You Don’t Need to Have It All Figured Out to Start Therapy

If you’ve been putting off starting therapy because you don’t know what your “goals” are—that’s okay. Really. At Sprout Therapy PDX, we often hear from clients who worry that they need to have a clear plan, a specific issue, or a perfectly worded reason to begin. But the truth is, therapy is the place where you can figure that out, and can be a place for brainstorming and idea generation.

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Emelie Douglas
Your Politics Are Welcome in Therapy: Why Mental Health Isn’t Separate from the World

If you've ever been told to "leave politics out of it," you're not alone. Many people—especially LGBTQ+, BIPOC, disabled, or neurodivergent folks—have been made to feel like their lived experience is too political, too intense, or too much for traditional therapy spaces. At Sprout Therapy PDX, we reject that separation. Your politics are welcome here because they are part of your reality.

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Emelie Douglas
Supporting Your Child’s Mental Health as School Routines Resume

Back-to-school season often comes with sharpened pencils, packed lunches, and picture day prep—but for many families, it also brings anxiety, emotional overwhelm, and a big shift in daily rhythms. Whether your child is entering kindergarten or returning to high school, the transition back to school can be challenging. At Sprout Therapy PDX, we believe supporting your child’s mental health during this time means meeting them (and yourself) with compassion and flexibility.

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Emelie Douglas
How to Talk About Suicidal Thoughts in Therapy

Talking about suicidal thoughts can feel terrifying. You might worry your therapist will overreact, call for emergency help, or see you differently. You might also fear being judged, misunderstood, or labeled as “unstable.” At Sprout Therapy PDX, we want you to know: you can talk about suicidal thoughts in therapy. Without shame. Without fear. Without losing your right to be seen as whole.

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Emelie Douglas
Back to School as a Queer or Neurodivergent Student: What Support Looks Like

Back-to-school season can bring a mix of emotions: excitement, overwhelm, dread, relief. For queer and neurodivergent students, it can also mean returning to environments that don’t always feel safe, inclusive, or affirming. Whether you're navigating middle school, high school, or college, you deserve support that meets your full self. At Sprout Therapy PDX, we see you—and we know that mental health care has to be identity-informed to be truly supportive.

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Emelie Douglas
Revisiting Your Therapy Goals: What’s Working, What’s Shifting?

As summer winds down and a new season approaches, it’s a natural time to reflect. In therapy, that might mean checking in on how far you’ve come—and what might need to shift. Whether you’re months into your therapy journey or just getting started, it’s okay to pause, take stock, and realign. At Sprout Therapy PDX, we believe therapy should evolve with you.

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Emelie Douglas
Feeling Off This Summer? You’re Not Alone

Summer is supposed to be carefree, energizing, and full of joy—or so we're told. But what if you’re feeling low, disconnected, anxious, or just off? You’re not broken. You’re not the only one. At Sprout Therapy PDX, we see this every year: summer doesn’t feel light for everyone, and that’s okay.

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Emelie Douglas
Routines That Support Your Mental Health (Without Burning You Out)

You’ve probably heard that routines are “good for your mental health”—but no one talks about how hard they can be to create or stick to, especially when you’re already feeling anxious, overwhelmed, or low on energy. At Sprout Therapy PDX, we believe mental health routines should feel like support, not another task to fail at. Here are some ways to build habits that work for your life, your body, and your brain.

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Emelie Douglas
Disability and Queer Identity: Navigating Intersections in Therapy

Disability Pride Month invites us to celebrate disabled identity in all its forms—and that includes the many ways it intersects with queerness. For LGBTQ+ clients who are also disabled, chronically ill, or neurodivergent, therapy can be a space of deep healing—but only if it makes room for all of who you are. At Sprout Therapy PDX, we believe that honoring the fullness of your identity isn't optional. It's essential.

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Emelie Douglas