Eric Oswald, LCSW, MAC, CADC III

Independent Contractor Therapist

“Compassion is not a relationship between the healer and the wounded. It’s a relationship between equals. Only when we know our own darkness well can we be present with the darkness of others. Compassion becomes real when we recognize our shared humanity.”

— Pema Chodron

I am a collaborative and compassionate, LGBTQIA friendly and anti-racist practitioner. I focus on long-term change and improved well-being while working towards “here and now” self-compassion, self-care and behavioral changes to achieve lasting change. I strive to promote advocacy, social justice and inherent self-worth with each person. I work with clients concerned with substance use, self-esteem, depression, anxiety, life transitions, trauma and emotional regulation concerns among other areas of concern. I believe in creating a safe place to collaborate in your growth and developing and modeling healthy relationships in which to grow.

I create a safe space for you to be who you are and share your experience in a non-judgmental collaborative environment. I enjoy working with adults in a confidential environment where you can share your thoughts and feelings while giving you helpful, practical skills and information on how you can gain power and happiness in your life as well as peace.

Specialties

Trauma/PTSD: Trauma is something many people have experienced which leads to other mental health concerns such as anxiety, depression, panic, and confusion. It may be the underlying cause of other coping strategies that may create negative problems in people’s lives. I believe some symptoms are important to look at and how they may relate to past or current trauma that may not be on the surface. I am able to help you identify ways trauma may be affecting you and how we can work toward reduction in symptoms and alternative coping strategies.

Addictions: I started out in the addictions field and worked as an outpatient counselor for 5 years. I know first-hand how difficult it is to get clean and sober and how hard it is to find alternative coping strategies to maintain long-term recovery. We can explore ways to identify triggers, develop return-to-use prevention skills, and find alternative ways to cope with life’s stressors. Addiction comes in many forms, not just substance use.

Modalities

• Mindfulness

• Motivational interviewing

• Strengths-Based

• Attachment theory

• Acceptance commitment therapy

• Cognitive behavioral therapy

Support with many mental health illnesses

• Trauma/PTSD

• Anxiety

• Depression

• Self-Esteem

• Bipolar/other mood disorders

Experiences and Licenses

• Bachelors in Social Work, Portland State University

• Masters in Social Work, Portland State University

• Masters in Addiction Counseling