Therapists in Portland, OR

Let’s face it- deciding to seek therapy often feels pretty scary. It takes courage, and sometimes desperation, to walk into this unfamiliar relationship. Navigating life's losses and transitions is one of our most challenging tasks, and sometimes we need help steering the boat. I enjoy working with adults who are ready to explore their inner world of experience and outer world in relationship with others. That might mean help with various life transitions and losses, such as divorce or the death of a loved one. A former nurse, I also work with many health care professionals, and clients who suffer from chronic and acute illness.

The therapeutic relationship is crucial to the healing process, whether the problem is with external relationships, traumatic experience, or one's relationship with the self. I use psychoanalytic principles and relational dynamics to explore the internal conflicts and patterns that are at the root of emotional, psychological and relational problems. I am also sensitive to spirituality and the existential problems inherent in being human, and how these affect us all. I have a special interest in the psychology of twins and intersubjective relating in general.

No matter how difficult the problem you are facing, there is a solution. My therapeutic approach is designed to help you gain awareness and understanding into whatever is troubling you and to assist you in developing the practical skills to handle these issues more effectively. I believe that within our problems lie the keys to further growth and development when they are unfolded with awareness. Together, we will create a treatment plan that is tailored to meet your desired goals in therapy.

You have decided to make some changes but do not know where to start. Your life, your marriage or your family, may seem out of control. You are a unique individual and you have within you great potential to make desired changes in your life. The relationship between client and therapist is based on trust and the hope filled possibility of that change. I will work with you as a collaborative guide to enable you to discover and map your chosen objectives. Small changes in your life will often results in positive changes in your relationships.

The common misconception is that therapy is for "crazy" or "sick" people. Instead I believe it is a chance to work with clients on how to use their challenges as opportunities for change and growth. It is also a time to better understand our view of the world, examine any relationship issues, and become better versions of ourselves. I focus on each individual's unique characteristics, instead of what a diagnosis may say about them.

People come to therapy because they want the kind of experience and advice they need to make important changes in their lives. I know a key ingredient in making that happen for you is having a good working relationship between the therapist and the client. For that reason, I strive to offer advice in a straightforward fashion in a spirit of compassion and support. These effective strategies have been helping my clients achieve greater happiness and success in life for over twenty years.

I have a great deal of respect for the unique stories of individual lives, and I strive to create a collaborative and supportive environment where clients can safely learn about themselves, develop new skills, and make real and lasting change. I try to help people not only reduce distress and suffering, but to also cultivate more genuine and fulfilling relationships with themselves and others. My primary areas of expertise include: stress management, mindfulness, anxiety and mood concerns, assertive communication, bicultural issues, performance enhancement, LGBTQ concerns, and adjustment, relationship, and identity concerns.

Have you been through a difficult experience? I specialize in emotional and relational disorders arising from trauma, sexual abuse, attachment disruptions, and less-than-optimal early childhood experiences. These types of experiences can create life-long distress and difficulty with relationships. Finding the right therapist is an important first step in healing from trauma. My orientation integrates modern neuroscience with relational psychotherapy. In addition to traditional methods, I utilize expressive approaches such as sandtray, play therapy, psychodrama, movement, and art therapy in my practice. I will tailor your sessions to meet your unique needs and ways of expressing yourself.

We have a new clinician who has space! At Carewell we focus on creating healthy relationships, including the one you have with yourself. Let us help you and provide support. Chronic illness, struggles day to day. If you have anxiety issues we will develop coping strategies together — especially helpful during this time in the world. Navigating a divorce, relationship stress, parenting struggles, enduring narcissistic abuse, all are particularly vulnerable. Find support with us and people do better with support.

I am an Insight oriented, GLBTQIA friendly and anti-racist practitioner. I focus on long-term change and improved well-being while working towards "here and now" self-compassion, self-care and behavioral changes to achieve lasting change. I strive to promote advocacy, social justice and inherent self worth with each client. I work with clients concerned with substance use/abuse, self-esteem, depression, anxiety, life transitions, trauma and emotional regulation concerns among other areas of concern. You may see more about my areas of focus in my profile.

In my practice, I specialize in helping individuals identify and change life patterns that lead to frustration and disappointment. I provide support for a wide range of challenges, including anxiety, depression, experiences of abuse and trauma, issues with shame and self-esteem, life transitions, and complex relationship problems. Addressing these issues in a safe, therapeutic environment can help you build self-esteem, improve your relationships, and rediscover enthusiasm for both work and personal life.

When does wanting something more become an issue? When our normal desire for change has no recognized solutions. When our wants lead to self-rejection or frustration that keep those we care about at arms-length. When we disengage to avoid expressing a need, but get accused of not caring. We prepare for arguments before entering the room and the script plays out as expected, but it's not what we want. These are common struggles without generic answers. Relationship dynamics are as unique as the individuals who live them, which is why change requires specific approaches addressing unique issues.

Self-actualization is so important to feel one's life has meaning and purpose, so helping you get to or BACK to that point is what I find so fulfilling in my practice! The goal of NW Counseling Service is to help you grow and become all that you are capable of and assist you in developing and mastering those skills. I work with adults, individuals, and couples, who are experiencing issues of communication.

Only accepting group therapy referrals. In my experience, life is better and easier if you have someone that understands you, sees it from your point of view, and helps you navigate through it. A good therapist is like a fellow traveler who journeys with us into awareness, facilitating the insight necessary to heal and grow. I am a passionate facilitator of this process, helping my clients make sense of their lives and relationships, heal what's kept them stuck, explore new ways of being and live richly. The therapy we do is deep and has long-lasting effects, and the changes become your second nature, even after therapy ends.

Client motivation focused;,believing personal change is possible for anyone who desires it. The human spirit is powerful and will persevere if nurtured, empowered & supported. My therapeutic approach: teaching, empower, intervene &support for the therapeutic change process with clients. Combining education + professional & personal experience I provide a safe, non-judgmental therapeutic approach conducive to healthy changes. Perspective of personal strengths vs the medical model of "sickness" clients are empowered with hope and skills for positive change.

Are you seeking help going through the hard times in life? Whether you are having relational/marital issues, have been a victim of domestic violence or abuse, struggle with anxiety or depression, or one of many other life issues there can be peace again. I have had more than 15 years experience in the mental health field and love to help clients find to tools to grow strong again. There is hope and you can feel normal again.

Ready for change? We can choose to grow past the limitations that keep us stuck. In my practice I listen carefully to your dreams and fears, and work to release you from the wounds of the past. I tailor therapy to each unique individual to help you reach your goals. My therapy style is warm, direct, compassionate, and collaborative. I foster the growth process through challenging old patterns and helping new possibilities emerge. My work is grounded in the mind-body connection and mindfulness.

Is anxiety holding you back? If you worry more than you'd like; feel stuck because of fear; lose sleep because you can't shut your mind off; get thoughts and ideas stuck in your head that you can't let go of; feel tense and nervous too often; or avoid social situations, I can help. You'll learn to move forward in spite of fears, challenge worries and beliefs keeping you stuck or causing you to avoid people or certain situations and live life with a feeling of calm and ease. Call or email and let's get started!

I have two specialties, working with children and parents through adoption issues and working with children whose parents are experiencing separation and divorce. As a certified adoption specialist, I help adoptive parents and adopted children navigate through the developmental stages adoption brings. I also assist birth parents and adult adoptees through the complexities of search and reunion issues so they can complete their stories and find healing.