Questions to Ask an Anxiety Therapist in Portland: Finding the Right Fit for Your Needs
Finding the right Anxiety Therapy in Portland
Thinking about starting anxiety therapy in Portland? You’re not alone. Deciding to reach out for support can bring both hope and a flood of questions. Choosing a therapist is personal, and with so many options, it’s easy to feel stuck. Portland offers a variety of therapy styles making it easier to find a therapist whose approach resonates with you. There’s also a strong emphasis on LGBTQ+-affirming care, ensuring that clients can find a safe and inclusive space for healing. However, with so many choices, it’s natural to feel a bit overwhelmed.
One of the best ways to simplify the process is by asking the right questions when speaking with a potential therapist. A consultation or first session is your opportunity to see if their approach aligns with your needs, whether you’re looking for structured guidance, mindfulness-based techniques, or an affirming therapeutic relationship. Below are key questions to ask when searching for anxiety therapy in Portland to help you find a therapist who feels like the right fit.
What’s Your Experience Working with Anxiety?
Not all therapists specialize in anxiety treatment, so it’s important to ask about their experience. Some therapists work with a broad range of concerns, while others focus specifically on anxiety disorders, panic attacks, or generalized stress.
This can give you a sense of their expertise and whether their experience aligns with your needs. You might ask:
Have you worked with clients experiencing similar anxiety challenges to mine?
Do you have specific training in treating anxiety disorders?
What’s your general approach when working with anxiety?
2. What Approaches Do You Use to Treat Anxiety?
There are many different ways to approach anxiety therapy, and not all methods work the same for everyone. Some therapists rely on CBT, which helps clients challenge and reframe anxious thoughts. Others incorporate mindfulness-based practices, which focus on grounding techniques and self-awareness. Therapists who integrate self-compassion work may guide clients in learning how to meet their anxiety with kindness rather than judgment.
Asking about a therapist’s preferred approaches can help you decide if their style resonates with you. Some follow-up questions to consider:
How do you determine which approach will work best for me?
Do you integrate multiple techniques, or do you primarily focus on one?
What’s your perspective on mindfulness or self-compassion for anxiety?
3. How Do You Help Clients Manage Anxiety Between Sessions?
Therapy isn’t just about what happens during a session, it’s also about what you take with you into daily life. An effective anxiety therapist will provide strategies to help you navigate anxious thoughts and feelings outside of your weekly meetings.
To understand what kind of support you can expect, you might ask:
Will I have practices to try between sessions?
How do you help clients handle anxiety in the moment?
What’s your approach to long-term anxiety management?
4. What Should I Expect in Terms of Sessions and Frequency?
Therapy sessions vary. Some therapists take a structured approach, while others adapt based on what feels most important in the moment. Similarly, the frequency of therapy depends on your needs.
It’s helpful to ask:
How do you typically structure sessions?
Do you recommend weekly sessions, and how might that change over time?
What happens if I need additional support between sessions?
5. Do You Offer In-Person or Online Sessions?
Therapists in Portland offer both in-person and virtual sessions, depending on their practice setup. If you prefer face-to-face sessions, you’ll want to ensure that a therapist has availability for in-person meetings. If you’re looking for flexibility, online therapy can be a great option.
Do you offer in-person and online sessions?
If I start with in-person therapy, can I switch to online sessions if needed?
What should I know about the differences between online and in-person therapy?
6. What Are Your Fees?
Therapy is an investment, and it’s important to have clarity about costs upfront. Some therapists accept insurance, while others operate as out-of-network providers, allowing clients to choose a therapist based on fit rather than insurance constraints. Many therapists also offer sliding-scale options to help make therapy more accessible.
To understand pricing and policies, you might ask:
Do you accept insurance or work as an out-of-network provider?
What is your session fee, and do you offer a sliding scale?
Can you provide documentation for insurance reimbursement if needed?
7. Are You an LGBTQ+-Affirming Therapist?
For LGBTQ+ clients, finding a therapist who understands identity-related stress, societal pressures, and internalized messages can be crucial. While many therapists describe themselves as inclusive, it’s helpful to ask specific questions to ensure their practice is genuinely affirming.
You might ask:
Do you have experience working with LGBTQ+ clients and anxiety-related concerns?
Do you integrate an awareness of intersectional identities into therapy?
8. How Do I Know If You’re the Right Therapist For Me?
Sometimes, the best question to ask is the most direct one. A good therapist will understand that the client-therapist relationship is essential to successful therapy. They should be open to discussing how their approach aligns with your needs and values.
You might ask:
What would working together look like?
Eric Goodwin, Anxiety Therapist in Portland and Licensed Professional Counselor
Finding the right therapist isn’t just about credentials—it’s about building a connection with someone who truly understands and supports you. Asking the right questions helps you find a therapist who makes you feel comfortable, understood, and truly supported.
As a therapist specializing in mindfulness-based, LGBTQ+-affirming anxiety therapy, I provide a supportive space tailored to your needs. If you’re ready to explore how therapy can support you, either in-person in Portland or online across Oregon, I’d love to help.
If you're curious about how therapy might help, let’s start with a conversation. I offer a free 15-minute consultation to see if we’re a good fit. Schedule yours today by calling 971.533.5590 or clicking here and take the first step toward feeling more in control of your anxiety.