What to Expect from Working with a Portland Therapist
Counseling with a Portland therapist isn’t about fixing you, it’s about creating a space where you feel safe to explore, heal, and grow. Here’s what that space might feel like when you’re ready to begin.
Working with a Portland therapist can be the first step toward feeling more like yourself again. But let’s be real: Portland is full of unique people and progressive values, and yet, it can still feel incredibly lonely to navigate things like anxiety, identity stress, or self-criticism. If you’ve ever found yourself up late Googling “Counseling in Portland” and wondering if this could actually help, you’re in the right place.
I’m Eric Goodwin, a Portland therapist who works with adults struggling with anxiety, self-criticism, and identity-related stress and I believe therapy isn’t just a place to talk through problems. At its best, it offers support wherein you can explore how to stop beating yourself up, feel more present in your life, and begin relating to yourself with kindness, not just critique.
What to expect from your first consultation with a therapist in Portland
A first consultation with a Portland therapist is often an opportunity to ask questions, explore what therapy might look like, and get a sense of how comfortable you feel. For me, this process begins with a free 15-minute phone consultation, where I’ll answer any questions you have about therapy, share an overview of my approach, and the ways we can work together to address your needs. I’ll share a bit about how sessions might unfold, what to expect in regard to scheduling, frequency of sessions, and listen to any concerns you have. This initial call is a chance for you to feel more at ease, so that if we choose to move forward, you can do so with confidence and a sense of what to expect.
Feeling Anxious, Disconnected, or Tired of Being So Hard on Yourself?
A lot of my clients come in carrying a quiet storm inside. From the outside, they might look put together, but inside, it’s a different story.
They describe feeling like their minds never shut off. Like they’re constantly analyzing every interaction. Like there’s a part of them that never lets them rest. Saying things like:
“I want to get out of my head.”
“I’m exhausted by how much I overthink.”
“I want to stop beating myself up every time I make a mistake.”
“It always feels like I’m the problem.”
Sound familiar?
Whether you’re dealing with constant worry, shame that won’t let up, or the invisible weight of trying to hold everything together, therapy offers a different way through. You don’t need to keep managing this on your own.
Many of the people I work with are seeking anxiety therapy in Portland or support that feels inclusive and affirming, especially for those navigating identity, trauma, or persistent self-doubt. Maybe you're not even sure what you need yet, just that something needs to change.
What the First Consultation with a Portland Therapist Is Really Like
A low-pressure, human conversation, no prep required.
Starting therapy can feel like a big step, especially if you're not quite sure what to expect. That’s why I offer a free 15-minute phone consultation. It’s a simple, no-pressure conversation where you don’t have to come prepared or have everything figured out. It’s a chance to ask anything that’s on your mind, whether you’re curious about what a typical session might look like, how often we’d meet, or what therapy could look like if you’re not totally sure what you want to work on yet. I’ll share a bit about how I approach the process, and we’ll talk about the kind of support you're hoping for. No pressure, no commitment, just clarity.
What to Expect in Your First Therapy Session
There’s no need to dive into the deep end.
If you’re imagining a session where you have to tell your entire life story in 50 minutes, take a breath. That’s not how I work.
Our first session is about getting to know each other. I’ll listen closely to what’s been feeling heavy, confusing, or overwhelming. You can share as much, or as little, as you’d like. If you’ve experienced trauma or carry a lot of self-blame, we’ll approach your story with care and gentleness. The pace is always up to you.
Instead of jumping into “fix-it mode,” we’ll begin by building something that might be new: trust. Trust that you can bring all parts of yourself into the room. Trust that you’ll be met with compassion, not judgment.
How Long Do People Work with a Therapist in Portland?
It depends on your needs and your goals.
Some people come to therapy with a specific issue and want short-term support. Others discover that therapy becomes a foundational part of their mental and emotional wellness.
We’ll check in regularly about how things are going. If you're seeking something more goal-focused, like tools for self-esteem therapy in Portland or support navigating a stressful transition, we might work together for a few months. If you’re exploring deeper patterns of self-criticism or identity, you might want more spacious, ongoing work.
