Im a self admittedly picky person, and being brand new to Portland, I figured I'd naturally go through several therapists before finding the best fit for me. I was so wrong! Within 90 seconds of meeting Aaron, I knew there was an impalpable connection and vibe that I immediately gravitated toward.
He allows me to share thoughts that can be critical and harsh. He doesn't sit with a notebook and take "notes" on what I'm saying; rather, he is intently listening and very focused on talking about and solving what I want to discuss. I've never felt like he 'wasn't listening' or that he 'didnt get it.'
He doesn't force me in any particular direction either- instead, he has this really incredible way of making ME answer my own questions. I start off asking him to please tell me what I should do in a given situation, and while I sometimes just want him to give me the "answer," he says just enough until I realize that I just answered the question I was begging him for an answer for myself!
He picks out strengths quickly, and I really believe him when he speaks. He is also refreshingly realistic- he knows life is tough and expensive and it can suck and he totally gets that. He relates and almost grieves with you as you admit defeat; he reminds you that healing is really painful without sugar coating; and he emphasizes that no matter how perceptive he may be, the future is an uncertainty we must all surrender to.
I especially love how he doesn't try a technique or speak to me in a way he might speak to his next client- I can tell he really custom tailors each session in a natural way. He knew immediately what type of approach would work for me- and that is one that requires blunt honesty and a level of reassurance. I have even told him that giving me a yes or no answer will not offend me- and he has taken that and used it to help me.
I have told him of job stresses, family issues, traumas in my life, my habits I wish to break, my addictions that have nearly ruined my life and of tragedies in my life with relationships that I just can't piece together myself. He doesn't tell me whether I will end up with a certain person in my life, because he is smart enough to acknowledge he simply doesn't know.
Aaron has helped me understand grief and healing, even though those subjects are not ones I enjoy talking about. He knows they are likely the core root of a lot of my negative choices and behaviors, and so he brings up the grieving process cautiously because he knows I need it. I have ferociously resisted to him the idea of "moving on," and I have told him with conviction that I refuse to accept certain losses and for that reason, I will not grieve a loss I don't want. He accepts that. However, he still will remind me it's going to happen regardless. It's something I can't fight. Although he may disagree, I truly believe that he knows me and what is best for me more than I do myself.
Another key factor is while he is calm and mellow, he is quick witted, charismatic and has a sense of humor. I often bring cynicism to my sessions and I often make a joke out of certain predicaments I am in, and instead of maintaining a straight face like a robot, he lets out the perfect amount of laughter that lets me know that not only does he understand me, but it's an acknowledgment that while we all want to live our best life, it's okay to not take yourself too seriously.
Aaron checks in on me and emails me, and encourages me to email him or call him if I need to. I've shared quotes and songs and I've emailed him with questions, and I always can't wait for his feedback. When I leave his office, I truly cannot wait until I go back. Aaron has an uncanny way of making me realize that my job, relationship and depression will all sort it's way out. Anyone can say that, but when Aaron says it, I actually believe it.
What is most intriguing to me is that he possesses this gift that comes so natural to him that I don't even think he realizes just HOW impactful he is. Because he is simply being himself, I sometimes believe he doesn't realize the extent of what he is even doing for me emotionally. For him, he may think he is just helping me sort out some issues, but for me, he's become this pillar of hope and inspiration and calmness. He is incredibly humble about his unique ability to create comfort just by listening, and because he really caters to my specific personality and my specific issues at hand, it's always a very obvious customized experience. Nothing is repetitive or routine or generic at all.
I highly recommend Aaron no matter what age and regardless of your circumstances. To have Aaron in my weekly life is something I am eternally grateful for and I cannot stress enough to reach out to him if you simply want to talk to someone. You can thank me later :) read more