PSU History
Eddie May, MSW, LCSW, joined the School of Social Work as the Assistant Director of Field Education/Distance Option Coordinator in 2015. In this role he supported field development and placement, statewide field instructor training focused on supervision and anti-oppressive practice, sustainability of SSW's Distance Options, and instruction of MSW courses. In 2018, Eddie was hired as an Assistant Professor of Practice teaching the Advanced Clinical Concentration and related electives.
Experience
Eddie has extensive experience as a clinician serving individuals, couples, and families through narrative and existential theoretical frameworks. He specializes in supporting individuals impacted by trauma, experiencing life crises, and those who share LGBTQ identities. Eddie has worked in outpatient settings, crisis response teams, schools, community based mental health, and now maintains a private therapy practice. Eddie's passion for clinical social work accompanies work in equity and inclusion. Eddie has supported non-profit agencies, arts organizations, and colleges across the country implement trauma-informed, antiracist, culturally affirmative policies and practices. He believes focus on implicit/explicit bias, socialization and its impact on intersectional identity, and collaborative praxis are critical in the unpacking of each knapsack carried in our day to day.
Academic/Research Interests
Mental Health (Family Systems, Narrative, and Existentialist therapies), Historical and community trauma and trauma-informed interventions, LGBTQ Social Work Practice and Queer Wellness, Suicide Prevention and Intervention, and International social work.
Personal Interests
Eddie has been a singer and dancer with the Portland Gay Men's Chorus for over a decade. He loves traveling internationally, relaxing with his partner and geriatric chihuahua (Charley), and imaging a world without hate.