Rebecca Pottenger

As a marriage and family therapist, my focus is on creating a space that is free of judgment in which you feel safe and understood so that a way forward in which you feel good about yourself can be found. In our work together I help you unearth the roots of inner conflict and distress, discover inner reservoirs of wisdom, and heal unresolved trauma and emotional wounding.

My approach

My approach is eclectic, grounded in your goals, and sensitive and responsive to your needs and preferences. My experience tells me that lasting change emerges from therapy that is collaborative, psychodynamic, and experiential, allowing you to experience yourself and your inner world differently.

My focus

I work with adult individuals who are struggling with past or present trauma, depression, or anxiety, as well as people facing life transitions or seeking to understand themselves at a deeper level. Sometimes the issues that surface in therapy involve the effects of sociocultural biases, questions of meaning or identity, unwanted patterns in relationships, or unresolvable grief.

My communication style

One of the most important parts of therapy is creating a safe environment in which you know that you will be listened to and in which you feel understood, your thoughts and emotions attuned to without judgment. It is also important to know that we work together, at your pace and toward your goals.

My journey to mental healthcare

In my 20s I worked as a massage therapist practitioner and teacher of the energy-healing art of Reiki, and then as a manager in a program for emotionally disturbed adolescents. In all these positions, I became aware of the need to care for the emotional wounds and distress that people carry, affecting their sense of self and their relationships and leaving them wondering what is wrong with them. I returned to graduate school after raising my children to become a therapist. I love being able to witness clients finding self-understanding and self-acceptance-- discovering, valuing, and feeling comfortable in their authentic self.

My goals for you

We discuss what changes you want in your feelings about and experience of yourself and your life. We discuss how we might approach reaching your goals and how we will know when they are reached.

My first session with you

In addition to covering confidentiality, I am happy to answer questions you may have about therapy, how I practice it, and what to expect. As we talk, I listen and ask questions to get to know you and to make sure I understand what brings you to therapy, your goals, and how we can best work together.