Rates of depression and suicide among young people in the United States have risen sharply over the past decade. For transgender and gender diverse (TGD) youth, the risk is even higher. Research consistently…
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is built around a clear idea: psychological suffering is often driven by rigid patterns of avoidance and fusion with difficult thoughts and feelings. ACT aims to increase psychological…
HIV-positive people who inject drugs (PWID) face profound barriers to healthcare, largely due to the intersectional stigma associated with both their substance use and HIV status. This stigma is not just a societal issue; it…
People with dysthymia usually feel like they have little or no joy in their lives. Rather, things seem gloomy most of the time. If you have dysthymia, you may feel like you’ve been…
What is depression? Major depression is a serious problem for individuals and for society. According to a recent report published by the World Health Organization, major depression is the number one cause of…
When the season moves into winter, the days grow shorter, and the skies turn gray, do you find that your mood darkens as well? If so, you’re not alone. Approximately 10% of Americans…
What is Depression? Major depression is a serious problem for individuals and for society. People dealing with depression experience a low mood or lack of interest in pleasurable activities, and also may experience…
In recent years there has been increased attention in the popular media to bipolar disorder. You can hardly turn on the TV or look through a magazine without seeing a drug advertisement to…
Depression is highly treatable. In consultation with you, we will design the most effective treatment plan for your specific situation. Our approach is active and focused on your values and specific needs. We…
In HIV treatment, the barriers to care are numerous and complex, especially for those already marginalized by society. People living with HIV who also inject drugs face compounded stigma, which significantly impacts their…
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…
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…
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) remains a significant mental health challenge, especially among veterans. A recent study published in the Journal of Contextual Behavioral Science delves into the interplay between psychological inflexibility, mindfulness, and…
A recent study led by researchers from Portland Psychotherapy, including Kati Lear PhD and Jason Luoma PhD, delves into the complex relationship between self-criticism, emotional regulation, and interpersonal connections. Published in Motivation…
“How long until I feel better?” It’s often the first question people ask when considering therapy. And it’s a crucial one – after all, you’re investing your time, energy, and money into improving…
Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) is a severe mental health condition characterized by an obsessive focus on perceived flaws in one’s appearance, often leading to significant distress and impairment in daily functioning. While Cognitive…
It is that time of year when we take the opportunity to pause and reflect on where our efforts have gone. We’ve seen things we’ve worked on for years come to fruition and…
Shame is all too common among people with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Almost every person who I have worked with has expressed feeling ashamed and embarrassed about the content of their intrusive thoughts or…
