Dr. Paul VanPortfliet

I have had the privilege of supporting adults through many of life’s transitions, including starting or graduating from school, beginning or changing careers, navigating relationship changes, grieving the loss of a loved one, and coping with unexpected or traumatic events. I also work with concerns such as anxiety, depression, stress, grief, trauma, and substance misuse.

I believe therapy works best when it feels warm, collaborative, honest, and tailored to you. I strive to be a “mirror with heart”, offering compassion and transparency while helping you better understand yourself, recognize your strengths, and move toward meaningful change. I especially enjoy working with young adults who feel overwhelmed, uncertain, or stuck as they make decisions about their education, career, relationships, and next steps in life. I also welcome clients who are new to therapy or who have not had the experience they hoped for in the past.

My approach is integrative, which means I draw from different evidence-based therapies to create a treatment experience that fits your needs, goals, personality, and pace. Rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach, we will work together to understand what you are experiencing, identify what may be keeping you stuck, and build on the strengths you already have.

Depending on what would be most helpful, we may explore the connection between your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors; practice skills for managing intense emotions and stress; work through the impact of trauma; or reconnect with the values and relationships that matter most to you. My goal is not to change who you are or expect you to feel positive all the time. It is to help you feel more grounded, confident, and in control while taking meaningful steps toward the life you want.

I will bring warmth, authenticity, and transparency to our work together, while also offering practical tools and honest reflection. Therapy is a collaborative process, and your perspective will guide our work.

Above all, I aim to support my clients in developing a sense of hope in our first session. Positive lasting change is not only possible but highly likely with your personal investment in the therapeutic process. During our first session, we will get to know each other, discuss why you are seeking therapy, and begin developing goals for therapy uniquely tailored to you.