Individual Therapy for Adults

Why Individual Therapy?

Individual Therapy Portland OregonWe all experience problems at various points in our lives. Sometimes we’re able to solve those problems on our own. Other times, we may want an outside perspective to help with the problem-solving process.

People who see me for individual therapy come for many reasons, anxiety and depression to name a few. Also, for some folks, it’s helpful to have someone to talk with that can offer an unbiased perspective. Therapy is different than talking with friends/family for many reasons. Mainly, I am an unbiased third party. I don’t know your friends and relatives. I don’t have preconceived ideas about who you are, or what you’re like. It is hard to get that perspective in everyday life, where people close to you have their own emotional connections with each other. Additionally, your well-being is my number one priority.

What to Expect in Individual Therapy

Sessions last 50 minutes, and usually take the form of a conversation about your life, and the issues you are choosing to focus on in therapy. Remember, you get to choose the focus of therapy. I don’t dictate that process. I view myself as more of a guide in the therapeutic process. It’s always my goal to help empower you to solve your own problems.

I am a solution-focused therapist. This means I’ll use a strengths-based approach that focuses on your positive attributes, resources, previous successes, and hopes for the future.

You can also expect a judgment-free environment when you come to therapy. Therapy only works when you feel like you can be totally honest with your therapist. I work to create an environment where you feel comfortable sharing details about your life. Therapy can be unpleasant, and sometimes the work is difficult and challenging. My hope is that I can create a space where you are willing to go to those places of discomfort, because you are comfortable with me and with our process.

Some therapists talk a lot. Some hardly talk at all. I am somewhere in the middle. I like to be an active participant in the process, but I also don’t want to stifle you. After all, you are the client. You can expect that I’ll be asking you questions, providing you with tools related to the focus of therapy, and engaging you in conversation related to that focus. You can also expect that you’ll have the space to discuss what feels most pressing to you at the time of our session.

Presenting Issues I Treat

These are just some of the many presenting issues that I work with:

  • Anxiety
  • Stress management
  • Depression
  • Challenges with emotional expression
  • Social difficulties
  • Relationship Issues
  • Athletic performance issues
  • Lack of confidence
  • Low self-esteem
  • Family conflict