$250 per 55-minute session • Remote sessions from your home • Serving Eugene metro area
Anxiety Therapy in Eugene, Oregon
For university professionals & lifelong learners who feel overwhelmed despite their achievements
You’re intellectually gifted and emotionally exhausted…
You thrive in Eugene's academic and creative environment, but something feels off underneath the surface.
You're in the right place if you're a Eugene resident who experiences:
That constant mental chatter that never stops. Your mind is always analyzing, processing, questioning. It's what makes you excellent at your work in research, education, or creative fields. But when that same brilliant mind turns inward, it becomes exhausting. You can't turn off the overthinking, especially late at night.
Feeling like an imposter in your own success. Whether you're faculty at UO, work in Eugene's nonprofit sector, or run a creative business, you've achieved things others admire. Yet you constantly worry that you're not as capable as people think. Each new project feels like you're about to be "found out."
Overwhelm from trying to balance intellectual pursuits with practical life. Eugene attracts people who value both deep thinking AND authentic living. But managing research deadlines while also trying to maintain relationships, eat well, exercise, and engage with the community feels impossible. Something always gets neglected.
Anxiety about not living up to Eugene's values. You moved here (or stayed here) because you believe in sustainability, community engagement, intellectual curiosity, and personal growth. But you worry you're not doing enough, not being authentic enough, not making enough of a difference.
because When you just talk about anxiety, you eventually hit a ceiling …
You've probably read the research on anxiety management. Maybe you've tried meditation apps, journaling, therapy books, or even previous counseling. You understand anxiety intellectually; you can describe exactly what's happening in your brain and nervous system.
But knowing about anxiety and feeling better are two different things.
Many therapists will offer you mindfulness techniques or cognitive strategies. And while these can be helpful, they often don't address the deeper patterns that keep high-achieving, thoughtful people in cycles of anxiety and self-doubt.
Here's what makes anxiety particularly challenging for people in Eugene’s intellectual community:
Your analytical skills actually work against you in traditional talk therapy. When asked about an emotion, your mind immediately jumps to analyzing why you feel that way, or why you shouldn't, instead of actually experiencing and processing the emotion.
Your protective responses — like perfectionism in your work or the need to appear emotionally "together" — were developed during years of academic training and professional development. These patterns exist in your nervous system, not just your thoughts.
The pressure to be both intellectually rigorous AND emotionally evolved can create a high standard that leaves you feeling like you’re failing at both.
Not feeling anxious and Invisible all of the time is an inside job…
You’re a master at compartmentalizing your emotions, thoughts, and needs — putting them behind doors so secure they could double as bank vaults.
You've gotten so good at wearing the "I’m fine" mask that no one questions you or suspects otherwise.
You’ve positioned yourself as the helpful friend in social situations — refilling drinks and asking thoughtful questions — so that interactions stay predictable and no one gets too close.
You filter and dilute what you say to make sure it’s comfortable for others — “I’m a little concerned” vs. “I’m actually terrified.”
(And these are huge reasons why talk therapy just doesn’t cut it.)
I’m here to tell you that these defense mechanisms are actually making you feel worse: more alone, more unseen, and more disconnected from the acceptance you really want.
So, I can sit here and tell you about all the therapy skills and techniques you’ll learn and practice — and we both know you’d rise to the challenge and earn an A+ in therapy.
But like I pointed out, you’re already a master at earning approval, skill-building, and “symptom management.”
More of the same is the last thing you need.
No — the real work we’ll do together is fundamentally changing your relationship with yourself.
And this is where shit gets real.
This process will be different.
It will be wildly uncomfortable at times.
And it will ask everything of you.
Look, as far back as you can remember, you’ve been a mystery (even to yourself!).
You’re not quite sure who you are underneath the people-pleasing: saying “yes” out of obligation, showing up for others even when it negatively impacts your life, and filtering yourself to gain approval and acceptance.
If you took away the people-pleasing, what would be left? That’s what we’re going to figure out together.
Here's what most people miss: Your anxiety, people-pleasing, and that radar that’s always “on” at an 11/10 — they aren't just quirks or bad habits.
These are ways of protecting yourself from confirmation of a deeper belief that you aren't good enough just as you are.
Think about it….
Why do you rehearse conversations in advance? Because some part of you believes that your unfiltered thoughts aren't acceptable.
Why do you sacrifice to the point of exhaustion and resentment for others? Because some part of you believes that your worth depends on what you DO for others.
Why do you feel devastated by criticism? Because some part of you believes that your mistakes are proof of your deepest fear — that you're not good enough.
