Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Libby DeFehr. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Libby, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Was there a defining moment in your professional career? A moment that changed the trajectory of your career?

My whole life all I wanted to be was a teacher. I remember poring over educational catalogs with the same fervor as a child in a toy store, transforming my bedroom into a makeshift classroom for all my smartest teddy bears. My work history consistently gravitated toward working with children, spanning from babysitting to afterschool programs, preschools, and nannying, I was deeply entrenched in and fascinated by the realm of education.

In Oregon, pursuing a career in elementary education or higher required a Master’s degree. So, while earning my degree, I needed a flexible, part-time job to accommodate my changing school schedule. Through a serendipitous connection, I discovered Integrative Trauma Treatment Center (ITTC), an outpatient therapy office specializing in trauma. Initially hired to assist with filing and paperwork, I quickly fell in love with the place.

After graduating and getting my first teaching job, I found myself drawn back to ITTC during school breaks and any free time I had. During my second year of teaching, my dad got really sick. The school I chose to work for is a very low social-economical school, and I uncovered the harsh realities faced by my students—gang violence, interpersonal conflict, and generational trauma, compounded by the challenges of being refugees or children of undocumented immigrants. Many of my students were struggling with getting their basic needs met and my classroom turned into a safe haven for them.

The summer after my second year of teaching, while helping at ITTC, my dad got worse. My mom and my dad were the legal guardians of my triplet nephews who were 9 at the time. My parents, for all intents and purposes, were the only parents they had really ever known. As my dad got sicker, and given my parents’ legal guardianship of my triplet nephews, I was faced the stark reality of their reliance on me. Balancing the needs of my family against my commitment to my students became untenable. I loved my kids, I loved my job, but I couldn’t support them both.

Fortunately, with the support of Oregon’s strong teaching union and my understanding school administration, I was granted a year of leave without forfeiting my position. Still needing, both financially and mentally, to work, I asked Athena, the founder of ITTC if I could stay past the summer and work part time for the next school year while helped my family navigate my dad’s declining health. Her answer, of course, was yes.

Tragically, a few weeks into the new school year, my father passed away, leaving an indelible void in our lives. I continued my work and transitioned from part-time to full-time at ITTC, gradually assuming more responsibilities until I became the office manager. My collaboration with Athena deepened, and my passion for mental health and trauma intervention grew. I recognized the potential of our work to disrupt the cycle of generational trauma and effect tangible change in society.

The more I immersed myself in the work at ITTC, the less I felt the pull to return to the classroom, which I thought I would so desperately miss. Then came a pivotal moment when Athena approached me with an unexpected proposition: to purchase the business from her. In that instant, I realized I could never do this alone. Acknowledging the wealth of expertise Athena brought to the table and not knowing if she was serious, I playfully I proposed a partnership instead. She agreed, wholeheartedly and to my surprise, she was serious.

It has been 7 years since I began my new dream. Losing my dad before I turned 30 remains one of my greatest challenges, but accepting it led me to a path that feels like my true calling and knowing how proud of me he would be, softens the blow.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I am the CEO and Co-Owner of Integrative Trauma Treatment Center:

The Integrative Trauma Treatment Center in Portland, Oregon, offers specialized care for individuals navigating the complex aftermath of trauma. Through a collaborative and multi-disciplinary approach, the center provides comprehensive assessments to tailor treatment plans to each individual’s unique needs. Drawing from evidence-based therapies such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and holistic modalities like mindfulness and yoga, the center addresses the mind-body connection integral to trauma recovery. With a focus on creating a safe and supportive environment, individuals can engage in individual therapy and group therapy sessions while working through their mental health journey.. Cultural competence is also prioritized, ensuring that care is sensitive to the diverse backgrounds and experiences of clients. Ultimately, the Integrative Trauma Treatment Center in Portland aims to guide individuals on a journey towards healing and resilience.

I am the CEO and Co-Founder of KALOS: A Kaleidoscopic Platform For Learning and Community

The KALOS Learning Platform embodies its motto: Building Community, Inspiring Innovation, and Cultivating Connection. Recognizing the pervasive isolation and burnout experienced by mental health professionals, KALOS offers a transformative space. Through cutting-edge continuing education courses with a. focus on trauma, practical resources, and a vibrant community, individuals become part of a global network committed to amplifying marginalized voices and reshaping the narrative of inclusive, trauma-informed care. At the heart of KALOS lies its Learning Community, a supportive hub where professionals of all levels engage in resource-sharing, idea exchange, and collaboration. Inspired by the kaleidoscope, KALOS symbolizes the diverse perspectives essential in mental health, with each cultural viewpoint offering unique insights into challenges and solutions. By fostering global connections and promoting humility, KALOS distinguishes itself as a platform that prioritizes learning from diverse cultural viewpoints. Through online forums, resource sharing, book clubs, and gamified challenges, KALOS empowers professionals to broaden their horizons and expand their skills. With tailored subgroups catering to specific needs, such as dissociative disorders and global trauma awareness, KALOS fosters a dynamic environment for professional growth and connection on a global scale.

How do you keep your team’s morale high?

Drawing from my background in teaching and education, managing a team shares many parallels with running a classroom. It’s essential to establish firm boundaries and expectations from the outset, gradually easing up as trust and rapport develop. Clear communication and transparency are vital, though it’s distinct from allowing team members to dictate your management style or decisions.

Onboarding serves as the initial impression for new employees, similar to presenting a syllabus at the beginning of a course, onboarding should be concise, well-structured, and easy to follow. Emphasizing equity over equality acknowledges that individuals have varying needs to excel in their roles, requiring tailored support and guidance from leadership.

Modeling behaviors, particularly regarding self-care and well-being, holds significant importance, what the pandemic taught all of us is the necessity of prioritizing health for both individuals and teams. When we prioritize our well-being we have happier teams and produce higher quality work.

While financial incentives hold merit, they’re not the sole solution. Recognizing and valuing team members through meaningful gestures, like providing birthday leave and organizing appreciation ceremonies, fosters a sense of belonging and importance within the team.

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

Growing a clientele in the therapeutic realm, or any privacy-sensitive area, presents challenges, particularly considering the inability to address negative feedback directly. Word-of-mouth referrals stand out as the most efficient and trustworthy means of expanding your client base.

My suggestion is to establish your identity by articulating your mission and values, ensuring they permeate every aspect of your practice. From the content on your website to the interactions with clients, including those by your staff, and even your social media presence, consistency in reflecting your values is paramount. Authenticity is key in the health and wellness sector, so aligning your values with your actions is essential for sustainable growth.

Contact Info:

• Website: traumacenternw.com
• Instagram: trauma_centernw
• Other: ittc-kalos.com instagram: KALOS_community

Image Credits
Kimmi Burk Photography