Portia Jones

Portia Jones serves as an Adjunct Professor in the Art Therapy program at Lewis & Clark College, teaching AT 550: Diversity & Equity. A Licensed Mental Health Counselor with multifaceted expertise spanning clinical practice, social justice advocacy, and artistic expression, she integrates therapeutic innovation with human diversity principles.

Her academic credentials include:

• Masters of Arts in Professional Counseling and Certification in Professional Coaching from Multnomah University
• Bachelor of Science in Human Development from Warner Pacific University

Portia's research and clinical work centers on intersectional approaches to mental health, specializing in Art Therapy and Diversity & Equity frameworks. She pioneers holistic treatment models combining Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) with creative modalities like music, drama, and visual arts. Her scholarship emphasizes culturally responsive care, particularly for Black communities, and explores entrepreneurship as a vehicle for racial advancement. This integrative methodology addresses mind-body-spirit connections while confronting systemic barriers in therapeutic settings.

As an educator, she mentors future art therapists in developing anti-oppressive clinical practices. Her teaching synthesizes lived experience as a United States Air Force Veteran, public speaker, and activist with evidence-based interventions. Professional activities span equal employment advocacy, pageant coaching, and entrepreneurial ventures—all converging on her core mission of validating human diversity through creative transformation.