(Quick side note: these behaviors aren't actually the real problem — which is why “more skills” won’t cut it — they are your mind's solutions to past problems. The heightened alertness to others' needs, the careful monitoring of your words, the achievement orientation — these were brilliant strategies that helped you stay emotionally safe and maintain connection with important people in your life.)
So, the path forward is actually THIS…
Not just being seen by others, but finally seeing yourself clearly and recognizing your worth as a person. Just as you are.
Not just being accepted by the people in your life, but accepting yourself — without conditions or exceptions.
Not just connecting more deeply with others, but reconnecting with parts of yourself you've had to hide away because they felt too vulnerable, too messy, or too much.
This will feel unfamiliar at first, especially for someone who is used to focusing your energy on what other people need from you.
But as you begin to value yourself for who you ARE — rather than what you DO, EARN, or ACCOMPLISH — something very interesting happens…
You feel better.
You feel less anxious, less on high-alert, and less compelled to people-please.
Imagine going about your life without the constant anxiety, and instead…
Having conversations that feel genuine and real — no more monitoring or filtering your every word
Letting your partner and friends care for you and put your needs first — without you having to do something to “earn” it first
Allowing “good enough” to be truly enough when it comes to work projects and tasks
And this is NOT because you learned “better skills” and got an A+ in therapy. It’s because you no longer need to cope with feeling unworthy, unloved, and unaccepted.
It’s because you finally healed what is causing the anxiety in the first place.
and Because of this, sessions with me will be different from the past Anxiety therapy you’ve had…
I use therapy methods that go beyond just talking to help you access emotions at a deeper level, where long-term change actually happens.
I combine art therapy (also known as expressive arts therapy or creative arts therapy) and somatic therapy (also known as body awareness) when working with my clients.
Before we meet for our first online session, I’ll give you a simple list of recommended art materials to bring with you to our weekly telehealth sessions. These are basic supplies like oil pastels, colored pencils, or paint.
Meeting online offers my clients some advantages because you'll be exploring these approaches in the same environment (your home, your office, or your home office!) where you experience many of your anxious thoughts and reactions.
Art Therapy & Somatic therapy For Anxiety In Eugene
Remember — the work we’re doing is not about achieving new skills or becoming "better" at managing yourself. It's about discovering what's already there beneath the veneer you've developed. And we do this by working with the art materials (art therapy) and body awareness (somatic therapy).
Our work together creates permission…
To have your feelings — without fixing them
To experience — without analyzing or overthinking
To just be — without the pressure of producing, earning, managing, or accomplishing
When you create art that captures a feeling you couldn’t previously name, or notice tension in your body during certain conversations, you're not “learning a skill” — you’re recognizing your own experience.
This recognition by itself changes your experience in a way that endless “self-improvement” cannot.
Perhaps most importantly, this approach shifts how you relate to yourself — from treating yourself as a project to fix or optimize, to being with yourself as you would with someone you deeply value and respect.
You learn to keep yourself company rather than constantly evaluate your performance.
The new approaches we’ll use are really just bridges to a different relationship with yourself.
who THIS IS for
This is for you if…
You’ve experienced success in your life but you continue to feel a sense of emptiness and loneliness you haven’t been able to shake
You’re ready to try something different besides performing and earning — you’re done trying to optimize yourself
The idea of somatic and art therapy is appealing to you because either you don’t like the idea of talk therapy, or it hasn’t worked well for you in the past
who THIS IS not for
This is not for you if…
You are only looking for more “techniques” or “skills” to manage your anxiety
You’re not ready to really commit to therapy — you’re still deciding if this is something you want
You need in person therapy sessions, evening or weekend availability, or you need to use insurance benefits for anxiety counseling
Hi, I’m Jen
I don’t do therapy that lets you hide behind your “I'm fine” mask.
Through our work together using art therapy and somatic approaches, you’ll get in touch with parts of yourself that feel risky to express, and discover who you are underneath the intellect and performance.
The crazy part? You’ll come to find you actually like her.
Credentials & fine print…
MA Marylhurt University 2008
Oregon Licensed Professional Counselor
Oregon Licensed Art Therapist
Serving The Eugene Metro Area
I provide anxiety therapy via secure telehealth sessions to Eugene-Area Residents, including:
Eugene • Springfield • Coburg • Veneta • Creswell • Cottage Grove • Junction City • Monroe • Harrisburg • Dexter • Lowell • Elmira • Cheshire • Alvadore • Noti
Crisis Resources: If you're experiencing a mental health emergency, please contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988, White Bird Clinic at (541) 687-4000, or go to PeaceHealth Sacred Heart Medical Center emergency room.
Contact me
Let’s get started.
Contact me to schedule a complimentary consultation, or your first therapy appointment.
Complete this form and I’ll be back in touch via email, text, or phone within 1-2 business days.
