Sonia Holdaway (she/her)

Couples Counseling

Trained as a couples and family therapist, I specialize in relationship counseling. If you are feeling disconnected or like you seem to be just talking past each other, I can help. My approach is based in emotion-focused, family systems and Gottman principles, and our work provides a safe space for each of you to express yourself in new ways, using dynamic, in-the-room exercises to help interrupt hurtful patterns and create momentum towards a healthier partnership.

Emotionally Focused

My approach to counseling is grounded primarily in Emotion-Focused therapy, which encourages exploring and experiencing your emotions in real time in session, to help you connect with, and better articulate, your deeper needs. Many of us can understand our struggles very well on a cognitive level, but have trouble figuring out how to actually feel better. I love that emotion-focused therapy uses in-the-moment, emotional change experiences in session to actually create lasting change.

Attachment Theory

Attachment theory is at the heart of my work with both couples and individuals. If you are wondering why you seem to have the same problems in relationships over and over, or you feel clingy or suffocated in relationships, I can help. My clients often say they find our work helpful for looking at the impact of attachment patterns on present and past relationships.

Relational 

If you are struggling to feel connected to others or feeling unsteady in yourself, relational therapy can help you strengthen your ability to relate to, and feel cared for by others. I am a highly relational therapist, and I love using the therapeutic relationship to facilitate healing from past traumas as well as to combat unhelpful patterns that are keeping you stuck.

LGBTQ Issues

I specialize in working with fellow LGBTQ+ adults and relationships. Whether you come to counseling specifically for issues around gender identity or sexuality, or are seeking a counselor who shares an LGBTQ+ perspective, I provide a safe, affirming, body-positive and sex-positive space where you are welcomed for who you are. Learn more about counseling for couples and individuals on my website: www.relationshipcounselingportland.com

Relationship / Marriage Issues

Trained as a couples and family therapist, I specialize in relationship counseling. If you are feeling disconnected or like you seem to be just talking past each other, I can help. My approach is based in emotion-focused, family systems and Gottman principles, and our work provides a safe space for each of you to express yourself in new ways, using dynamic, in-the-room exercises to help interrupt hurtful patterns and create momentum towards a healthier partnership.

Body Image Issues

If you have a difficult relationship with your body, food, exercise, or all of the above, you are not alone. I love to help clients reconnect with an inner sense of health & balance in an affirming, body-positive space. I will support you in challenging external messages about how you should be, and help you connect instead with your needs, your values, and your intuitive healthy self. Visit my website for more info: https://www.relationshipcounselingportland.com/

Anxiety

In a society that prizes individual strength, it can be hard to open up with others. Your therapist should be someone with whom you feel comfortable sharing your toughest anxieties, and who genuinely cares about your experience. My goal is to help you feel accepted & supported when talking about your struggles, and to help guide you through to the other side - to feeling capable and in control of your own experience. Visit my website for more info: https://www.relationshipcounselingportland.com/

Depression

If you have been dealing with intense feelings of exhaustion, hopelessness, guilt or overwhelm, you are not alone. I want to help you find relief from your depression, whether it is a new experience for you, or something you have struggled with for a while. I use interpersonal and emotion-focused methods to help you feel connected and confident. Visit my website for more info: https://www.relationshipcounselingportland.com/