Mindfulness Therapy in Portland, OR

Despite doing all the things you’re supposed to do, showing up, getting through the day, holding it together, something inside still feels unsettled. You might look okay on the outside, but inside you’re overwhelmed, disconnected, or constantly putting pressure on yourself to be better, do more, or stay in control.

There’s a voice in your head that rarely lets up. Maybe it says things like “You should be able to handle this,” or “Why can’t you just get over it?” You might not even notice how often it shows up…until the weight of it becomes impossible to ignore. Even when you try to relax or slow down, there’s a sense that you’re falling behind or not doing enough.

Underneath it all, there might be shame, grief, anxiety, or a quiet ache you can’t quite name. You want to feel more grounded, but the tools you’ve relied on aren’t working anymore. You’re tired of pushing through and ready to find a different way, one that feels more honest, more sustainable, and more compassionate.

You may not be sure what “mindfulness” or “self-compassion” actually look like in therapy, but something about the idea of slowing down, being more present, and treating yourself with care feels like it could be part of the answer.

How I Can Help:

My name is Eric Goodwin, and I’m a Licensed Professional Counselor in Portland, Oregon. I help people reconnect with themselves through mindfulness and self-compassion, not as quick fixes, but as steady, meaningful practices that support real change. These practices can offer real support for the patterns that keep you stuck: the inner critic that won’t stop, the shame that keeps you silent, the anxiety that won’t settle, stress, or the feeling of being cut off from your emotions.

Together, we’ll begin to explore how you relate to your thoughts and feelings, gently and without judgment. One of the reasons Mindfulness and Self-Compassion are interwoven into my practice is that they provide a lens that can be applied to many theoretical frameworks and approaches from more structured frameworks like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to more holistic approaches like Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT) or Internal Family Systems (IFS). I often introduce a Mindful Self-Compassionate lens early in our work to get a sense of your experience with it and we proceed based on your goals and needs. Mindfulness and Mindful Self-Compassion aren’t one-size-fits-all approaches to therapy. They’re personal, flexible, and meant to meet you right where you are.

With mindfulness, you’ll begin to notice how your experiences unfold moment by moment, giving you space to understand your emotions, patterns, and triggers without being overwhelmed by them. We’ll also look at how you respond to yourself when things are hard. Is your inner voice kind or critical? Are there moments where warmth, curiosity, or even joy could take root instead?

Self-compassion doesn’t mean letting yourself off the hook or avoiding responsibility. It means learning to respond to your suffering with care, just as you would toward someone you deeply care about. This shift can create more space between reaction and response, helping you make choices that align with your values rather than your fears.

Over time, clients often begin to feel more present, more empowered, and more at ease in their own skin. The aim isn’t to fix who you are, it’s to help you come home to yourself with greater understanding and kindness. As this work deepens, many people notice a growing sense of calm and emotional steadiness, a quiet kind of strength that makes life feel more manageable and meaningful.

Getting Help with Mindfulness and Self-Compassion:

Whether you're feeling overwhelmed, stuck in self-criticism, or just craving a different kind of support, therapy can help. Even if you’re not sure what mindfulness or self-compassion would look like for you, that’s okay. You don’t need to have it figured out to begin. We’ll take things at your pace, and I’ll meet you with curiosity, respect, and care.

I offer therapy in-person in Portland and online across the state of Oregon. Call me at 971-533-5590 or click here for a free 15-minute phone consultation. Let’s explore what it could be like to bring more gentleness, awareness, and space into your life…starting right where you are.