Portland Therapist for Shame and Self-Criticism

Despite attempts at feeling more confident and self-assured, self-doubt and self-criticism seem to be a constant stream through your mind. You might feel like you’re “never enough” no matter how much you accomplish or how hard you work. That critical voice inside seems to amplify your mistakes, and you find yourself feeling embarrassed or ashamed over even minor things. Deep down, there’s a sense that you’re somehow flawed, that there’s something wrong with you.

You may notice that this self-criticism holds you back, making it hard to fully open up to people or try new things without fear of judgment. Sometimes, you keep your guard up to avoid feeling exposed or vulnerable, isolating yourself even though you long for connection and understanding. Other times, you’re frustrated by how harsh you are with yourself but can’t seem to shake it. The shame you feel goes deep, affecting your relationships, work, and ability to be at ease in your own skin.

Lately, you’ve become more aware of just how much shame and self-criticism are holding you back. It’s like there’s an invisible barrier between you and the life you want to live—one where you feel confident, capable, and free to be yourself without judgment. You want to feel worthy, less burdened by this inner critic, and more at peace with who you are.

How I Can Help:

My name is Eric Goodwin, and I’m a Licensed Professional Counselor in Portland, OR. I work with individuals struggling with self-criticism and shame to find relief, self-acceptance, and healing. Many people feel as though they’re “stuck” with their self-critical thoughts, but I want you to know there are ways to work through this pain. Together, we’ll begin to unravel where these feelings come from, understand the ways they impact your life, and help you build a more compassionate relationship with yourself.

We’ll use techniques from Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT), mindfulness, and self-compassion as tools to understand your inner critic and, ultimately, soften it. Early on, we’ll start by creating an honest, non-judgmental space for you to explore these difficult emotions and experiences. I’ll guide you through exercises that promote self-kindness, teaching you how to be gentle with yourself as you work through feelings of inadequacy or shame. Through mindfulness practices, you’ll gain awareness of how and when shame arises, allowing you to respond to it with curiosity instead of judgment.

As we continue our work, you’ll learn practical tools to replace self-criticism with self-encouragement approaching yourself with the same kindness and care you would a close friend. This compassionate approach encourages a deeper sense of worth and belonging, allowing you to feel more confident and at ease in your daily life. My approach is warm, empathetic, and collaborative—I aim to walk beside you as we explore what self-acceptance and healing can look like for you.

Over the past 10 years, I’ve helped many people transform their relationship with themselves, shedding layers of self-judgment and discovering inner strength and resilience. My clients have shared how empowering it feels to change their relationship with the inner critic and to feel a sense of comfort, even pride, in their own skin. This work can bring newfound ease in relationships, creative pursuits, and personal growth—helping you live with a sense of calm and confidence that comes from truly embracing yourself.

Getting Help for Shame and Self-Criticism:

If you’ve struggled with self-criticism for so long that the idea of self-compassion feels uncomfortable—or maybe even impossible—you’re not alone. Therapy can help you find relief from that inner harshness, gently and gradually, in a way that feels manageable for you. If you’re ready to reach out for help, call me at 971-533-5590 for a free 15-minute consultation.