Relational Therapy
For most of us, relationships alternately and sometimes simultaneously provide the greatest joy, validation, stability and satisfaction in our lives, as well as the greatest pain, reactivity, longing and regret.
"Love never dies a natural death. It dies because we don't know how to replenish its source. It dies of blindness and errors and betrayals. It dies of illness and wounds; it dies of weariness, of witherings, of tarnishings" Anais Nin
For most of us, relationships alternately and sometimes simultaneously provide the greatest joy, validation, stability and satisfaction in our lives, as well as the greatest pain, reactivity, longing and regret.
"Love never dies a natural death. It dies because we don't know how to replenish its source. It dies of blindness and errors and betrayals. It dies of illness and wounds; it dies of weariness, of witherings, of tarnishings" Anais Nin
When important relationships are working smoothly, we have more energy to devote to careers, hobbies, family and neighbors, making money, and contributing to our communities. As relationships grow apart, or take unreasonable amounts of time and energy to maintain, all other aspects of our life, including our physical health, can suffer.
When painful emotions become predominant in a relationship (with spouse, significant other, best friend, parent, child, sibling or business partner), it is time to get support and a new perspective. Relationship therapy is designed to provide both. A neutral but friendly and respectful listener can offer what sometimes friends and family members cannot: a safe, non-judgmental presence that helps you make sense of it all, so that you can move forward again.
My counseling practice in Tigard, Oregon, serving all of the Portland metro area, has a focus on improving relationships of all kinds. I see traditional, as well as non-traditional couples, families and individuals. My style is interactive and collaborative with acceptance, humor and compassion as the foundation for the therapy.
My job is knowing how to customize an approach from a menu of complimentary methods and techniques for the client at hand. This includes being an active listener who is able to:
- recognize and articulate patterns (of strength and of self-sabotage)
- provide fresh perspective and alternative options
- draw out what is real and authentic in you
- bring meaning to your emotional world
My objective is to be the facilitator of your process to reach your goals. I especially like to work with couples at all stages (premarital or long term, separating or divorcing, recovering from divorce, coparenting and issues pertinent to stepcouples). Sometimes I use the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) an assessment that helps people understand themselves and also appreciate and understand their partners.
Additionally,my practice includes family therapy with blended families, adult sibling groups, parents and adult children, parents and school aged children, young women in the launching stage, and the facilitation of family meetings.
Therapy is $100 for 60 minute sessions. Payment is due at session, in cash or check. Evening appointments and 90 minute appointments available by request.
Call me at 503-620-3302 x5 if you are motivated for counseling, but are experiencing financial stress. I like to work with motivated people, and will work with you to agree on a fee based on your current financial circumstances.
If you initiate contact with me via this website, please address your inquiry specifically to me by name. You may also contact me directly at nila.j.epstein@gmail.com
LGBT savvy and welcoming.
Additionally,my practice includes family therapy with blended families, adult sibling groups, parents and adult children, parents and school aged children, young women in the launching stage, and the facilitation of family meetings.
Therapy is $100 for 60 minute sessions. Payment is due at session, in cash or check. Evening appointments and 90 minute appointments available by request.
Call me at 503-620-3302 x5 if you are motivated for counseling, but are experiencing financial stress. I like to work with motivated people, and will work with you to agree on a fee based on your current financial circumstances.
If you initiate contact with me via this website, please address your inquiry specifically to me by name. You may also contact me directly at nila.j.epstein@gmail.com
LGBT savvy and welcoming.
Education and Training:
- MS: Counseling, PSU, Portland, OR (Requirements met for both Community Counseling and Marriage and Family Therapy programs)
- BA: Psychology, Occidental College, Los Angeles, CA, S
- Additional advanced couples and family training with David Freeman, John Gottman, Terry Real, Sue Johnson
Licenses:
- Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, T0400
- Licensed Professional Counselor, C1380
- Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor I 04-03-14
Professional Organizations and Affiliations:
- Clinical Member, American Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (AAMFT)
- Member, Oregon Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (OAMFT)
Professional Activities:
- Currently seated on the Oregon Board of Licensed Professional Counselors and Therapists, a position appointed by the Governor
- Clinical supervisor for candidates for LPC and LMFT licenses
- Clinical supervisor/trainer at William Temple House for graduate interns in counseling and marriage and family therapy.
- Adjunct Professor, PSU, 2004 for Advanced Couples Therapy