“When we see love as a combination of trust, commitment, care, respect, knowledge, and responsibility, we can learn to develop these qualities. We can learn to extend them to ourselves” – bell hooks
I provide time-limited psychotherapy for people who are stuck and want to make changes in their life.
I am providing both in-person and telehealth services.
How do you speak to yourself when you’re going through a hard time? Do you talk with the tone of a loving friend, or do you tend to beat yourself up or numb what you’re feeling? Through no fault of our own, many of us grew up learning to do the latter. In our competitive, striving culture in the United States, most of us are shaped to find our flaws rather than acknowledge our goodness. For too many, prior experiences of invalidation, marginalization and harm based on who we are, have led us to believe we’re not good enough, not worthy of love, or that there’s something wrong with us. Yet, when life’s challenges hit – disappointment, grief, trauma – relating to our emotions from this stance can leave us feeling even more confused, stuck, and alone.
I believe, and science suggests, that healing happens through connection. That’s why I am passionate about helping people adopt a kinder relationship with themselves and build connections and authenticity with others. I specialize in working with adults struggling with shame, self-criticism, social anxiety, and reactions to stressful life experiences. I am also passionate about helping people explore what matters to them as they consider identity or purpose-related struggles or questions and clarify goals or values.
As a licensed psychologist and active researcher, I practice evidence-based therapies that science has shown are effective, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Emotion Focused Therapy. Therapy is a big investment of time, resources, and energy. The scientific data suggest that, for most people, the largest gains from therapy usually occur relatively early on treatment, often within the first few months. Therefore, to help my clients make the most out of their investment in therapy, I work in a time-limited model. That means that I see clients for up to 20 sessions focused on a particular theme, struggle, or issue, as a foundation to make real and lasting change. During our time together I will help you identify unworkable patterns and make concrete changes in your life. Fundamentally, my work is about helping people develop kinder relationships with themselves and others and, in doing so, build meaningful, nourishing connections in their lives.
I recognize myself as someone who has experienced much privilege in my life. I continually work to uncover the ways in which my lived experiences, biases, and privileges limit my perspective and understanding of others. In therapy, I pay keen attention to how these aspects may be impacting my understanding of you and our relationship. I am committed to understanding the richness of your experience and believe you are the expert on your life. For therapy to be effective, it is essential you feel seen, understood, and valued. Together we will work to create a supportive and brave space for you to explore the changes you long to make in your life.
You can read more about my background, research, and training activities here.
Things I’ve Written
- Overcoming Social Anxiety as You Emerge from COVID-19 Quarantine
- MDMA-Assisted Therapy for Social Anxiety Disorder
Treatment Approach
Orientation: My orientation is anchored in modern cognitive-behavioral approaches such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and is based on developing a strong therapeutic relationship with my clients. I regularly incorporate other evidence-based therapies that encourage mindfulness, compassion, and emotional acceptance, such as techniques from Emotion-Focused Therapy, Compassion-Focused Therapy, and Radically Open Dialectical Behavior Therapy.
I also regularly incorporate mindfulness, self-compassion, and exposure-based approaches in my work.
Modalities: Individuals
Client Focus
Ages: Adult 18+
Special Populations: Women, LGBTQIA+ affirmative, ethnically diverse populations
Qualifications
Practicing Since: 2014
Degree: Ph.D., Clinical Psychology
Year Obtained PhD: 2019
License Number and State: Licensed Psychologist in Oregon #3392
Specialties
- Shame and self-criticism
- Social and generalized anxiety
- Self-compassion
- Recovery from stressful experiences and trauma
- Personal growth and values clarification
- Relational issues and life transitions
Financial
Average Cost: $205 – $260
Sliding Scale: If you do not have insurance and are in financial need, please contact me to discuss options.
Accepted Insurance Plans: I accept most other insurance as an out-of-network provider
How I Can Help:
I want to support you in meeting even the most troublesome parts of yourself with acceptance and kindness. I believe that from this place that you can find genuine connection and become empowered to build a vital, fulfilling life – no matter what thoughts or feelings arise. If you have questions or would like to speak with me to see if my work would be a good match for you, please feel free to contact me. If it turns out that I am not the most appropriate person to meet your needs, I will happily help you find a referral for someone who may be a better match.
Email Address: klear@portlandpsychotherapy.com
Phone: 503-281-4852