Portland Mindfulness Therapy

You’re doing everything you’re “supposed” to, so why do you still feel so disconnected?

On the outside, you’re functioning. You show up, you push through, you keep things moving. But inside, it’s a different story.

You feel tired, overwhelmed, and, more than anything, disconnected. You’re doing the best you can, but it’s like you’re living slightly outside of your own life, watching instead of experiencing it. Even when you try to rest or slow down, your mind keeps racing, and the pressure to “keep it together” never fully lets up.

There’s a familiar voice in your head, one that whispers (or sometimes shouts) “Why can’t you just be present?” or “You should be doing more.” You’ve tried breathing exercises. You’ve listened to the podcasts. You’ve followed the wellness tips. And yet, that feeling of being pulled away…by distractions, by past trauma, by the demands of a fast-paced world…keeps returning.

If you’re part of the LGBTQ+ community, this can be even more layered. You've learned to make yourself smaller to stay safe, to be vigilant even when you're exhausted. And now, you’re ready to stop shrinking and start showing up for yourself in a more spacious, honest, and embodied way.

You long for a different way of being, one where you feel at home in yourself, present in your relationships, and grounded in your daily life.

What If There’s Another Way to Be With Yourself?

You might not be entirely sure what “mindfulness therapy” means but something about the words presence, gentleness, and self-compassion feels like a breath of fresh air. You're not looking for a quick fix. You're looking for something real. A way to stay with yourself, even when it’s hard, instead of constantly checking out or pushing through.

You don’t have to be great at mindfulness to start this work. You don’t need to meditate for hours a day. To begin with mindfulness therapy in Portland, You just need a little willingness to pause, to get curious about what’s happening inside, and to imagine that there might be a gentler way forward.

How I Can Help

Hi, I’m Eric Goodwin (he/they), a Licensed Professional Counselor in Portland, Oregon. I help people reconnect with themselves through mindfulness and self-compassion, not as trendy buzzwords, but as transformative therapeutic tools rooted in neuroscience, presence, and deep acceptance.

In our work together, we’ll slow things down enough to notice what’s actually happening inside. We’ll gently explore how you relate to your emotions, your body, your thoughts, and the parts of you that may be protecting you from presence because it hasn’t always felt safe.

Whether it’s a relentless inner critic, the heaviness of shame, persistent anxiety, or a sense that you’re somehow missing your life, we’ll approach it all with curiosity and care. Therapy becomes a space to unlearn urgency and relearn how to show up for yourself in a fuller, more honest way.

What Is Mindfulness-Based Therapy? And Why It’s So Effective

Mindfulness-based therapy helps you learn to notice your experience without immediately judging it, reacting to it, or trying to escape from it. It gives you an opportunity to respond instead of just react.

Together, we’ll explore what triggers you and why, allowing you to recognize the roots of your stress or emotional reactions. You’ll begin to notice how your thoughts affect your emotions and behavior, creating a map of how your inner world works. We’ll also tune into what’s happening in your body during stress; those subtle signs of tension or shutdown that often go unnoticed. And we’ll get curious about how you treat yourself in those moments when things feel especially hard, gently exploring your patterns of self-talk and internal responses.

This isn't about forcing yourself to “be calm.” It’s about becoming more aware of what’s happening, so you can make intentional choices even when life is hard.

The Role of Mindful Self-Compassion

Self-compassion is often misunderstood as softness or indulgence, but in reality, it’s one of the bravest things you can practice. It means choosing kindness over self-criticism, even when you don’t feel like you deserve it. It means offering yourself the same tenderness and dignity you would give someone you deeply care about.

Through our work together, many clients begin to develop a gentler inner dialogue; one that soothes instead of shames. They often find they can navigate hard moments with more emotional balance and less overwhelm. They become more resilient, more grounded, and more connected to their values and personal strengths, rather than being stuck in patterns of avoidance or perfectionism.

In my work, I integrate Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT), Internal Family Systems (IFS) Parts Work, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), all through the lens of Mindful Self-Compassion (MSC). These approaches are adaptable and collaborative. We’ll find what works for you, not force-fit a model. For many clients, this feels like a welcome relief: a practice that honors their full humanity, not just their symptoms.

The Outcome? A Calmer, Kinder Way to Be in the World

As our work deepens, clients often describe a subtle but powerful shift. They start to feel more present in their bodies and less overwhelmed by their minds. There’s a noticeable quieting of that inner critic, a softening of the pressure to be constantly “on” or “better.”

Instead of spiraling through stress or self-judgment, you may find yourself responding with calm strength, even in moments that would have previously knocked you off center. And perhaps most importantly, many clients begin to feel a deeper connection to themselves, and to the people and experiences that truly matter.

This kind of healing isn’t flashy. There’s no magic pill, no 3-step solution, and it’s not a perfect process. It’s steady, transformative, and deeply personal. Portland mindfulness therapy isn’t about fixing who you are. It’s about coming home to yourself, again and again, with clarity and compassion.

Mindfulness in Portland, Oregon: A Personalized Approach to Healing

Whether you're feeling overwhelmed, stuck in cycles of self-criticism, or simply ready for a different kind of support, therapy can help.

Call me at (971) 533-5590 or click here to schedule a free 15-minute phone consultation.

You don’t have to hustle your way into healing. Let’s explore what it could be like to bring more gentleness, awareness, and space into your life, starting exactly where you are.

FAQs – Portland Mindfulness Therapy

1. What is mindfulness therapy, really?

Mindfulness therapy helps you pause and pay attention to what’s happening inside, so you can respond with clarity instead of reacting automatically. It’s less about being “zen” and more about building real awareness and resilience in your daily life.

2. What kinds of issues does mindfulness therapy help with?

This approach is especially helpful if you’re dealing with anxiety, shame, burnout, self-criticism, emotional overwhelm, or a deep sense of disconnection. It supports the kind of healing that goes beyond just coping and toward meaningful change.

3. What’s the difference between mindfulness and meditation?

Mindfulness is a broader practice of being present in your life, while meditation is one of many tools used to strengthen that awareness. You don’t need to meditate to benefit from mindfulness-based therapy. It’s about how you relate to your thoughts, emotions, and body moment to moment.

4. Will I have to sit silently for long periods?

Not unless that feels useful for you. We’ll explore mindfulness through gentle reflection, breath, movement, body awareness, and conversation. You don’t need to be a “perfect meditator” (which is helpful because I’m not sure that meditator exists).

5. What is self-compassion, and why does it matter?

Self-compassion involves turning toward yourself with kindness, especially in moments of struggle. It’s a powerful foundation for emotional resilience, motivation, and healing backed by research and lived experience.

6. What if mindfulness doesn’t work for me?

That’s completely okay. Therapy isn’t about making you fit a mold. If mindfulness doesn’t feel right, we’ll find the tools and language that do. This work is always tailored to what you need most.

8. Do you offer virtual mindfulness therapy in Oregon?

Yes. I offer virtual therapy for clients throughout Oregon. Whether you're nearby or across the state, support is available.

9. Do you integrate other types of therapy too?

Absolutely. I draw from Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT), IFS-informed Parts Work, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Person-Centered approaches, all with mindfulness and self-compassion as the foundation.

10. Is this a good fit if I’ve never tried mindfulness before?

You don’t need any experience to start. We’ll begin with what feels approachable, and build your comfort and confidence over time. This isn’t about being perfect, it’s about being human.