Scott Christie, Ph.D.
Therapy | Education | Consultation | Supervision
Experienced Support without Judgement
Therapy is not about being broken, it is about becoming a better person. Feeling fear or anxiety is not the same as being broken or wrong. The most important quality to engage in therapy is a desire for something different! I then invite you to unravel the mixed messages (from media, friends, family, or even within) while I support aligning and prioritizing your values, and your own capacity for change and self-awareness. We do this whether your goal is improved communication, empathy (for self and others), or changing habits, compulsions, or addressing repeated consequential behaviors.
Licensed as a Mental Health Counselor in Washington State and Marriage and Family Therapist in Oregon (and certified in substance use treatment), I have the privilege of working with clients through telehealth (video) as their online therapist in Oregon and Washington State.
Additionally, I am a conference speaker and facilitate workshops to support relationship improvements, de-escalation training, and improving trauma-aware/trauma-informed practices. My book, Taming the Volcano: Reducing Rage, Drama, and Emotional Escalation, is also available on Amazon. Read how this book can help you or anyone dealing with anger issues.
Whether I serve you as therapist, consultant, or author, I rely on my experiences as professor, healthcare administrator, crises consultant/evaluator, and as a person living in this world. In all ways I have been fortunate to support the strengths of individuals, teams, and families while helping people change in ways they never thought possible.
How I Can Help
Below are some of the most common services I provide. I also write a blog that offers helpful insights and tips to support better mental health.
With honesty, respect, and collaboration, I look forward to supporting you and your group in your journey of acceptance, forgiveness, and improved relationships.
Questions? Let's talk.
If you're not sure if therapy is right for you or you have questions on how I can help, contact me. I support individuals, couples and families needing a licensed therapist in Oregon and Washington State. I offer a free 15-minute consultation. We can determine fit for your needs and the best next step for you.
Manage Anger for Better Relationships
Untangle the confusion of emotional eruptions and build relationship enhancing skills!
I wrote Taming the Volcano for people who may not have access to therapy or resources to understand how to change destructive anger and emotional reactivity. Read the preview on Amazon.
Take Actionable Steps
The book is written to help people not only understand their own eruptive behavior but understand their own reactions to others who appear 'out of control'. It is possible to love and lead happier lives without anger's crippling bondage. Taming the Volcano is a resource that is packed with essential information that can be referred to whenever necessary.
take control of YOUR LIFE
Sometimes we shift our efforts from understanding ourselves to attempting to change or manage another person.
For many, managing someone else is exhausting and is likely to fail. Letting go of control is one reason Alcoholics Anonymous is so well attended; the 12-Steps allow those who attend to focus on the things that they (and therefore you) can actually control.
You can learn to engage in relationships with others without the intent to change or manage them, which can be freeing but also scary. A misguided belief is that by controlling others we ourselves can stay safe and in control. This is a set-up for anxiety and self-doubt, and replaces the freedom to choose without fear.
In personal and professional relationships, controlling behavior translates to frequent conflict and can lead to permanent estrangement, hostility, burnout, or divorce.
The Therapy Journey
Every beginning comes from another ending. Sometimes we mark endings and beginnings with anniversaries, birthdays, a new year, or some other situation or event.
Taking the first step
Likewise therapy, whether wanting relationship support or help with mental health or substance use struggles is a way to create a shift from feeling stuck to engaging in a new beginning. Even though new beginnings can be disconcerting (including therapy), the fact you are interested to engage is in and of itself, a courageous and step toward positive change.
Change is never an easy process and talking to an unknown person about personal concerns can be overwhelming if not avoided altogether! Thinking about change and even knowing you need to start is not the same as engaging in it. Engaging is difficult because of the 'unknowns' of feeling nervous, alone, anxious, or impaired. However, hesitancy is common when facing something new and different. Much of my focus in initial conversations is to get to know you and share how normal it is for anyone struggling to experience self-doubt and fears (especially if previous efforts have eluded you).
Change is possible
I help individuals, couples, families as a licensed therapist in Oregon and Washington State to find greater peace, satisfaction, and direction in life. I also support corporate teams find collaborative solutions to complex problems. I believe in the innate capacity each of us has for healthy decision making when given a method and the support to conceptualize change.
rediscover your AUTHENTIC SELF
You are the central character in your existence. Whether at home, work, play, alone or in relationship, authentic life lived in community is a gift you can give yourself.
Authenticity doesn't come easy. There are a variety of social, cultural, family and even self-preservation pressures that may keep us from our core values, beliefs, and passions. Fear and genuine risks may prevent us from becoming or even exploring what we could become. Knowing what these are can help us move closer to our authentic self.
Remember, small steps build courage. As I've said frequently, "it's never too late to become the person you imagine yourself to be."
Ready to get started?
If you have any questions or are looking for a licensed therapist in Oregon or Washington State, I am here to help. Please feel free to contact me for a brief phone consultation.