Rita Downs , LPC

Rita Downs is a licensed counselor in Oregon who brings extensive experience in both clinical practice and behavioral health administration. As an LPC - Licensed Professional Counselor - she works with individuals and families facing a range of challenges, including stress and anxiety, addictions, parenting concerns, depression, ADHD, trauma and abuse, grief, anger, self-esteem struggles, bipolar disorder, and life transitions. She also supports clients dealing with aging and geriatric issues, autism and Asperger syndrome, blended family dynamics, caregiver stress, and other complex, co-occurring concerns.

Rita centers her work on the understanding that each person is the expert of their own story and that people carry strengths they can draw on during difficult times. She combines that respect for clients' expertise with evidence-informed approaches to help people build coping skills, improve relationships, and move toward their goals. Beginning therapy can take a great deal of courage, and Rita acknowledges the effort it takes to reach out and begin the process. She aims to create a respectful, collaborative space where clients can explore challenges and identify practical steps forward.

Therapeutic approaches used in online care

Rita often draws on Client-Centered Therapy, which focuses on creating a respectful, nonjudgmental space where the client’s own goals and values guide the work. This approach is useful for building self-understanding, strengthening confidence, and navigating life transitions. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, is another common tool in her practice - it helps clients identify unhelpful thinking patterns and develop practical skills to manage anxiety, depression, and stress-related behaviors. Motivational Interviewing is used to support people who are ambivalent about change, such as those working on addictions or lifestyle adjustments; it emphasizes collaboration and helps uncover personal motivations for change.

Finding the right therapeutic approach is part of the process, and Rita works collaboratively with each person to determine which methods align with their needs, goals, and preferences. Together they tailor a plan that fits the client’s circumstances and pace.

Online therapy options include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging, offering flexibility for different schedules and communication styles. These options make it easier to access care from home or other convenient locations, support continuity of care during life transitions, and allow clients to choose the format that feels most comfortable for engaging in therapy.