Rita Downs , LPC

Rita Downs is a licensed counselor in Oregon with extensive experience in both clinical practice and behavioral health administration. She holds an LPC credential - Licensed Professional Counselor - and has spent two decades providing direct clinical care alongside ten years working in behavioral health administration. Her background gives her a broad perspective on treatment and systems of care.

She has supported people dealing with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, parenting challenges, depression, and related concerns. Rita views each person as the expert of their own story and focuses on building from the individual strengths clients already possess. Her approach emphasizes collaboration, practical tools, and respect for the client’s lived experience.

Rita recognizes that taking the first step toward therapy often takes courage, and she acknowledges the effort involved in beginning the work. She aims to create a welcoming space where people can explore challenges, develop coping strategies, and move toward their goals at a pace that feels right for them.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Care

Rita uses client-centered therapy to place the person’s priorities and strengths at the center of the work - this approach emphasizes listening, empathy, and collaboration to help clients clarify their goals and build on what already works for them. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, is also a common part of her practice; it focuses on identifying unhelpful thoughts and behaviors and developing practical strategies to reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression, and stress.

Motivational Interviewing is another technique Rita may use when helping clients address ambivalence around change, such as with addictions or lifestyle adjustments - it helps people explore their own motivations and commit to steps that fit their values. Choosing the right mix of approaches is part of the therapeutic process, and Rita works collaboratively with each person to determine what methods best match their needs, goals, and preferences.

Online therapy options include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging, offering flexibility for different schedules and comfort levels. These formats make it easier for clients to access licensed professionals and continue consistent care from locations that suit their daily lives.