Ducks in a Lake

Workshops and Training for Professionals
We regularly offer training for therapists, counselors, psychologists and other professionals in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, self-compassion, mindfulness, osychedelic-assisted therapy, and other evidence-based therapies.

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Current Blog Posts

A Comprehensive Review of Generalized Shame Measures: What Clinicians and Researchers Need to Know 

Shame is a complex, self-conscious emotion that plays a significant role in both social functioning and psychological well-being. While shame can be a healthy response in certain contexts, chronic and intense feelings of shame have been linked to a variety of mental health issues, including depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and substance misuse. Given the … Read more

Exploring the Efficacy of ACT-Informed Exposure for Excoriation Disorder: A New Approach in Treatment  

Excoriation Disorder (ExD), commonly known as skin picking disorder, presents significant challenges for those who suffer from it, often leading to severe distress and self-consciousness about their appearance. Traditional treatments, like Habit Reversal Training (HRT), have shown effectiveness in managing symptoms, but there is a growing interest in exploring how additional therapeutic approaches might enhance outcomes. A study by … Read more

Addressing Internalized Shame in Justice-Involved Women with Substance Use Disorders: Insights from a New Study 

Internalized shame presents a significant challenge for people seeking recovery, particularly among justice-involved women with substance use disorders (SUD). Shame, compounded by societal stigma, often impedes the recovery process. For this population, mindfulness-based relapse prevention (MBRP) emerges as a promising approach to addressing internalized shame and fostering justice-involved women’s recovery. A recent study, co-authored by Dr. Jason Luoma, explores how … Read more

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A conversation worth listening to. 🎧 In this episode of What Now? with Trevor Noah, psychiatrist Dr. Rachel Yehuda explores the science of intergenerational trauma, including how trauma can be passed down biologically, and just as importantly, how resilience can be passed down too. It's a profound look at what we carry, what we heal, and what we leave for those who come after us. At Portland Psychotherapy, we sit with these questions daily. Whether it’s how trauma shapes us, how it moves through families, and how healing is always possible. This conversation speaks directly to the work we do. Watch here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=AGzzHWtGi30 For more information on our trauma and PTSD specialties, visit portlandpsychotherapy.com/posttraumatic-stress-disorder/ #IntergenerationalTrauma #PTSD #RachelYehuda #TrevorNoah #WhatNow #TraumaInformed #Resilience #PortlandPsychotherapy #MentalHealth #Healing See MoreSee Less
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New research from Portland Psychotherapy explores the emotional barriers to connection for highly self-critical people. Led by Dr. Kati Lear & Dr. Jason Luoma, our recent study in Motivation and Emotion reveals that self-criticism is linked to stronger negative emotions like shame in response to caring or cooperative social cues, and to a greater tendency to hide those feelings. This "emotional suppression" may be one key reason self-criticism often leads to loneliness. The findings point toward therapeutic work focused on safely experiencing and expressing difficult emotions as a path to deeper connection. Read the full blog for key insights and clinical implications. ➡️https://portlandpsychotherapy.com/2025/12/how-self-criticism-impacts-emotional-responses-in-social-contexts/ #SelfCriticism #MentalHealthResearch #Loneliness #EmotionRegulation #Psychology #PortlandPsychotherapy #Affiliation #Compassion #TherapyTools See MoreSee Less
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The story of psychedelics needs all its chapters told—including the difficult ones about exclusion and a history of harm against the LGBTQIA+ community. From a past tied to conversion therapy to current spaces that can feel unwelcoming, there's vital work to be done. Fortunately, there is a movement to bring these issues to the forefront, with events like the "Queering Psychedelics" conference leading the charge for a more inclusive future. Now, we're writing a new chapter. We'd love to hear from you: What does a truly inclusive and affirming psychedelic space look like to you? Share your thoughts below. 👇 #QueeringPsychedelics #LGBTQIA #PsychedelicCommunity #InclusiveWellness #PsychedelicRenaissance #HarmReduction See MoreSee Less
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The brain's ability to change is the foundation of all therapy and healing. Psilocybin may enhance neuroplasticity, potentially opening windows for transformative change. We at PIPS are actively studying psilocybin’s potential for therapeutic change. Understanding the brain empowers us to develop more effective, personalized paths to mental wellness through both therapy and scientific discovery. Curious about the science of psychedelics? Check out www.pipsinstitute.com/scientific-research #BrainAwarenessWeek #Neuroplasticity #PsychedelicScience #Neuroscience #MentalHealthResearch #PIPS #PortlandPsychotherapy #HealingTheBrain See MoreSee Less
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We're honored to announce that Dr. Jason Luoma has joined a groundbreaking OHSU-led research initiative as a co-investigator for the first federally funded study to examine state-regulated psilocybin services in real-world community settings. 🍄🧠 The five-year, $3.3 million grant from the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA/NIH) will assess the safety and effectiveness of Oregon's legal psilocybin program, with a specific focus on outcomes for people with substance use disorders. 📊🔬 This project brings together an exceptional team: 🤝 👤 Adie Rae, PhD (Legacy Research Institute / OPEN) 👤 Todd Korthuis, MD (OHSU / OPEN) 👤 Ryan Cook, PhD (OHSU) 👤 And our own Jason Luoma, PhD (Portland Psychotherapy / PIPS) Oregon is the first state to permit regulated psilocybin services. Now, we have the opportunity to study this historic moment with scientific rigor. ⚖️ The data gathered will help inform other states considering similar frameworks and deepen our understanding of how psychedelic services impact substance use, mental health, and well-being. 🌍📈 We're proud to have Portland Psychotherapy's research expertise contribute to this landmark work. ❤️🔍 🔗 Read the full announcement: news.ohsu.edu/2026/02/12/ohsu-led-research-initiative-examines-supervised-psilocybin #NIH #NIDA #PsilocybinResearch #PsychedelicScience #SubstanceUseDisorder #OHSU #PortlandPsychotherapy #PIPS #OPENResearch #OregonPsychedelics #FederalFunding #RealWorldEvidence #CommunityResearch See MoreSee Less
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Therapy & Counseling in Portland Oregon

At Portland Psychotherapy, we are committed to helping our clients who are struggling with anxiety, depression, and other life problems so that they can live fuller and more meaningful lives. Our commitment is not just to help our clients feel better, we help them to live better.

You belong here. We offer care for people of all identities and backgrounds, and are dedicated to providing therapy that is inclusive, LGBTQIA2S+ affirming, culturally responsive, and grounded in equity.

Our Colleagues Say It Best

This clinic is run by leading experts in the field, using evidence based methods that have been shown to work. If you are facing complex or long-standing problems then this is definitely the place to go. You will receive treatment from experienced, compassionate, well trained therapists who will deliver a high level of care. I have known and worked with Jason Luoma for over 6 years and can tell you that he is very committed to helping people develop lives that are fulfilling and satisfying.
M.W.

What Makes Us Unique

Portland Psychotherapy is a clinic, research & training center with a unique business model that funds scientific research. This results in a team of therapists who are exceptionally well-trained and knowledgeable about their areas of specialty.