Call or Text
503-974-4140
jduncanlpc@gmail.com
MAILING ADDRESS (Services are conducted 100% online)
4207 SE Woodstock Blvd. #398 Portland, OR 97206
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This is for high-achievers who have everything together on the outside but are exhausted from constantly reading everyone's mood, people-pleasing, and hiding your real self because you're convinced you have to earn the right to be loved.
This is not for the type of person who wants a quick fix or who doesn’t have the time and capacity to put the required work in. -
Yes, I am currently accepting new clients. I generally work Monday through Wednesday. I have limited afternoon availability, so please contact me to inquire about hours.
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No, I only see clients online.
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My fee is $250 for 55-minutes. If you prefer to work more intensively, I offer 90-minute sessions for $375. If you’d like to schedule a half-day or a multi-day therapy intensive, please see my rates page for more information about package options.
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No, I am not in-network with any insurance company. I would be happy to provide a Superbill (an itemized receipt) for you to submit to your insurance company for reimbursement.
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I primarily use art therapy (also called expressive art therapy, or creative art therapy) and somatic therapy.
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Yes, but only when it will be helpful and effective for you. If you’ve already had a lot of talk therapy, it’s likely time to try a more body-based approach.
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I offer complimentary 30-minute consultations to prospective clients so that you and I can get a feel for what it will be like to work together. However, if that doesn’t work for you, I’d be happy to schedule your intake appointment.
Please scroll down to my contact form, or send me a message on my contact page and I will respond within 48 business hours with my availability.
frequently asked questions About working with me
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Yes. Many people with anxiety live full, successful lives. Therapy can help you manage symptoms so anxiety doesn't control your choices.
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Therapy that addresses root causes, not just symptoms. Art therapy and somatic therapy help by working with your body and emotions, not just your thoughts.
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There's no single "strongest" natural remedy. Deep breathing, regular exercise, and therapy that helps you understand your anxiety patterns are most effective long-term.
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Often early experiences where you learned the world wasn't safe, relationships where you had to be “perfect,” or trauma that taught your nervous system to stay on high alert.
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There isn't one universal trigger. For many people, it's situations where they feel judged, out of control, or like they might be rejected.
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Slow, deep breathing. Feel your feet on the ground. Name 5 things you can see around you. These help calm your nervous system in the moment.
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Usually that something doesn't feel safe - emotionally or physically. It's your body's alarm system trying to protect you.
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There isn't one single cause. It's usually a combination of genetics, brain chemistry, and life experiences — especially early relationships.
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Panic attacks, avoiding normal activities, constant worry that interferes with work or relationships, physical symptoms like racing heart or trouble sleeping.
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Anxiety can be significantly reduced with proper treatment. Most people learn to manage it so well it doesn't interfere with their lives.
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Somatic therapy, art therapy, and trauma-focused therapies that help you process experiences stored in your body and emotions, not just talk about them.
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Learn to recognize when past experiences are affecting present relationships. Therapy helps you understand your patterns and develop healthier ways of connecting.
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Through therapy that helps you process what happened and learn that not all relationships will hurt you. Art and somatic therapy let you work through feelings without just talking.
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Therapies that work with your body and nervous system, like somatic therapy, combined with creative approaches like art therapy. Traditional talk therapy alone often isn't enough.
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No. Relational trauma is ongoing harm in relationships. PTSD is a specific set of symptoms that can result from any traumatic event, including relational trauma.
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Yes, I offer specialized therapy for anxiety and complex PTSD to Eugene clients online. This gives Eugene residents access to specialized approaches that combine art therapy and somatic work, which may not be available locally.
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Eugene clients often struggle with social anxiety, academic performance anxiety (especially those connected to the University of Oregon), and eco-anxiety related to environmental concerns. Many working in Eugene's timber industry, healthcare sector, or educational institutions are sensitive individuals who feel overwhelmed by workplace and environmental pressures.
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Eugene clients with complex PTSD often experienced childhood emotional abuse or neglect. They frequently struggle with feeling "different" or like they don't belong, despite Eugene's accepting community culture.
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Eugene has White Bird Clinic for crisis intervention, Lane County Mental Health services, and the University of Oregon Counseling Center (for students). PeaceHealth Sacred Heart Medical Center provides emergency psychiatric services.
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If you need immediate support between our sessions in Eugene, contact White Bird Clinic's crisis services at 541-687-4000 for mobile crisis intervention, or call the Lane County Mental Health crisis line. For psychiatric emergencies, PeaceHealth Sacred Heart Medical Center provides emergency mental health services. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (988) is also available 24/7. We'll develop a personalized crisis plan together so you feel prepared and know your local options.
frequently asked questions About therapy for anxiety
