics Issues Today: 2021 Student Ethics Competition Winning Essay. Family Therapy Magazine, 20(6), 7–10.

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    Online Media

    Harrison, T. R. (2024). When the Promises of a Policy Do Not Meet the Reality of Its Practice: Ethical Issues Within Oregon’s Measure 109. Bill of Health - The blog of the Petrie-Flom Center at Harvard Law School. https://blog.petrieflom.law.harvard.edu/2024/02/12/when-the-promises-of-a-policy-do-not-meet-the-reality-of-its-practice-ethical-issues-within-oregons-measure-109/

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    Print Media

    Harrison, T., Ferris-Wayne, M., & Maragos, M. (2021, November 1). 2021 Student Ethics Competition First Place Essay. Family Therapy Magazine.

  • CONFERENCE PRESENTATIONS

    Harrison, T.R. (2026, March). Navigating Systemic Betrayal and Rupture - Together as Resistance. ISSTD Annual Conference. Portland, Oregon

    Harrison, T.R. (2025, June). Clinical uses and ethical challenges in psychedelic-assisted therapy. Petrie-Flom Center for Health Law Policy, Bioetechnology, and Bioethics Lecture Series. Harvard University, Harvard Law School. Cambridge, Massachusetts

    Harrison, T.R. (2025, June). When your patient has tried psychedelics, integration and harm reduction tips for therapists. Canadian Psychological Association 86th Annual Convention. St. John’s Convention Center, St. John’s NL, Canada.

    Harrison, T.R. (2025, June). Wolves Among Sheep: Sexual Violations in Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy. Canadian Psychological Association 86th Annual Convention. St. John’s Convention Center, St. John’s NL, Canada.

    Harrison, T.R. (2025, May). When your patient has tried psychedelics, integration and harm reduction tips for therapists. Advanced Behavioral Health Seminar. Harvard Medical School, Cambridge Health Alliance, Virtual.

    Harrison, T.R. (2025, March). Wolves Among Sheep: Sexual Violations in Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy. The Hopkins-Oxford Psychedelics Ethics (HOPE) Monthly Seminar, Johns Hopkins University, Virtual.

    Harrison, T.R. (2024, January). Ethical issues and harm reduction practices: what clinicians should know about psychedelic-assisted therapy. The Champlain Centre for Health Care Ethics Virtual Ethics Rounds Series. The Ottawa Hospital, Civic Campus

    Harrison, T.R. (2023, June). Intergenerational Trauma and Psychedelics. Judaism and the Psychedelic Renaissance 2023: A Portland Gathering. Co/Lab. Portland, Oregon.

    Harrison, T.R. (2022, November). Informed Consent in Psychedelic Therapy and Research: Why is it Complicated? Petrie-Flom Center for Health Law Policy, Bioetechnology, and Bioethics Lecture Series. Harvard University, Harvard Law School, Virtual.

    Harrison, T. R. (2022, August). Altered Stakes: Identifying Gaps in the Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy Research Informed Consent Process. Psychedemia 2022. Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio.

    Morrison, T., Harrison, T., Palmgren, E., & Ferris-Wayne, M., Knudson-Martin, C. (2021, June). Learning to Embody a Social Justice Perspective in Couple and Family Therapy: A Grounded Theory Analysis of MFTs in Training. American Family Therapy Association's Annual Conference 2021, Virtual.

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    TEACHING & LECTURES

    2023 | Guest Lecturer, Duke University; Course: PUBPOL 196FS: Patient and Research Participant Activism and Advocacy.

    2023 | Guest Lecturer, Ohio State University; Course: PLNTPTH 830: Psychedelic Bioethics

    2022 | Guest Lecturer, University of Ottawa; Course: PSY 6137: Psychedelic Psychotherapies for Mental Health.

    2022 | Faculty, Synaptic Institute; Courses: All ethics curriculum for the psilocybin-assisted facilitator training program in compliance with Oregon Health Authority's Measure 109.

    2021 | Guest Lecturer, Portland Community College; Course: SJ210 Social Justice Through Song.

    2019 - 2020 | Teaching Assistant, Lewis & Clark Graduate School; Course: MCFT 526: Practical Skills in Marriage, Couple, and Family Therapy.

  • AWARDS

    2022 | Doctoral International Scholarship. University of Ottawa.

    2022 | International Admission Scholarship. University of Ottawa.

    2022 | Certificate of Leadership Scholarship. American Association of Family Therapy (AAMFT).

    2021 |1st Place Winner, Team Leader | American Association of Family Therapy (AAMFT) Student Ethics Competition.

    2021 | Merit Scholarship | Duke University Center for Science and Society.

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    LEADERSHIP

    2022 | Certificate of Leadership. American Association of Family Therapy (AAMFT). In Progress.

    2021 - 2023 | Co-Chair: Student & Early-Career Member Committee. American Family Therapy Academy (AFTA)

    2018 - 2021 | Student Advisory Board, Lead Cohort Representative. Lewis and Clark Graduate School of Education and Counseling.

    • Petrie-Flom Center for Health Law Policy, Biotechnology, and Bioethics at Harvard Law School.

    • American Psychological Association (APA)

    • Canadian Psychological Association (CPA)

    • American Society for Bioethics and Humanities (ASBH)

    • American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT)