Sam Stevens, Marriage Counselor in Portland, 97214

Sam Stevens, LMFT

Profession(s):
Marriage & Family Therapy, Mental Health Counseling, Psychotherapy
License Status:
I'm a licensed professional.
Primary License:
LMFT - TO605

My Approach to Helping

My approach to therapy is practical, compassionate and personal. I help couples, families and individuals build communication, heal relationships, and find balance. Often you have your own solutions without knowing it, and my outside perspective can help identify what those solutions are. We work together to meet your goals, and achieve lasting change that extends beyond the end of therapy.

Fatherhood poses one of the greatest challenges to men and yet there are few supports available to them. I specialize in working with fathers to address: tension between partners, disruption of intimacy, imbalance of work and family, finances, lack of sleep, and changes in self identity. In therapy you can gain clarity, self-awareness, comfort with yourself, and a greater sense of satisfaction in your relationships.

I also address: transition to parenthood, couples counseling, relationship conflict, communication skills, trauma recovery, depression, anxiety, and adolescent issues.

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

I especially enjoy working with new fathers and new parents. When my wife was pregnant, and then after my daughter was born, I was surprised by how little support is available for dads, even in Portland. There are new moms groups, postpartum depression support groups, mommy and me, and lots of other ways for moms to connect and get help, but what about dads? The dads who come to me are often very isolated and are struggling with the transition to becoming the dad they want to be. What’s happening to me? This isn’t what I expected! They so often feel frustrated, angry and unsure, and all too often feel blamed for not “getting it.” We know that women can get postpartum depression and anxiety, but we often don't realize that men can get it too. Not talking about it just adds to their troubles. I want to help dads understand a more about what is going on and have more fun with your baby and your partner. I want to help moms understand more about what’s happening with these new dads and be able to appreciate them in new ways.

Important Factors for Choosing a Therapist

The fit between you and your therapist is vital. It is important to connect with their personality, and feel that they care for and understand what you are going through. You shouldn't feel judged by your therapist. Therapists should be compassionate and understanding, while remaining grounded and down to earth. Your therapist should feel like a genuine person who has had their own life experiences, and not wooden or artificial. I believe that your therapist should be well trained and competent, with a variety of experience. Don't be afraid to shop around. Everyone fits with different people, and the same goes with therapists. Feel free to call me or schedule a time for a free short face to face consultation to see if we are a good fit. If I'm not the right one for you I would be glad to connect you with someone who I think will be.