Eric Goodwin

Eric Goodwin (He/They)

Licensed Professional Counselor

LPC, NCC, MS

Queer therapist offering grounded, affirming, and purposeful therapy for anxiety, shame and self-criticism.

Client Status

accepting clients

Contact

971.533.5590

1110 SE Alder St.

Suite 301, #85

Portland, 97214

At a Glance

Me

Rate: $170

Provides free initial consultation

Provides telehealth services

Practicing Since: 2013

Languages: English

Services

  • Individual

Insurances Accepted

  • Out of Pocket
  • Out of Network

My Ideal Client

You feel stuck in cycles of overthinking or self-judgment, are overwhelmed and unsure of how to break free. Anxiety, shame and navigating identity-based stress can leave you feeling out of touch with yourself and isolated. You're ready to feel more grounded and connected to who you are and the world around you. Whether you're new to therapy or returning, you're looking for more than coping, you want real change and to break the cycle of self-criticism to find steadier ground.

My Background and Approach

You’ve made it this far by holding a lot, and it makes sense if you're tired, anxious, or unsure where to begin. I’m here to help you sort through what’s next. I work to create a steady, supportive experience where you can slow down, reflect and find relief from anxiety and self-criticism. My approach is informed by mindfulness and self-compassion practices that help reduce overwhelm, increase emotional awareness, and replace harsh inner talk with more self-encouragement and empowerment. I have completed a year-long post-masters training with The Institute for Meditation and Psychotherapy and have also completed training in Compassion-Focused Therapy and Mindful Self-Compassion. I offer therapy that is honest and grounding, with plenty of room for laughter, growth and the full range of being human. You don't have to go through the hard stuff alone, I'll meet you where you're at and help you move toward greater clarity and connection.

Why I Became a Therapist

Many of us learn to silence parts of ourselves to stay safe, especially when we have experienced shame, trauma, or marginalization. For those of us in the LGBTQ+ community, the pain can be deeply layered. I became a therapist because I believe that healing can happen when we begin to feel safe to stop trying to be someone we're not. I'm here to help you untangle those internalized messages and reconnect with your own voice and values. Therapy isn't about fixing who you are, it's about exploring what's been getting in the way of showing up more fully. That may mean naming what's hard to say out loud, making room for conflicting feelings, or noticing how protective strategies like perfectionism or avoidance have served you, and what they're costing you now. In our work together, I'll invite clarity over shame, curiosity over judgment, and courage over silence. I'm passionate about mental health advocacy, especially in helping Queer clients feel seen, supported, and empowered to heal.

Techniques I Use

Specialties

  • Mindfulness-based External link

    With advanced training in mindfulness-based approaches through The Institute for Meditation and Psychotherapy and years of personal practice, I help clients cultivate present-moment awareness, a key to relieving anxiety, self-criticism, and healing from trauma. I guide clients in developing a non-judgmental awareness of their experiences, empowering them to respond with self-compassion. This approach is helpful for the LGBTQ+ community, but anyone seeking deeper self-understanding can benefit.

  • Humanistic  External link

    You feel like you're constantly trying to be "better" just to feel ok- Like who you are isn't enough. My approach and training is rooted in Humanistic, Person-Centered therapy which means we focus on understanding you, not fixing you. Change comes from through the empowerment you experience through more insight and choice. I offer an affirming, grounded relationship where you can untangle self-doubt, reconnect with your own wisdom, and begin to trust you're already whole.

  • Internal Family Systems (IFS) External link

    This approach helps you explore and heal the different parts of yourself that may feel anxious, critical, or overwhelmed. I’ve had advanced training in Internal Family Systems (IFS), I am not yet Level 1 certified so I focus on parts work with clients. By understanding and caring for these parts, you can experience healing from anxiety, self-criticism, and trauma. My work is rooted in creating a safe space for this inner exploration, allowing you to feel more whole and at peace.

Issues I Treat

Specialties

  • Anxiety External link

    Anxiety can feel overwhelming, like you're losing control, with racing thoughts and physical symptoms that make it hard to feel grounded. When your mind is constantly fixated on worries, it can feel isolating. But you don’t have to face it alone—there is hope. I’ve helped many people break free from the grip of anxiety, gaining the tools to manage and change their relationship with it. Together, we can work toward a calmer, more balanced life where anxiety no longer holds you back.

  • LGBTQ Issues External link

    Homophobia and related trauma can create deep feelings of shame, isolation, and a sense of not being safe, even in spaces meant to be inclusive. It’s hard to open up about experiences with anti-LGBTQ+ violence or abuse when trust feels risky. As a Queer therapist, I understand these challenges and am here to offer a space where you can heal and grow. Together, we’ll navigate your story, working through the pain of past traumas so you can move forward with greater self-compassion and strength.

  • Self-Esteem External link

    You may look fine on the outside, but inside, it still feels like you're never enough. Replaying every awkward moment, second-guessing how you're seen, feeling guilt or shame without knowing the "why." Even your successes may feel hollow. The inner critic keeps raising the bar; be more, do more-sound familiar? I help clients explore where these patterns come from and begin to relate to themselves in a new way, toward a deeper sense of worth that isn't tied to proving, pleasing, or perfectionism.

Contact Eric

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