Jim Christup, M.S.W.

Individuals · Couples · Groups
Workshops · Adults

Licensed Clinical Social Worker
License No: LCS 15151

About My Practice

As children, we naturally construct ways of seeing the world that protect us from getting hurt. But as adults, our habitual ways of dealing with life can become core beliefs that no longer serve us. Instead of protecting you, they show up in our bodies and emotions: we may feel anxious, depressed, lonely, unable to really connect with others. Anxiety, for example, expresses the belief that “It’s not safe to go out into the world,” protecting you from being hurt but also keeping you isolated.

Life has more to offer than that. In therapy, I support you gently as we work together to remove these limits so that you can be in the world the way your really are.

In the calm, safe environment of therapy, you can feel listened to, understood, and truly seen. As the confusion clears, you can begin to understand who you are. As your therapist, I act as guide and advocate for the person you are capable of being. Together, we can build on your strengths and resources to discover what resonates deeply, and explore new more satisfying and joyful ways of being in the world.

I employ an integrated body/mind/spirit approach to psychotherapy based in my Hakomi training. I have experience in working with many problems, including relationship difficulties, depression, anxiety, isolation, stress, blocks to creativity, and life transitions. I have a special interest in working with LGBT/Queer issues, couples, and adults who have history of childhood abuse, neglect or trauma.

Professional Interests:

• Working with gay/lesbian/bisexual issues, healing from negative messages received from society, church, and family, and developing a more self-affirming identity. Some clients find that a gay-identified therapist increases their comfort level in therapy.
• Supporting adult survivors of childhood physical, sexual, and emotional abuse and neglect, which can cause problems in adult functioning and fulfillment in life.
• Healing from trauma and post-traumatic stress. Symptoms of PTSD may include intrusive thoughts or images, avoidance, hyper-vigilance, an overactive startle response, irritability, or outbursts of anger.
• Working with relationship problems such as negative communication, criticisms, unrealistic expectations, withdrawal, and feeling stuck in non-productive interactions.
• Exploring symptoms of depression: a depressed mood that you cannot shake off, decreased pleasure in life, problems functioning well in work or personal life, lack of motivation, isolation, low energy, low self-esteem, and feelings of inadequacy.
• Exploring symptoms of anxiety: this might be experienced as restlessness, being on edge, tension, worry, stress, an inability to relax, problems sleeping, excessive fear or worry, or panic attacks.

Education:

• MSW, Portland State University, 1981

Experience / Training:

• Twenty-five years clinical experience including private practice and community agency settings.
• Professional Training in Resolving Trauma, Sensorimotor Psychotherapy Institute, 2001.
• Professional Training in Hakomi Body-Oriented Psychotherapy, Hakomi Institute of San Francisco, 1998.

Professional Affiliations / Activities

• National Association of Social Workers
• NASW Qualified Clinical Social Worker & NASW Diplomate in Clinical Social Work
• Gay and Lesbian Therapist’s Association (GAYLESTA).