Welcome to my practice! I’m Dave Lechnyr, a Certified Gottman Therapist with extensive training in helping people who feel stuck, overwhelmed, or disconnected in their relationships. As a licensed mental health therapist, my deepest desire is to help you feel understood, valued and connected again – whether with your partner or in your relationship with yourself.
My approach as a mental health therapist has been greatly influenced by the compassion of Carl Rogers, the clinical skills of Aaron Beck and the gentle wisdom of Pema Chödrön. I’m also a strong advocate for non-toxic relationships based on love, affection and healing..
My Background
Of course, that’s the boring stuff. Let’s try this again with something more interesting:
- Eugene, Oregon is my home town.
- I have definitely breathed the air of therapy in my life! My wife Emily is a therapist; my sister is a psychologist; another is a a marriage & Family therapist; also, my father is a retired Psychologist.
- I learned to drive a stick shift on the hills of downtown Seattle.
- Growing up with three younger sisters, I’ve never learned (or cared) to understand the rules for football.
- I’m pretty good with Star Trek trivia.
- I both love, and shudder at, the 80’s.
- My two favorite books for personal growth are The Alchemist and Who Moved My Cheese (only 95 pages; you can’t beat that).
When asked how I’d like to be remembered, I often think of a quote that resonates deeply with me: “He did very little harm.” In a world where it’s easy to unintentionally hurt each other, I strive to tread lightly and leave a positive impact. If I could be remembered for doing just this, I would consider that a life well-lived.
My Education
I received my graduate degree in Clinical Social Work from Walla Walla University in 1992, where I focused on mental health treatment. I started out as a crisis response counselor in Tacoma and ultimately ended up back in my hometown of Eugene. I’m currently one of twelve Certified Gottman Therapists in Oregon and have advanced training in managing relationship conflict.
My Approach To Therapy
One of the things that is different about working with me is that I’ll actually spend time and read the forms you fill out when you become a new client. I absolutely dislike when doctors ask you to write down important details and then never go over it with you.
The other thing to remember is that I will challenge you. Not to the point of doing anything you don’t want, but instead to become the person you’ve always wanted to be. Someone that is in line with your hopes, dreams, values and goals. Otherwise, we’re just spending time talking together, and nothing really changes.
As a Certified Gottman Therapist, I have completed extensive training in the Gottman Method, a research-based approach to couples therapy. This allows me to provide effective, evidence-based interventions to help couples strengthen their relationships, improve communication, and build lasting intimacy.
When you work with me, you can expect a warm, non-judgmental environment where you feel heard and supported. I believe in the power of the therapeutic relationship to facilitate healing and growth. Together, we’ll explore your unique challenges, develop practical coping strategies, and work towards achieving your goals.
Location and Contact Information
My office is located at 2440 Willamette Street, Suite 101-C, in Eugene, Oregon. I’m licensed to provide both in-person therapy and telehealth virtual sessions in Oregon and Arizona. Additionally, I offer Life Coaching for non-mental health issues everywhere else. If you are a new client, let’s schedule a consultation to get started.
Take the Next Step
If you’re ready to take the first step towards a more fulfilling life, I invite you to request an appointment today. Whether you’re struggling with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, or simply feeling stuck, I’m here to help.