Holistic Jungian therapist specializing in trauma and relationships
In January of 2023 I turned 70. After being retired since just before the pandemic hit, I decided it was time for me to start practicing as a therapist again, as it has been my biggest passion in life, and there are more people reaching out for help than there are therapists to help them. I am currently licensed in Oregon with over 30 years of professional work experience. I have experience in inpatient and outpatient therapy, both group and individual. After working as a musician in my 20s and 30s, I started my counseling career 33 years ago in 1992, when I was 39 years old. I worked in the inpatient psychiatric department of a general hospital in Nevada while I was going to school to get my counseling degree. After I graduated, I continued working there for about 15 years as an inpatient therapist, performing individual, family and group therapy. I started my own private practice in 2004 while still working at the hospital. Around 2009 I went to work in a stand-alone psychiatric hospital. I then worked for a time in a community mental health clinic, and for a time in hospice care. I spent the last 10 years of my professional life as a private-practice outpatient therapist working in a family medical clinic in suburban Portland, Oregon. I have experience in helping men and women of all ages with depression, stress and anxiety, in coping with addictions, with relationship issues, and in coping with grief and loss. I work with people to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. I make no judgments about you; rather, I look at building a therapeutic partnership with you where we can problem-solve together to help you live a rewarding and fulfilling life. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
Licensed · Professional · Cancel Anytime
Richard “Rick” Dawson returned to clinical practice in January 2023 at the age of 70 after having retired just before the pandemic. Motivated by a long-standing passion for counseling and a recognition of growing demand for therapeutic services, he resumed work as a therapist licensed in Oregon – OR LCSW L11379, which denotes his status as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. He brings 33 years of professional experience to his practice.
Before entering the helping professions, he spent his 20s and 30s working as a musician. His counseling career began in 1992, when he was 39, while he was completing his counseling degree. During that period he worked in the inpatient psychiatric department of a general hospital in Nevada.
After graduating, he continued at that hospital for about 15 years as an inpatient therapist, providing individual, family, and group therapy. In 2004 he launched a private practice while still employed at the hospital. Around 2009 he moved to work in a stand-alone psychiatric hospital, followed by time in a community mental health clinic and in hospice care.
He spent the final 10 years of his professional life before retirement practicing as an outpatient therapist in private practice within a family medical clinic in suburban Portland, Oregon. Over the course of his career he has worked with men and women of all ages on issues including depression, stress and anxiety, addictions, relationship challenges, and coping with grief and loss.
His approach emphasizes an open, nonjudgmental therapeutic partnership where thoughts and feelings can be shared safely. He focuses on problem-solving collaboratively with clients to help them move toward a more rewarding and fulfilling life. He recognizes that taking the first step toward change takes courage, and he is available to support clients through that process.
Many people ask whether online therapy can truly help. For common concerns such as stress, anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, or managing life transitions, online therapy has been shown to be as effective as traditional in-person treatment for most situations.
A major benefit of receiving care this way is flexibility. Clients can choose the mode of connection that suits them best – video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or in-app messaging – making it simpler to fit therapy into a busy life.
All participating clinicians are licensed professionals, and clients may switch therapists if they feel a different fit would be more helpful. Online therapy can offer a practical, accessible route to consistent support for many people seeking change.
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