In search of a therapist who is good with creatives in Portland, OR.

June 24, 2015 5:19 AM

I am a working artist and I've been dealing with a ton of anxiety and depression for much of my life, but it's getting particularly rough lately. Portland is a city of creatives, so can someone recommend me an awesome therapist who also understands creative people's problems?

My search has mostly found me creative coaches and art therapists and I'm not really sure either apply! But I figure since I can find a tax preparer who works with artists, maybe there's a therapist out here who does too?

Obviously the general emotional struggles are still there but I've found creative issues also compound things when it's my job. Some of these specific things include creative blocks, equating one's work to self-worth, impostor's syndrome, the stressors of a freelance lifestyle, etc. I've read several books on these subjects (War of Art, the Artist's Way, Feeling Good, etc) and they have helped but don't fully tackle the heart of the issue. I'm realizing I need someone who can help me work through all these problems I'm running into, but I am in the middle of a really rough patch and the thought of testing out a lot of therapists feels exhausting and daunting right now.

Also would love general recommendations for awesome therapists, especially with a sliding scale (I have Kaiser, which limits my options so I might need to pay out of pocket) and ideally close-in East Side or downtown.

Thanks in advance...

posted by anonymous to Health & Fitness (2 answers total)

You may get more recommendations from the website Nextdoor. My neighborhood (inner NE) is very active and I got an overwhelming response on a similar question.
posted by nanook at 8:33 AM on June 24, 2015 [1 favorite]

I think it's smart to look for a therapist who is familiar with the issues and concerns of a working artist, which can be specialized and require a good understanding of the creative process. I'm a writer, and I've worked with both therapists and creativity coaches. I've sometimes gotten clueless advice from therapists because they didn't understand the nature of my work and how it related to my well-being. I think having both in one person is ideal.

You may want to look at the work of Dr. Eric Maisel, a psychologist and creativity coach, who has a very thorough and grounded approach. Try Fearless Creating or his online course Your Best Life in the Arts. Maisel also works one-on-one with people at fairly reasonable rates.

You could also go through the Creativity Coaching Association listings looking for people who are also psychologists and counsellors. Here's a licensed therapist who is also a creativity coach.

Good luck! I think it's really important to get this kind of help when you need it.
posted by alicat at 12:57 PM on June 24, 2015 [2 favorites]