Sonia Holdaway

Sonia Holdaway (she/her)

Licensed Professional Counselor

MS

I help clients struggling with relationships, emotional overwhelm and self-criticism feel more capable and connected. Daytime only, M-Th

Client Status

accepting clients

Contact

503-351-1661

4531 SE Belmont Street

Suite 204

Portland, OR 97215

At a Glance

Me

Rate: $120-$180

Provides free initial consultation

Provides telehealth services

Practicing Since: 2016

Languages: English

Services

  • Individual
  • Relationship

Insurances Accepted

  • Out of Pocket

My Ideal Client

My clients come to me because they feel disconnected. Often from romantic partners, friends or family, and usually from themselves. If you have been struggling to feel connected to others, or have been feeling out of touch with your own wants, needs or values, I can help! Together we can address past hurts, communication struggles, and hard feelings about yourself or your relationship, and grow your confidence, self-compassion and connection with others.

My Approach to Helping

Trained as a couples therapist, my focus has always been on how we feel in relationship with ourselves and others. It can be so frustrating to feel like you are not coping or relating to others in the ways that you know you want to be, especially in this uniquely hard time. In our work, I will help you explore your pain, as well as your strengths. I will help you hold the things that make you feel worst about yourself or your relationship, and also find ways towards compassion and feeling capable and worthy of the love and acceptance you deserve. I want to empower you to connect with yourself and others on a deeply satisfying level. I will bring a calm presence and an open heart. I offer no judgment, and I believe no issue is too small or unimportant to bring to counseling. I welcome all forms of relationships and identities, and particularly enjoy working with fellow members of the LGBTQ community. Learn more about my specific therapeutic approach by visiting my website below.

My Personal Beliefs and Interests

I am very interpersonal in my approach to therapy, and strongly believe that satisfying relationships are at the heart of growth and happiness. My clients would tell you that the therapeutic relationship is one of my favorite tools for change, and I want to genuinely know you and connect with the person that you know yourself to be. I have been working in mental health since 2013, including in eating disorder treatment and family therapy, and have a passion for supporting positive body image and sexuality. I have specific training in Emotion Focused Therapy both for individuals and couples. These experiences have come together to affirm my belief that we all deserve to have our needs met and to feel loved and accepted, most of all by ourselves. I would love to help you feel better in how you relate to yourself and your loved ones. Contact me or visit my website below for a free phone consultation, to see if this feels like a good fit for you.

Techniques I Use

Specialties

  • Couples Counseling External link

    Trained as a couples and family therapist, I specialize in relationship counseling. If you are feeling disconnected or like you seem to be just talking past each other, I can help. My approach is based in emotion-focused, family systems and Gottman principles, and our work provides a safe space for each of you to express yourself in new ways, using dynamic, in-the-room exercises to help interrupt hurtful patterns and create momentum towards a healthier partnership.

  • Emotionally Focused External link

    My approach to counseling is grounded primarily in Emotion-Focused therapy, which encourages exploring and experiencing your emotions in real time in session, to help you connect with, and better articulate, your deeper needs. Many of us can understand our struggles very well on a cognitive level, but have trouble figuring out how to actually feel better. I love that emotion-focused therapy uses in-the-moment, emotional change experiences in session to actually create lasting change.

  • Attachment Theory External link

    Attachment theory is at the heart of my work with both couples and individuals. If you are wondering why you seem to have the same problems in relationships over and over, or you feel clingy or suffocated in relationships, I can help. My clients often say they find our work helpful for looking at the impact of attachment patterns on present and past relationships.

  • Relational  External link

    If you are struggling to feel connected to others or feeling unsteady in yourself, relational therapy can help you strengthen your ability to relate to, and feel cared for by others. I am a highly relational therapist, and I love using the therapeutic relationship to facilitate healing from past traumas as well as to combat unhelpful patterns that are keeping you stuck.

Issues I Treat

Specialties

  • LGBTQ Issues External link

    I specialize in working with fellow LGBTQ+ adults and relationships. Whether you come to counseling specifically for issues around gender identity or sexuality, or are seeking a counselor who shares an LGBTQ+ perspective, I provide a safe, affirming, body-positive and sex-positive space where you are welcomed for who you are. Learn more about counseling for couples and individuals on my website: www.relationshipcounselingportland.com

  • Relationship / Marriage Issues External link

    Trained as a couples and family therapist, I specialize in relationship counseling. If you are feeling disconnected or like you seem to be just talking past each other, I can help. My approach is based in emotion-focused, family systems and Gottman principles, and our work provides a safe space for each of you to express yourself in new ways, using dynamic, in-the-room exercises to help interrupt hurtful patterns and create momentum towards a healthier partnership.

  • Body Image Issues External link

    If you have a difficult relationship with your body, food, exercise, or all of the above, you are not alone. I specialize in body image and eating disorders, and love to help clients reconnect with an inner sense of health & balance in an affirming, body-positive space. I will support you in challenging external messages about how you should be, and help you connect instead with your needs, your values, and your intuitive healthy self.

  • Anxiety External link

    In a society that prizes individual strength, it can be hard to open up with others. Your therapist should be someone with whom you feel comfortable sharing your toughest anxieties, and who genuinely cares about your experience. My goal is to help you feel accepted & supported when talking about your struggles, and to help guide you through to the other side - to feeling capable and in control of your own experience. Visit my website for more info: https://www.relationshipcounselingportland.com/

  • Depression External link

    If you have been dealing with intense feelings of exhaustion, hopelessness, guilt or overwhelm, you are not alone. I want to help you find relief from your depression, whether it is a new experience for you, or something you have struggled with for a while. I use interpersonal and emotion-focused methods to help you feel connected and confident. Visit my website for more info: https://www.relationshipcounselingportland.com/

Contact Sonia

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