Michael Pollet

Michael Pollet (he/him)

Clinical Social Work Associate

CSWA

Supervisor: Karryn Swanson, LCSW

You may know exactly what's wrong but still feel stuck. We can look beyond the obvious to understand why change has been so hard.

Client Status

accepting clients

Contact

8662327328

835 SE Stephens Street

Portland, 97214

At a Glance

Me

Rate: $115-$175

Provides free initial consultation

Practicing Since: 2024

Languages: English

Services

  • Individual

Insurances Accepted

  • Out of Pocket
  • Evernorth
  • Out of Network
  • Aetna
  • Cigna

My Ideal Client

I work with people navigating anxiety, depression, grief, and relationship challenges. You may feel stuck in patterns you’re ready to break free from but unsure how to start. Using the collaborative LifeMaps treatment plan, we will explore how your past has shaped your present and work to build self-awareness, uncover strengths, and foster change.

How I Can Help You

When was the last time you felt truly free to say what you were thinking and feeling? So much of life involves filtering ourselves for people around us. That can leave us feeling disconnected from ourselves and caught in cycles of anxiety, depression, grief, or relationship struggles. Therapy can be a safe place where you can simply show up as you are, speak honestly, and begin to understand what’s been holding you back. Your perspective, values, and experiences guide our work, and I believe you should have an active voice in the direction we take. That means regularly reflecting on what's helpful, what feels challenging, and whether we're making progress toward the changes that matter to you.

My Approach to Helping

My approach is rooted in psychodynamic psychotherapy, which values the full complexity of a person rather than focusing only on symptoms. This kind of work can be challenging, but it often brings lasting change. As insight grows, you begin to understand yourself more deeply and move through the world with a greater sense of choice and agency. I pay close attention to the relationship we develop, recognizing that how we relate to each other can offer insight into how you experience relationships outside of therapy. Sometimes the things we hesitate to say, the reactions that surprise us, or the expectations we carry can reveal something about the parts of ourselves we're not fully aware of.

Techniques I Use

Specialties

  • Psychodynamic  External link

    The premise of psychodynamic therapy is making the unconscious (what is not readily in our awareness) conscious. The techniques of this modality help you gain insight into your inner processes and behaviors that you may not be consciously aware of. This process helps us become aware of patterns that occur in our behaviors, thoughts, emotions, and relationships. This theory also holds the belief that our past experiences greatly impact our current experiences and relationships.

Issues I Treat

Specialties

  • Anxiety External link

    We will collaborate in a safe, supportive, and non-judgmental space where you can freely share your thoughts and emotions. Together, we will explore and uncover the underlying causes of your anxiety, fostering deeper self-awareness. This insight will empower you to make intentional changes in your behaviors and emotional responses, helping to alleviate anxiety symptoms and improve your overall well-being over time.

  • Depression External link

    We will collaborate to uncover the emotional patterns and past experiences that may be shaping your current feelings. This process is not just about understanding but also about healing. By bringing these underlying dynamics into awareness, you can begin to untangle the weight of unresolved emotions, rediscover your inner strengths, and gradually move toward a more fulfilling and balanced life.

  • LGBTQ Issues External link

    As a gay man, I bring lived experience to my work with people in the LGBTQIA+ community. We will examine the roots of shame, guilt, and other challenging emotions that may be tied to societal expectations, family dynamics, or past relationships. By uncovering these underlying patterns and the impact they have on your sense of self, we can work toward reducing the weight of these emotions.

Contact Michael

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