Richard Halpern, MA

Couples Counseling

Communication is key.  I help couples communicate in a collaborative way. Our goal? To feel seen, heard and understood, to foster better connection and intimacy.  I can help you:

• Deal positively with conflict and establish ground rules to work it out so that you feel closer and can manage whatever comes your way.

• Define your relationship roles.  Who does what in your relationship dance? How can we get you more in synch?

• Improve how you two communicate. Do your respective communication styles lead to a happier and lasting loving relationship?

• Clarify your values as a couple.  Do you have similar priorities?

• Decide if you want to have children and examine how it will change your life together.

Co-Parenting Support for Couples and Individuals

Parenting is hard! Parenting is amazing! You love being a parent and yet sometimes feel like you can’t juggle all of life’s responsibilities.  It takes a lot of work and practice for a couple to feel their co-parenting relationship is going really well. Then mix in different parenting styles or separate homes, and you have a recipe for either teamwork or more conflict. I can help!  How can you focus on your adult relationship, and still put your children’s needs first?

What can you do together to enhance communication, relationship roles, and boundaries as a team? I work with parents who may be coupled, separated, or parenting solo who seek simple strategies to tackle the daily decision points that go with being a loving parent and resolving conflicts. At the heart of it all, is learning how to manage and regulate your own stress. Equally important, is helping your children develop better communication skills, strengthen their confidence, and improve self-regulation strategies at home or school.

My counseling approach is rooted in a client-centered model which focuses upon speaking openly, non-judgmentally, and positively communicating with each other.  We find your co-parenting compass bearings, then help you feel confident to make the very best parenting choices together. Our goal: to add skills to your parenting tool kit, which will positively impact your entire family immediately.

Counseling your Teenager

Do you have a teenager in need of counseling for behavior, emotional, or school related challenges?  I can help. I’ve spent many years helping teenagers feel better and more confident in themselves as a Licensed School Counselor. Let’s explore if you would like to set up an individual session for your teenager.

Professional Experience

I have over 30 years of experience working with parents and couples in day-to-day situations. I’m a Licensed School Counselor in Oregon and I’ve worked at every grade level with students (K-12).  I teach Parent Education classes for Family Court in Portland, am an Adjunct Faculty Member at Mt. Hood Community College, and have led many parenting groups at schools and in communities. My Masters is in Counseling from the University of Montana.  I’m also a certified Trauma Informed Coach.

I’m an Oregon Registry Master Trainer,  Certified Positive Discipline Parent Educator, and Class Facilitator for the nationally recognized Nurturing Parenting Programs.

Personally and professionally, I’m committed to racial and social justice, and recognize the diversity of partnerships (LBGTQIA+). As a Counselor,  being my best means acknowledging any implicit bias I may have and shifting with that insight.

Being a father of two wonderful kids, I’ve “been there” learning how to positively co-parent and really relate to this journey. I love integrating a passion for nature, protecting wild places, and outdoor play into teaching. When offline, I’m likely hiking in the mountains, windsurfing in the Columbia River Gorge, or cross-country skiing.

Email: couplesclinicpdx@gmail.com

The Couples Clinic of Portland

Individual and Couple Therapy in Portland Oregon.

Teletherapy (video therapy) for all residents of the state of Oregon

Three locations in the Alphabet District of NW Portland

Main office 811 NW 19th Ave Suite 301E, Portland  OR  97209

Phone:
503-866-0299