Gail Westlin, MS, MEd, LPC, LMHC
Virtual and In-Person Therapy
In a one-on-one therapy setting, we delve deep into the journey of self-acceptance, confronting vulnerabilities, shadow aspects, and perceived imperfections. With Gail's guidance, clients are supported in navigating this transformative path, breaking down self-limiting beliefs, and fostering a compassionate relationship with themselves.
*Gail is licensed in Oregon and Washington.
Gail’s Specialties
Gail's therapeutic approaches are especially effective for individuals who may be in a life transition or experiencing anxiety, depression, past trauma or have issues with perfectionism and people-pleasing.
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Jungian Psychotherapy developed by Carl Gustav Jung, a Swiss psychiatrist and psychoanalyst who was an early supporter and colleague of Sigmund Freud. However, as time progressed, Jung's ideas diverged significantly from Freud's, leading to the development of his own distinctive approach.
Collective Unconscious: At the core of Jung's theory is the concept of the collective unconscious. Unlike the personal unconscious, which is unique to each individual and consists of forgotten memories and experiences, the collective unconscious contains universal experiences and ideas that all humans share. It is populated by "archetypes," which are universally recognizable themes and symbols, like The Hero, The Mother, and The Shadow.
Archetypes: Archetypes are innate, universal prototypes for ideas, and may be used to interpret observations. An individual's understanding of a role, such as "mother" or "hero", is guided by these archetypes present in the collective unconscious.
Individuation: Jung believed that the central process of human development is individuation, the journey in which individuals become the person they are inherently meant to be. This involves integrating parts of the unconscious into conscious awareness, leading to a complete and balanced self.
Dream Analysis: Dreams play a pivotal role in Jungian therapy. Jung believed that dreams provide valuable insights into the unconscious mind and can guide individuals towards understanding and resolving inner conflicts.
Shadow: The shadow represents the parts of ourselves we deny or repress, often those aspects we consider undesirable. Integrating and acknowledging the shadow is a fundamental part of the individuation process.
Active Imagination: This technique involves letting the mind wander and daydream, then interacting with and questioning the images or fantasies that arise. It allows for a dialogue between the conscious and unconscious parts of the mind.
Personal Mythology: Jung believed that individuals create personal myths, or stories, that shape their understanding of themselves and the world. By uncovering and exploring these myths, individuals can gain profound insights into their lives.
In Jungian therapy, the therapist and client work collaboratively to explore and make sense of the client's inner world. It's a depth psychology approach, meaning it seeks to unveil and understand the deeper layers of the psyche, especially how they relate to personal growth and realization. This approach can be particularly beneficial for individuals seeking a deeper understanding of themselves, grappling with existential concerns, or feeling a lack of meaning or purpose in their lives.
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Early childhood trauma influences adult well-being. Family Systems and Internal Family Systems Theories address issues of attachment, loss, neglect, violence, and communication styles and how they affect emotional, behavioral, cognitive, and physical well-being.
As the client grows awareness of their hurt inner child and patterns of self-protection(defenses), they are able to move from survival to an ability to calm their nervous system and expand their ability to love and nurture themselves and others.
Learning to step out of toxic family patterns holds promise for a shift in generational healing. When one no longer repeats negative family behaviors, it is a huge accomplishment in breaking the cycle of unhealthy relationships.
This work involves body awareness, mindfulness, conflict resolution, other stress management strategies and self-acceptance.
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Narrative therapy is a collaborative and non-pathologizing approach to counseling and psychotherapy. It's built on the belief that our lives consist of multiple stories, and sometimes, specific stories—especially those of trauma, societal expectations, or internalized beliefs—can become dominant and overshadow other stories that might provide us with a sense of hope, purpose, and meaning.
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Mindfulness is a type of meditation that involves breathing and guided imagery for the purpose of reducing stress and anxiety, relaxing the body and mind, and relieving symptoms of pain and depression. For those who engage in overthinking, ruminating or negative thoughts, Mindfulness Meditation helps the client release racing thoughts and become more present to the moment.
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A life review is a therapeutic technique and a natural process many people undergo as they age or face life-threatening illnesses. Here's a breakdown of the concept from various perspectives:
Gerontology and Aging: As people age, especially when approaching end-of-life, they might naturally engage in a process of reflecting upon their life's events, their choices, and the meaning behind their experiences. This introspection can help them reconcile with past events, and find meaning or closure.
Therapeutic Technique: Life review therapy is a form of reminiscence therapy often used with older adults. It involves discussing and reflecting upon one's life events in a structured manner, often guided by a therapist. The goal is to help individuals find coherence and meaning in their lives, come to terms with past events, and enhance their psychological well-being.
Existential Perspective: From an existential point of view, a life review can be seen as a search for life's meaning, especially when confronted with the reality of one's mortality. It can be a spontaneous process or be instigated by life events such as major life transitions, loss, or illness.
In essence, a life review is a reflection on one's past, seeking understanding, meaning, and reconciliation. Whether occurring naturally, in a therapeutic setting, or during profound experiences like NDEs, it offers an opportunity for introspection, learning, and emotional growth.
Begin your journey in three simple steps…
Fill out the client application.
Schedule your connection call.
*The investment per session is $200. Insurance is not accepted, but a superbill will be provided for out-of-network clients.
Through insights, exercises, and unique perspectives, achieve deep self-acceptance, unlocking your highest potential.
Kind Words from a Client…
“Gail brings deep perception and kindness to our work. I find it insightful, supportive, and rewarding.”
Feel seen, heard, and understood.
Schedule a connection call to begin your healing journey.