FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Starting therapy can come with a lot of questions. You may be wondering whether therapy is right for you, what the first session will feel like, or whether a therapist will understand the particular experience you’re bringing with you.
Here are some of the questions people commonly have about working with Foxfire Therapy.
If you need immediate support
If you are experiencing an immediate mental health crisis or are concerned about your immediate safety, you can:
Call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department if you are in immediate danger or need emergency medical care.
You can also reach out to someone you trust and let them know that you need support.
What should I look for in a therapist?
Finding a therapist is personal. A good therapist-client relationship involves more than finding someone who lists the right specialties.
When you’re looking for a therapist, consider asking:
- Do they have experience with the concerns I’m bringing?
- Do I feel respected and understood?
- Can I ask questions about their approach?
- Do they understand the identities and communities that matter to me?
- Do I feel comfortable telling them when something isn’t working?
- Does their communication style feel compatible with mine?
It is okay to have a consultation with more than one therapist before deciding.
What can I expect from the first therapy session?
The first session is an opportunity for us to get to know one another and begin understanding what brings you to therapy. We’ll talk about what you’re experiencing, what you hope will change, and what you’re looking for in a therapeutic relationship.
You don’t need to arrive with everything figured out. We can begin wherever you are.
Do I need to know exactly what I want to work on?
No. Sometimes people arrive with a very specific concern. Other times, they simply know that something isn’t working or that they feel stuck.
Part of therapy can be figuring out what the real question is.
How do I know if therapy is right for me?
Therapy can be useful when something in your life feels difficult to navigate alone, when old patterns aren’t working anymore, or when you’re looking for greater self-understanding and direction.
You don’t have to be in crisis to seek therapy.
What kinds of concerns do you work with?
Foxfire Therapy focuses particularly on anxiety, burnout and stress, trauma, relationships, identity, neurodivergence, LGBTQIA+ experiences, gender identity, life transitions, grief, meaning, and the emotional impact of changes in health and other major life circumstances.
The specialty pages on this site provide more detail about specific areas of focus.
Do you work with LGBTQIA+ clients?
Yes. Foxfire Therapy is affirming of LGBTQIA+, queer, transgender, nonbinary, and gender-expansive clients.
Therapy can be a space to explore identity, relationships, coming out, transition, belonging, minority stress, internalized narratives, or simply what it means to live more authentically.
Do you provide gender-affirming therapy?
Yes. Gender-affirming therapy is available for people who are questioning, exploring, transitioning, or simply wanting a supportive space to understand themselves more fully.
You do not need to have a particular label or goal before beginning therapy.
Do you work with neurodivergent clients?
Yes. Foxfire Therapy offers neurodivergent-affirming support for autistic, AuDHD, and ADHD clients.
The goal is not to “fix” neurodivergence. Therapy can help you understand your patterns, reduce the impact of masking and burnout, navigate relationships and boundaries, and create ways of living that better support how your brain works.
Do you work with adolescents?
Foxfire Therapy works with adolescents age 13 and older. Teen therapy can address anxiety, stress, identity development, relationships, emotional regulation, school pressures, and neurodivergence.
The therapeutic relationship is collaborative and age-appropriate, with attention to both the adolescent’s growing autonomy and the role of supportive adults.
Do you offer couples therapy?
Yes. Couples therapy can support partners who are experiencing communication difficulties, recurring conflict, emotional distance, trust concerns, or major life transitions.
The goal is not to determine who is right. We work together to understand the patterns between you and create more room for communication, repair, and connection.
Do you offer telehealth?
Foxfire Therapy offers telehealth throughout Oregon, as well as in-person therapy in Portland.
Telehealth can be a useful option when transportation, mobility, schedule, geography, or simply the comfort of your own space makes virtual therapy a better fit.
Where are you located?
Foxfire Therapy has an in-person office in Portland, Oregon and serves clients throughout Oregon via telehealth.
Specific office and accessibility information can be discussed during your consultation.
What therapy approaches do you use?
Therapy is individualized rather than based on one method for everyone.
Depending on your needs and goals, our work may draw from narrative therapy, ACT, person-centered and relational approaches, existential therapy, strengths-based therapy, trauma-informed approaches, IFS-informed parts work, somatic awareness, and creative expression.
The goal is not to fit you into a particular therapy model. The approach should fit the person.
Do you use creative or experiential approaches?
Sometimes.
Creative expression can include writing, imagery, metaphor, photography, drawing, objects, or other forms of meaning-making. You do not need to identify as an artist, and you will never be required to make art.
Creative approaches are always based on your interests, comfort, and therapeutic goals.
Is therapy always about talking about the past?
No.
Understanding your history can be important, particularly when past experiences continue to shape present patterns. But therapy can also focus on what is happening right now, what you want to change, and how you want to move forward.
We will work at a pace that feels useful and sustainable.
How often will we meet?
Many clients begin with weekly sessions, particularly when establishing a therapeutic relationship or working through an active concern. The frequency of sessions can change as your needs change.
We’ll talk together about what makes sense for you.
How long will I be in therapy?
There isn’t one answer.
Some people come to therapy for a specific transition or concern and find that several months of focused work is enough. Others choose longer-term therapy for deeper exploration or ongoing support.
The length of therapy should reflect your goals rather than an arbitrary timeline.
What happens during a free consultation?
The consultation is a chance to talk briefly about what you’re looking for and what you hope to find in a therapist. You can ask questions, get a sense of the therapeutic approach, and decide whether it feels like a potential fit.
If Foxfire isn’t the right match, we can help point you toward other resources when possible.
What if I've never been to therapy before?
That’s completely okay.
You don’t need to know therapy terminology, understand a particular diagnosis, or know what you’re supposed to talk about. We can start with what’s happening in your life right now.
How do I get started?
The first step is a free 20-minute consultation. This gives us an opportunity to talk about what you’re looking for and whether Foxfire Therapy may be a good fit.
You can begin exactly where you are.
Book a consultation
Book a consultation to see if this work feels like the right fit.