There’s no pressure, no locked-in timeline. Just room to figure out what feels right for you.
A Different Kind of Healing: Not Just Talking, But Transforming
This isn’t just a place to vent. It’s a place to reconnect with yourself in a way that feels meaningful and lasting.
Therapy isn’t about fixing you, because you’re not broken. Instead, it’s about gently exploring the parts of you that have been working overtime to keep you safe. Maybe that’s the part that jumps in with criticism before anyone else can. Or the part that checks out completely when things feel too overwhelming. Together, we’ll begin to notice these patterns without shame. You’ll learn how to slow the spiral when anxiety kicks in, respond to yourself with more understanding, and soften the voice that tells you you’re never enough.
Whether you're here because you're searching for mindfulness therapy in Portland or simply longing to feel more grounded, this work can help you shift the way you experience yourself. Over time, you may find you’re better able to notice your thoughts and feelings without being consumed by them. You might feel more in tune with your body and its needs. The grip of anxiety, shame, and perfectionism can begin to loosen. And you may start to believe, maybe for the first time, that you’re allowed to take up space, just as you are. It doesn’t happen overnight, but this kind of healing is real. And it works.
If You’ve Felt Misunderstood Before…
Affirming therapy for LGBTQ+ clients and others navigating identity
Finding a therapist who gets it, who doesn’t need a whole education on your lived experience, can be a challenge. That’s why my practice is intentionally affirming and inclusive. If you’re looking for an LGBTQ therapist in Portland who respects your complexity, who welcomes your identity without assumptions, and who knows how much nuance is behind those labels…you’re in the right place.
We can talk about gender, sexuality, coming out, family systems, or not. The point is: this is your space. You get to decide what’s important and what matters most right now.
“I’m Beginning to Feel Like Myself Again.”
Clients often describe the therapy process as subtle but deeply meaningful. One day, you realize you’re responding differently to a familiar stressor. Or you hear your inner voice soften, just a little. Or you finally sleep through the night.
You might find yourself saying:
“I can look back at that time without being swallowed by it.”
“Maybe I’m not bad after all.”
“I’m beginning to see that I’m not to blame.”
These aren’t just nice quotes. They’re hard-earned truths that come from showing up for yourself in therapy. And they’re possible for you, too.
Ready to Begin? Let’s Talk.
Eric Goodwin, Licensed Professional Counselor in Portland, offers a grounded, collaborative therapy experience—supporting clients with anxiety, identity, and self-compassion across Oregon through in-person and online sessions.
If you're looking for a Portland therapist because you're tired of doing it all alone, I’d love to support you. Whether you're navigating anxiety, identity stress, perfectionism, or self-criticism, we’ll work together to create something that feels nourishing and sustainable.
I offer a free 15-minute phone consultation so we can talk about your needs and see if working together feels like a good fit.
Call (971) 533-5590 or click here to schedule your consultation. No pressure, just an invitation to take that next step toward support.
FAQs About Working with a Portland Therapist
What kind of clients do you work with?
I specialize in supporting adults navigating anxiety, self-criticism, and identity-related stress. Many of my clients are LGBTQ+ or simply looking for a therapist who’s warm, grounded, and collaborative.
Is therapy just talking about feelings?
Not at all. While we do talk about emotions, we also slow down enough to notice patterns, reconnect with your body, and shift the way you relate to yourself over time.
What if I’ve never done therapy before?
That’s totally okay. I’ll walk you through everything you need to know, at a pace that feels right. You don’t need to have it all figured out to begin.
Do you offer online therapy?
Yes, I provide virtual sessions for Oregon residents. Many clients find online therapy convenient, comfortable, and just as effective.
Is this LGBTQ+ affirming therapy?
Absolutely. My practice affirms and welcomes LGBTQ+ clients with care, nuance, and deep respect.
What if I’m not ready to talk about everything yet?
That’s okay. You lead the way. I’ll follow your pace and help create the safety needed to explore what matters, when you're ready.