You don’t have to be crazy to be in therapy! In fact, it’s probably the sanest thing you can do for yourself. We all have a tendency to get caught up in our thoughts and have a hard time changing them. We get stuck and keep trying to change it by doing the same old thing that hasn’t worked while we keep hoping that it will work, just this once! Therapy is helpful because talking with a trained listener helps you get those thoughts out in the open where you can look at them and see what they mean to you. That helps you makes sense of why you’re doing what you’re doing and what you can do to make it better.
My approach to therapy is that we’re in it together to untie the knots in your life. I work from a ‘be here now’ perspective, dipping into the past to help you make the connections that will help you move forward. I believe that you are the expert on yourself and that my job is to help you to access your expertise.
Personally, I am direct, caring, compassionate, and a good listener. I believe that sharing humor and honesty is a good way to connect with my clients. Although I do say “How does that make you feel?” like any other therapist, I also change it up by saying “What feeling comes up for you when you talk about that?”.
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist as well as a Licensed Professional Counselor in the State of Oregon. I have eleven years of experience in working with individuals, couples, and families who are affected by mental health and/or substance abuse issues. GLBTQ folks and those with other alternative lifestyles are welcome.
I practice EMDR, which is a form of bilateral stimulation (not hands-on) that helps you to work through feelings that get in the way of being your best (see the link below–”What is EMDR?”). EMDR helps with symptoms associated with PTSD–nightmares, hypervigilance, agitation, flashbacks, anxiety, depression; fears such as flying and going to the dentist; and phobias. I also utilize Gentle Reprocessing, which is guided imagery coupled with bilateral stimulation and is also extremely useful for addressing symptoms associated with PTSD, depression, anxiety, and processing painful emotions.
Call me at 503-403-9621 or email me at kgallagherlmft@hotmail.com to set up a free consultation. We’ll see if we click–if you and I both think that I can be of help to you in working through what’s bothering you. Please be aware that whatever you text or email to me is not secure so I ask you not to put personal information that you would not want to share with others.
If by chance I’m unable to meet your needs, I encourage you to learn more about my colleagues at Wise Counsel & Comfort in Portland. All of us share a commitment to integrity, professionalism, and making counseling affordable for all.
