Therapy in Johns Landing and online

Therapy in Southwest Portland for people who look fine and feel far away

I'm Paul Walsh, a licensed marriage and family therapist. I help adults in Portland feel steady again after a loss, a big change or a hard stretch.

Book a free 15-minute callSee what I help with
Paul Walsh, LMFT, smiling outdoors in a green garden

In-network: Regence BlueCross BlueShield · Aetna · Moda Health · First Choice Health

Plan and state restrictions apply · Superbills available · HSA accepted

17 years in practice · Licensed in OR, WA and CA

Maybe this sounds familiar

You're good at your job. People count on you. From the outside, it all looks handled.

Inside, it's different. You replay conversations. You feel numb in moments that should matter. Some days the world looks flat or far away, and you wonder if something is wrong with you. Maybe you've been told you're too sensitive, or that you should be over it by now.

I don't think you're too much. I think you're paying attention.

What starts to feel different

Every path looks different. These are the changes people work toward with me.

Present in your own lifeFewer days behind glass. More moments that actually land.
Out of your headLess replaying conversations and checking yourself for what's wrong.
Steadier under stressHard weeks still come, with more ground under your feet.
Room for griefFeeling a loss at a pace you can carry, instead of pushing it down.
Back in touch with what you wantKnowing what you feel and need, and saying it out loud.
Really there with your peopleLess going through the motions at home. More actually showing up.

What I help with

Each of these is a different way of feeling disconnected. Choose the one that sounds most like you.

Feeling unrealThat foggy, behind-glass feeling after a hard stretch, or after cannabis or psilocybin. Often called derealization.Learn about derealization Grief and lossA death, an estrangement, or the quiet loss of a future you expected. Grief at your pace, without being rushed to closure.Grief counseling DivorceWhether you're deciding, separating or rebuilding. Individual support, and help staying steady for your kids.Divorce counseling Big transitions and new dadsA move, a first baby, a layoff, a diagnosis. For the stretch when the old map stops working.Life transitions Anxiety and health anxietyFor the 2 a.m. symptom search and the mind that won't clock out.Anxiety therapy Highly sensitive peopleFor people who can read every room except their own, and have lost track of what they actually want.Therapy for highly sensitive people

“That foggy, unreal feeling can be a signal that something deserves attention. Together, we explore your symptoms, stressors and possible contributors, including whether medical input would help.”

Your sensitivity, worry and feelings of disconnection deserve to be understood. We take time to explore what they mean in your life and what support may help.

Read how I think about derealization

How we start

A free 15-minute call

A chance to discuss what you're looking for and explore whether working together may be a good fit.

A first session at your pace

You don't need the right words to begin. We will approach difficult topics at a manageable pace. I will also ask the questions needed to understand your needs and support your safety.

One small step

My aim is to offer a supportive space, begin understanding what brings you in, and agree on a manageable next step together.

See what your first session is like →

Paul Walsh's therapy office in Johns Landing, Portland, with two armchairs, a small desk and a framed lighthouse print

Hi, I'm Paul

I've spent 17 years working with adults in community mental health, at Kaiser Permanente and in private practice. At Quiet Light, I focus on grief, divorce, big transitions and experiences of derealization. I'm a licensed marriage and family therapist, a dad, and someone who pays attention when you're hesitant about where to begin.

“He always had a strong sense of ethics, knowledge of skills, and ease with client relationships that I admired. His approach is strengths-focused, dynamic, and well-rounded.”

E and Bee Somatic Therapy, LCSW · Colleague at Kaiser Permanente

More about me

In person in Johns Landing

5901 S Macadam Ave #100, Portland, OR 97239. Along SW Macadam Avenue near the Willamette River and Willamette Park. About ten minutes from Lake Oswego and Sellwood, and a short drive from Downtown, South Waterfront and Hillsdale.

Monday to Thursday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Online in three states

Secure video sessions for adults in Oregon, Washington and California, from Salem and Bend to Seattle and San Francisco. The same warm, practical work, from wherever you are.

About online therapy

Common questions

Do you take insurance?

Yes. I'm in-network with Regence, Aetna, Moda Health and First Choice Health. Network participation and coverage depend on your specific plan and state. Please confirm that your plan covers services at Quiet Light Counseling before starting. Superbills let you request out-of-network reimbursement; payment depends on your plan.

Is there a therapist in Portland who specializes in derealization?

Yes. I focus on derealization and depersonalization, including after stress, grief, cannabis or psilocybin, in person in Johns Landing and online across Oregon, Washington and California.

Do you work with men specifically?

I work with adults of all genders. Some people, especially men and new dads, would rather talk with a male therapist, and I'm glad to be that person. I'm a dad myself.

What if I'm in crisis?

Quiet Light Counseling isn't a crisis service. Call or text 988, or go to your nearest emergency room.

See all questions

Let's start small

A free 15-minute call gives us a chance to talk about what you need and explore whether working together may be a good fit. I aim to reply within one business day.

Book a free 15-minute call

Or call (503) 208-4911 · paul@quietlightcare.com