Justin Rock (he/him)

My Approach to Helping

I utilize existential-humanistic therapy to reach through the difficult and towards the beauty of life. I work collaboratively with my clients to create a safe and supportive relationship for them to explore being with themselves and being with others in the world. Too often we want to look “out there” into the world to find an answer to our struggles. Instead, I believe we are capable of creating our own answers. For this reason I work with diverse clients, among them clients challenged by death anxiety, identity death/grief, depression, anxiety, lack of fulfillment, life transitions, relationship issues, personal growth, LGBTQ issues, and polyamory & consensual non-monogamy.

My Personal Beliefs and Interests

I became a therapist over a decade ago because of the pathologizing marginalization that occurred to many in the Poly and ENM community in Portland. This requires honoring the clients experience and knowledge whoever they are and for whoever they are becoming. This is true for, in my opinion, for every human. Therapeutic work is possible when the humanity is seen in each other, not the pathology. I am a founding member of Existential-Humanistic Northwest, a professional non-profit which is here to impact the world through our commitment to and passion for existential-humanistic values of authenticity, integrity, responsibility, inter-connectedness, inclusion, and awe. I am also an Adjunct Professor at Lewis & Clark College in the Marriage and Family Therapy program and the Art Therapy program, teaching classes such as: Introduction to Therapy Theories, Addictions in Family Therapy, Polyamory and Ethical Non-Monogamy, and Family Development.