The Top 4 Myths About Anxiety Therapy in Portland: What You Need to Know
Finding the right anxiety therapy for you in Portland, Oregon
Portland is a city that values mental health, offering a variety of therapy and counseling options. Whether you're seeking evidence-based anxiety therapy in Portland, mindfulness-based approaches, or holistic alternatives, there’s a wide range of choices available. With so many choices, it’s easy to come across misinformation about what therapy actually looks like, who it’s for, and how effective it can be.
If you’ve been considering anxiety therapy in Portland but feel hesitant, you’re not alone. There are plenty of myths that can lead people second-guess whether therapy is the right step. Let’s take a closer look at four common misconceptions and the reality behind them.
Myth #1: Therapy Is Only for People with Severe Anxiety
Many people believe that therapy is only necessary for those experiencing debilitating anxiety or panic attacks. If you’re still managing to get through your daily life, you might wonder if your struggles are “serious enough” to seek therapy.
The reality: Anxiety therapy isn’t just for crisis situations, it’s for anyone who wants support in navigating life’s challenges with more clarity and ease. You don’t have to wait until anxiety feels overwhelming to benefit from counseling. In fact, many people start therapy when they notice patterns of self-doubt, persistent stress, or difficulty managing uncertainty.
Therapy can help with:
• Learning practical ways to manage everyday stress and worry.
• Understanding how anxiety impacts your decision-making and relationships.
• Developing self-compassion and mindfulness practices to break cycles of self-criticism.
Seeking therapy is an act of self-care, whether your anxiety is mild, moderate, or more intense. Anxiety counseling can help you gain insight, develop new coping strategies, and create lasting change in how you relate to stress and uncertainty. Depending on your circumstances, seeking therapy at the first signs of building anxiety can help you to intervene before it grows into a more intense experience.
Myth #2: All Therapy Approaches Are the Same
With so many mental health providers in Portland, it can be difficult to differentiate between different therapy and counseling approaches. Some people assume that all providers and healers take the same general approach, leading to confusion about what kind of support they’re actually getting.
The reality: There is a big difference between licensed professional therapy and wellness-based approaches with less oversight. Licensed therapists, such as Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs), Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs), and Clinical Psychologists, undergo extensive education, training, and supervision. Their work is backed by ethical guidelines and evidence-based techniques.
On the other hand, some alternative approaches, while helpful for certain people, may not follow the same level of clinical training or regulation. If you’re looking for structured, evidence-based anxiety therapy in Portland, working with a licensed therapist ensures that your treatment is guided by well-researched methods like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), mindfulness-based anxiety counseling in Portland, and self-compassion practices.
Myth #3: Any Therapist Who Says They Work with LGBTQ+ Clients Is an LGBTQ+-Affirming Therapist
Many therapists list LGBTQ+ inclusivity in their practice, but that doesn’t always mean they have the specialized experience to truly support LGBTQ+ individuals.
The reality: An LGBTQ+-affirming therapist doesn’t just welcome LGBTQ+ clients, they have a deep understanding of how anxiety, identity stress, and societal pressures can intersect. They recognize that anxiety therapy isn’t just about reducing symptoms but also about creating a safe space for clients to explore their experiences without fear of judgment.
Here’s what to look for when seeking LGBTQ+ therapy in Portland:
• A therapist who explicitly states their experience working with LGBTQ+ individuals.
• Someone who acknowledges the impact of systemic stress and internalized messages on mental health.
• A provider who understands intersectionality and how different aspects of identity can shape the experience of anxiety.
If a therapist simply mentions working with LGBTQ+ issues but doesn’t expand on their experience or approach, don’t hesitate to ask them directly about their specialized work with LGBTQ+ therapy.
Myth #4: Therapy Is Just Talking, It Won’t Actually Change Anything
A common misconception is that therapy is just venting to someone who listens but doesn’t offer real solutions. Some people worry that simply talking about anxiety won’t actually change their day-to-day experience.
The reality: Anxiety therapy in Portland isn’t just about talking (in fact, in many cases, talking or venting about it isn’t a helpful way to face it) it’s about learning new ways to relate to your anxiety so it doesn’t control your life. Effective therapy helps you build self-awareness, develop new patterns of thinking, and practices that reduce anxiety’s hold over you.
A skilled therapist won’t just listen, they’ll guide you in exploring practical strategies like:
• Recognizing anxious thought patterns and learning how to shift them.
• Practicing mindfulness techniques to stay grounded in the present moment.
• Developing self-compassion so you’re not battling your anxiety with self-judgment.
Therapy isn’t about eliminating anxiety altogether; it’s about changing how you experience and respond to it. Anxiety therapy in Portland helps you develop a new relationship with your thoughts and emotions, allowing you to navigate challenges with greater resilience and self-compassion.
Finding the right therapist can make all the difference in your experience with anxiety counseling. If you’re here, you’re already on the right path, exploring options, questioning assumptions, and considering what kind of support might be best for you. Therapy is a space where you can learn to navigate anxiety with greater ease and self-compassion, and you don’t have to do it alone.
Eric Goodwin, Anxiety Therapist in Portland and Licensed Professional Counselor in Oregon
My approach to anxiety therapy is mindfulness-based and LGBTQ+-affirming, providing a compassionate, grounded space where you can explore challenges with clarity and self-compassion. If you’re ready to take the next step, I’d love to connect.
If you’re ready to explore anxiety therapy in Portland or online across Oregon, let’s connect. Call 971.533.5590 or click here to schedule your free 15-minute phone consultation today.