Thriving in Challenging Times: LGBTQ-Affirming Anxiety Therapy with a Portland Therapist
LGBTQ+-Affirming Anxiety Therapy for Navigating Societal Change with a Portland Therapist
Living through times of daunting societal change can feel like navigating a storm without a compass. For many in the LGBTQ+ community, these moments are marked by a heightened sense of uncertainty and vulnerability. If you’ve found yourself wrestling with gripping anxiety, feeling the weight of societal shifts or the sting of discrimination, you’re not alone. These are extraordinarily heavy burdens to carry, and you don’t have to shoulder them alone.
As a Portland therapist who specializes in LGBTQ-affirming anxiety therapy, I understand how challenging these times can be. It’s normal to feel adrift, even paralyzed, when it seems like the ground beneath you is shifting. But therapy can be a support to help you get your feet back on (more) solid ground. Together, we can create a space where you feel seen, supported, and empowered to navigate these challenges with resilience and self-compassion.
Understanding Societal Anxiety in the LGBTQ+ Community
Societal anxiety doesn’t just manifest out of thin air, it grows out of the systems and experiences we live through. For LGBTQ+ individuals, this might look like concerns about legal protections, community safety, or simply navigating day-to-day interactions in an uncertain world.
Imagine this: you’re scrolling through the news or overhearing a conversation, and suddenly, your chest feels tight, your thoughts start to race, and the doom-shaded “what-ifs” pile up like the puddles during Portland’s rainy season. You might find yourself wondering, “Is it just me?” It’s not.
These reactions are your body’s natural response to stress, even if the sensations feel anything but natural. Anxiety in response to societal change is a human experience, especially for those of us in marginalized communities. When seeking an LGBTQ therapist in Portland, it’s important to find someone who truly understands your experiences, creates a safe, affirming space, and supports you with compassion
How Anxiety Therapy in Portland Supports LGBTQ+ Healing
Therapy offers more than a place to vent your frustrations (while venting can be cathartic, too much venting without actionable steps can feel like shouting into the void—temporarily satisfying but not particularly helpful long-term). It’s a space to untangle the messy web of emotions, fears, and what-ifs that can overwhelm us during challenging times. In therapy, you can explore what’s beneath your anxiety, develop supportive practices to soothe it, and build a sense of safety and empowerment (safety within you and within larger community).
I’d like to share an example: A client came to therapy feeling like they were carrying the weight of the world. They were worried about how recent societal changes might impact their job security and their ability to live openly as their authentic self. Together, we worked to create a space where they could express these fears without judgment. Over time, they discovered how mindfulness and self-compassion could help them approach these fears with curiosity instead of criticism, empowering them to take action toward advocacy, fostering connection and healing.
The truth is, therapy isn’t about “fixing” you. It’s about offering a supportive space where you can process what’s happening, reconnect with your inner strength, and build practices for navigating life’s uncertainties.
The Role of Mindful Self-Compassion in Navigating Anxiety
Mindful self-compassion might sound like some buzzy social media wellness phrase, but at its core, it’s about treating yourself the way you’d treat a dear friend, especially when you’re struggling. This approach blends mindfulness (being present with your thoughts and feelings without judgment) with self-compassion (offering yourself kindness and encouragement instead of criticism).
Think of it like tending to a garden during a storm. You can’t stop the rain or control the wind, but you can shelter the most delicate plants, strengthen their roots, and make sure they get the care they need to thrive. Mindful self-compassion does the same for your inner world, helping you weather life’s storms with greater ease and resilience.
Finding Hope and Connection in the Portland LGBTQ+ Community
One of the greatest sources of strength is community. Whether it’s attending a support group, connecting with local LGBTQ+ organizations, or simply finding safe spaces where you can be yourself (perhaps even enjoy yourself?), there’s power in knowing you’re not alone.
One of Portland’s strengths is that it offers resources and affirming spaces for those of us within the LGBTQ+ community. These resources and spaces can help you feel grounded and connected. As a Portland therapist, I often help clients explore which local resources might meet their unique needs, whether they’re looking for advocacy, social connection, or creative outlets to express themselves.
But community doesn’t end there. Therapy itself can be a powerful form of connection, a place where you can explore your identity, your fears, and your hopes with someone who truly understands. Together, we can create a path forward that honors who you are and supports the life you want to build.
Take the First Step Toward Support
Eric Goodwin, Portland Therapist and Licensed Professional Counselor
Living through times of change can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. As a Portland therapist specializing in LGBTQ-affirming anxiety therapy, I’m here to help you find calm, connection, and hope. In addition to self-compassion practices, we can explore ways to set boundaries, process difficult emotions, and build a stronger sense of self-worth.
Whether you’re seeking clarity, looking for a safe space to process, or ready to start building tools for resilience, therapy can provide the support you need. Anxiety therapy in Portland with me offers a unique opportunity to work with a Queer therapist who truly understands the intersection of anxiety and LGBTQ+ experiences. The first step toward support is often the hardest, but it’s also the most rewarding. Schedule a free 15-minute consultation today—either in person at my Portland office or online throughout Oregon—and take the first step toward feeling supported and empowered. Call me at 971.533.5590 or click here.