Paul Rakoczy, Psychotherapist in Portland, 97213

Paul M Rakoczy, LCSW, CADC III

Profession(s):
Psychotherapy, Clinical Social Work, Counseling
License Status:
I'm a licensed professional.
Primary License:
Licensed Clinical Social Worker - L3965

My Approach to Helping

I am of the existential/humanistic perspective of psychotherapy. My style of therapy is client centered, relationally based and humanistic. Therapy with me is often lighthearted, frequently challenging, always supportive and can be life changing. Within your therapy sessions you will move to introspection, self-analysis and with my feedback, will find the answers to your questions. You will explore and experience yourself in an honest manner that will bring a realization for the possible need, understanding and desire for change.

More Info About My Practice

My facilitation of therapy and all the aspects of my life are guided by my sincere belief in the basic "goodness" of human beings. Guided by the work of master clinician Carl Rogers, "Individuals have within themselves vast resources for self-understanding and for altering their self-concepts, basic attitudes, and self-directed behavior; these resources can be tapped if a definable climate of facilitative psychological attitudes can be provided." Rogers calls for three elements to be present for successful growth-promoting to occur in therapy: genuineness, unconditional positive regard, and empathetic understanding. My goal is to be this type of facilitator for you. A person, who is accepted and prized, tends to create a more caring attitude towards themselves. Abraham Maslow first advanced another concept that is fundamental to my therapy style, "Self-Actualization," simply put, if one is able to satisfy basic human needs in the areas of physiology, safety, love, and esteem, then self-actualization will occur. Put in another way, within each of us, lays an intrinsic motivation to become our unique selves once more basic needs are met. This unique, "self-actualized" self represents our greatest potential. You can choose who you are and how you will experience your life.

Specific Issue(s) I'm Skilled at Helping With

I am able to help my clients discover who they really are at a core level while balancing the various aspects of their functioning.

How Psychotherapy Can Help

Psychotherapy helps people learn about accepting and becoming themselves.

What I Love about Being a Psychotherapist

I love being a therapist because my work helps me to grow and discover the many aspects of human experience. I believe that we are all one and that your growth, and your insights, not only help you grow but help all our society, including myself. Humans are alike in many basic ways, especially in experiencing emotions, this alikeness, draws us together. I enjoy being helpful in improving awareness in my clients and that humans all share many successes and failures.

My Therapy Focus

I am a certified addictions counselor. However, I am able to to work with clients around mental health issues such as anxiety or depression, as well as for personal growth or dual diagnosis ( both mental health and addictions issues).

The Duration and Frequency of Therapy

My clients decide when their therapy is complete (or are ready to take a break), sometimes with my input. I see most clients for one 50 minute sessions per week.