Start Again with Kindness: How a Portland Therapist Uses Mindful Self-Compassion to Support Growth
Mindful Self-Compassion to support personal goals with a Portland Therapist
In Portland, we’re no strangers to starting again. Maybe it’s the bike commute you attempt every spring, only to be derailed by yet another downpour. Or perhaps it’s the urban garden project that somehow turned into a buffet for squirrels. Whatever the case, starting again is a deeply human experience, one that often comes with its share of frustration and self-doubt.
For many, broken New Year’s resolutions feel like a glaring reminder of all the ways we fall short. But what if the problem isn’t you? What if it’s the idea that growth must look like a perfect, linear success story? As a Portland therapist specializing in mindful self-compassion, anxiety and LGBTQ+-affirming therapy, I believe growth is less about perfection and more about how we treat ourselves when things don’t go as planned.
Why Self-Criticism Gets in the Way of Growth
When a resolution falls through, whether it’s skipping a week of workouts or upending that just-revised budget with a major impulse purchase, self-criticism often kicks in. That inner voice might say things like, “Why can’t you stick to anything?” or “You’ll never change.” You may be accustomed to statements like these being associated with motivating people through “tough love” or shaming, however, they rarely lead to lasting progress.
Self-criticism is like scolding a seed for not sprouting overnight. Growth requires patience, care, and the right conditions. When we harshly judge ourselves, we create stress and anxiety, making it even harder to try again. For many people I work with in anxiety therapy in Portland, this cycle of self-criticism becomes a significant barrier to achieving their goals.
The truth is, self-compassion (not criticism) is the fuel that powers genuine growth. By shifting the way we talk to ourselves, we create space to start again with kindness and curiosity.
How Mindful Self-Compassion Encourages Lasting Growth
Mindful self-compassion isn’t about ignoring mistakes or giving yourself a free pass. It’s about acknowledging your struggles without judgment and offering yourself the same kindness you’d extend to a close, trusted friend.
Imagine this: you set a resolution to meditate daily, but life gets busy, and you miss a few days. Instead of spiraling into self-blame, mindful self-compassion allows you to pause and say, “This is hard, but it’s human. I can always begin again.”
This approach shifts the focus from rigid rules to consistent, flexible growth. It teaches you to embrace imperfection as part of the process, making it easier to stay engaged with your goals over time. Many clients seeking mindful self-compassion in Portland find that this shift reduces anxiety, especially that feeling of being trapped without hope, and increases their confidence to try again.
Realigning Goals with Kindness, Not Perfection
Therapy offers a unique opportunity to explore the patterns that keep us stuck, such as all-or-nothing thinking. For many, the pressure to achieve perfection can feel overwhelming, leading to guilt or self-criticism when life doesn’t go as planned.
In therapy, we might focus on shifting these rigid expectations into flexible, meaningful goals. Instead of striving for perfection, the goal becomes finding what works for you, even if it’s not always consistent. This compassionate approach encourages growth that feels authentic and sustainable, allowing you to keep moving forward even when setbacks occur. It also helps you reconnect with your natural rhythms, tuning into your instincts about what you truly need to grow and thrive..
Working with a Portland therapist, you’ll learn strategies to realign your goals with what truly matters to you, fostering resilience and self-compassion along the way.
The Role of a Portland Therapist in Fostering Self-Compassion
Therapy provides an affirming, supportive space to explore self-doubt and cultivate resilience. When working with clients, I often guide them through simple mindful self-compassion practices tailored to their needs. For example:
Acknowledging the Moment: A client might practice pausing during a difficult moment and saying, “This is tough, and I’m struggling.” This mindful awareness helps them connect with their emotions instead of avoiding or judging them.
Offering Kindness: We explore phrases or actions that bring comfort, like placing a hand on the heart or reminding themselves, “I deserve the same compassion I’d offer a friend.”
Refocusing on Values: Clients reflect on what truly matters to them, creating a sense of purpose that sustains their growth.
As a Queer therapist, I understand the unique challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals, such as navigating societal pressures or discrimination. Therapy can help you address these layers with compassion, creating a foundation for healing and self-acceptance.
Reaching Out for Support
Eric Goodwin, Portland Therapist and Licensed Professional Counselor
Broken resolutions don’t define you, they’re just a part of the process. As a Portland therapist specializing in anxiety therapy and mindful self-compassion, I help clients transform self-doubt into opportunities for growth. In a city like Portland, where individuality and growth are celebrated, therapy can help you reestablish your connection with your kind and encouraging self.
Whether you’re navigating anxiety, self-criticism, or challenges unique to the LGBTQ+ community, therapy can provide the support you need. Together, we’ll explore how mindful self-compassion can help you approach life with kindness, resilience, and clarity.
Reaching out for support can feel daunting, but it’s a powerful step toward healing and growth. Schedule a free 15-minute phone consultation today and take the first step toward lasting change. Call me at 971.533.5590 or click here to get started. I’m available in-person at my Portland office or online across the state of Oregon and would be happy to see how I can best help you!