Approach
My Methods
Trust and relationships are primary to change in the process of therapy. Though approaches, techniques, and experience all play a part in the therapist's toolbox, research has repeatedly shown across all lines, that a powerful aid to change in therapy is the relationship between the client and therapist. That distinct connection between a motivated client and an authentic therapist creates a safe and present place for listening, empathy, and understanding.
I believe we are unique and holistic persons living life's journey in search of growth, connection, and wholeness. I work to create a safe and supportive environment for my clients. As we build trust, we create a therapeutic partnership that helps reveal who you are, what you seek, and what problems and challenges you must negotiate. Together we create goals and strategies which work toward desired and meaningful paths of change.
My Theories
Over 400 theories of therapy exist, all with attributable qualities that promote therapeutic healing. Though I resist the draw of "isms" or belief in a single theory, I embrace two diverse yet complementary theories that hold generous volumes of research validating their effectiveness - Jungian Theory and Family Systems Theory. The integration of these two theories acknowledges both the unique and holistic nature of the human soul in self, as well as in relationship with humanity and our multi-generational family experience.
Jungian thought promotes the importance of integrating conscious and unconscious material within our lives, opening new paths for ourselves and drawing us closer to our own individual nature within the collective presence of the world. Beyond helping the client experience the emotional, mental, and spiritual dimensions of a problem; this perspective challenges us to understand, reconcile, and integrate a variety of intimate dynamics that are uniquely our own. It is this journey that urges us toward balance and healing, promoting vitality along our life's journey toward wholeness.
Family systems therapies acknowledge that psychological struggles are developed and maintained in the social context of relationships. Problems are best explained in terms of circular and reoccurring events that draw power from the interpersonal context in which they developed. I use the theories and concepts of Murray Bowen, Ivan Böszörményi-Nagy, and David Freeman, each of whom respects the emotional and relational nature of people and their families; placing credence on the power of human attachment and the resulting gifts, burdens, and anxieties we strive to manage objectively as members of our multigenerational family.
These theories lend a theoretical perspective in helping us critically examine the self and the self in relationship with others. By remaining present and attentive, and exploring the multi-dimensional possibilities of your life - it is possible, with enthusiasm, hope, and possibility, to conduct work that allows you to re-author your life in pursuit of the eternal mission and vision awaiting you.
"Come to the edge, He said.
They said: We are afraid.
Come to the edge, He said.
They came. He pushed them,
And they flew . . ." Guillaume Apollinaire
Trust and relationships are primary to change in the process of therapy. Though approaches, techniques, and experience all play a part in the therapist's toolbox, research has repeatedly shown across all lines, that a powerful aid to change in therapy is the relationship between the client and therapist. That distinct connection between a motivated client and an authentic therapist creates a safe and present place for listening, empathy, and understanding.
I believe we are unique and holistic persons living life's journey in search of growth, connection, and wholeness. I work to create a safe and supportive environment for my clients. As we build trust, we create a therapeutic partnership that helps reveal who you are, what you seek, and what problems and challenges you must negotiate. Together we create goals and strategies which work toward desired and meaningful paths of change.
My Theories
Over 400 theories of therapy exist, all with attributable qualities that promote therapeutic healing. Though I resist the draw of "isms" or belief in a single theory, I embrace two diverse yet complementary theories that hold generous volumes of research validating their effectiveness - Jungian Theory and Family Systems Theory. The integration of these two theories acknowledges both the unique and holistic nature of the human soul in self, as well as in relationship with humanity and our multi-generational family experience.
Jungian thought promotes the importance of integrating conscious and unconscious material within our lives, opening new paths for ourselves and drawing us closer to our own individual nature within the collective presence of the world. Beyond helping the client experience the emotional, mental, and spiritual dimensions of a problem; this perspective challenges us to understand, reconcile, and integrate a variety of intimate dynamics that are uniquely our own. It is this journey that urges us toward balance and healing, promoting vitality along our life's journey toward wholeness.
Family systems therapies acknowledge that psychological struggles are developed and maintained in the social context of relationships. Problems are best explained in terms of circular and reoccurring events that draw power from the interpersonal context in which they developed. I use the theories and concepts of Murray Bowen, Ivan Böszörményi-Nagy, and David Freeman, each of whom respects the emotional and relational nature of people and their families; placing credence on the power of human attachment and the resulting gifts, burdens, and anxieties we strive to manage objectively as members of our multigenerational family.
These theories lend a theoretical perspective in helping us critically examine the self and the self in relationship with others. By remaining present and attentive, and exploring the multi-dimensional possibilities of your life - it is possible, with enthusiasm, hope, and possibility, to conduct work that allows you to re-author your life in pursuit of the eternal mission and vision awaiting you.
"Come to the edge, He said.
They said: We are afraid.
Come to the edge, He said.
They came. He pushed them,
And they flew . . ." Guillaume Apollinaire
Willamette Counseling Services, Barry W. McVay, M.A., LPC - Individual & Couples Therapist
"Help in finding your path to healing, vitality and wholeness..."
Anxiety - Depression - Shame - Relationships - Family Issues - Couples - Addictions - Co-Dependency - Sexual Addiction - Trust - Intimacy
Serving the Greater Portland area, South Waterfront, Sellwood, John's Landing, Terwilliger-Lair Hill, OHSU, Portland State and Multnomah area
