James Freeman (he/ him)

My Approach to Helping

Pushing beyond traditional talk therapy, much of my therapeutic practice is inspired by my time working in Wilderness Therapy and witnessing the freeing power that nature, movement, and connection have on all of us. In somatic psychotherapy, we start by understanding our nervous system and the link between our physical body and our mental health experience. Then, we address the physical symptoms of trauma or anxiety by focusing on body awareness, psychoeducation, and emotional regulation. We take a look together at how our past may have shaped coping tools or emotional blueprints that dictate our current responses, and imagine a possibility where we can leave defenses that no longer serve us behind. This work paves the way for essential life skills like slowing down, forming meaningful connections, and learning effective communication. I currently offer sessions via telehealth or outdoor-based sessions at Mt. Tabor or other outdoor settings in Portland.

My Values as a Therapist

I am currently a therapist through Broken Top Counseling. I believe that relationships and connection are at the core of healing. Connection with our Self, our bodies, each other, and the natural world - all of these are separate ingredients that if missing, leave us feeling alone, aimless, and like strangers in our own skin. As both a psychotherapist and rock climbing guide, I’ve experienced firsthand how these relationships can lead to empowerment, confidence, and increased resilience. And it is this experience that I bring to my therapy sessions. By working with the body and the nervous system, my goal is to help you understand trauma and empower you to change your relationship with yourself, your body, and your past. I work from both a “top-down” and “bottom-up” approach, including cognitively and emotionally examining the impacts of your experiences to create change, alongside utilizing Brainspotting or somatic techniques like breathwork to bring relief to the nervous system.