TherapyDave

Gottman Couples Therapy & Individual Counseling in Eugene, Oregon

Frequently Asked Questions About Therapy

Interior view of a comfortable and COVID-conscious therapy office located in Eugene, Oregon, equipped with HEPA filtration and social distancing measures.

Dave's in-person psychotherapy office in Eugene, Oregon

I know that taking the first step towards therapy can be daunting. When you’re feeling stuck, it’s often a sign that you’re ready for real change in your life. I’ve spent over two decades helping people just like you, and as one of the few Certified Gottman Therapists in this state, I know what works. Let me answer the questions I hear most often from people who are ready to make that change.

Are you currently accepting new clients?

Yes. I have openings for individual therapy and couples counseling for adults, ages 18 and older. If you’re ready to get started, let’s get you scheduled and get to work.

What times are you available to meet?

My office hours are generally from Monday through Thursday, 10:00 AM to 6:30 PM, and Friday, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM. This varies based on my caseload and other professional obligations (providing training and supervision).

How is your approach to therapy different?

Here’s what sets me apart: I believe in real, measurable change. I’m going to hold you accountable and tell you exactly what I see – because that’s what you need, not what you want to hear. But make no mistake: I’m absolutely committed to your success. When you sit in that chair across from me, you’ve got someone who’s going to fight for you and your future. That’s not just talk – that’s my commitment to every person who walks through my door.

What are your qualifications and experience?

I’m one of the few therapists in the state who hold Gottman Certification – the gold standard for couples therapy. My work focuses on rebuilding connections, enhancing communication, and strengthening relationships between partners. I’ve also received training from the Beck Institute in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, specifically for treating depression and anxiety. I’ve been running my own practice since 2013.

Most of my practice – about 70% – is dedicated to relationship issues. For individual clients, I specialize in helping people who are either dealing with challenging relationships or managing their own inner struggles. What matters most is getting you to a place where you can create the life and relationships you deserve.

Do you take insurance for counseling sessions?

I accept both PacificSource Health Plans and PacificSource Community Solutions (OHP). You can also see me as an out-of-network provider. It’s worth noting that the majority of my clients are private pay.

What does the first session look like?

In our very first meeting, we’re not going to waste your time. Instead, we’ll start with four critical things:

  1. We’re going to get crystal clear about your situation.
  2. We’re going to identify exactly what’s not working in your life.
  3. We’ll develop specific, actionable solutions.
  4. We’ll map out concrete next steps if you decide I’m the right person to help you.

Do you offer initial consultations?

I don’t do consultation calls, and here’s why – when people come to me, they’re ready for real change. They need solutions, not a meet-and-greet. If you’re serious about doing the work and making changes in your life, let’s schedule your first actual session and get started. That’s where the real progress begins

What if I’m not sure we’re a good fit?

Finding the right therapist isn’t like buying a pair of shoes. This is about your life, your well-being, and that match has to be right. To get a sense of my approach and style, I recommend reviewing what I’ve written on my website, watching some of the short videos I’ve made, or simply scheduling an initial session to get started.

Do you provide in-person therapy?

Yes, I can meet with you in-person at my office, which is located at 2440 Willamette Street in Eugene, Oregon. Because we’re meeting in person, I’m committed to being COVID-conscious, and this means active HEPA filtration.

Do you offer teletherapy?

Yes, I also provide teletherapy via Zoom. Surprisingly, many of my clients say they feel just as comfortable and open during virtual sessions. These virtual sessions work especially well for couples when you and your partner are in different locations due to work or family obligations.

How long will therapy take?

It’s no surprise that this depends on your situation. Some people find what they need in a few months, while others might take longer. After our first session, I’ll have a better idea of what might be involved. Keep in mind that the goal isn’t just to get you in and out – it’s about achieve lasting, meaningful change in your life.

“Before starting therapy, our relationship felt toxic and hopeless. It seemed like no matter what I tried, nothing changed, and the fate of our marriage was out of my control. Dave saw the love we still had for each other and believed that with the right skills and tools, we could turn things around. During our sessions, I noticed my partner putting in genuine effort, even if consistently applying what we learned outside of therapy was a challenge. I better identified some things I did (and could try to stop doing) that contributed to our couple challenges and learned some strategies of how to create more space for my partner to process and share. As a result, we rediscovered moments of humor and lightness, which helped put our issues into perspective. I realized that my partner deeply wanted to improve our relationship and had a rich inner world of thoughts and feelings, even if expressing them out loud was difficult. This realization alone was a significant step forward.”

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