Chris Bradshaw, PhD, LPC

My Approach to Helping

More Info About My Practice

Below is more in-depth information about the modalities I practice. I provide a free 15-minute initial consultation and am happy to answer any further questions.

Existential-Humanistic Approach
Existential-Humanistic (EH) therapy is the core and foundation of my practice, focusing on therapeutic presence, life’s meaning, self-awareness, and existential concerns like freedom, responsibility, authenticity, and “awe” (the humility and wonder for living).

"The value of psychotherapy lies in its ability to facilitate profound change—not just at the level of symptom relief, but at the level of personal transformation and a deepened sense of life’s possibilities." (Kirk Schneider, PhD, leading EH and depth psychologist)

"Humanistic psychology provides a framework for understanding the conditions that promote growth, creativity, and self-actualization, which are essential for leading a fulfilling and vibrant life." (Scott Barry Kaufman, PhD, leading cognitive and humanistic psychologist)

Existential-Humanistic (EH) psychotherapy is an approach that helps you explore life's deeper questions—like who you are, what your purpose is, and how to live authentically. It combines two powerful perspectives: existential therapy, which explores how to find meaning and purpose in life, and humanistic therapy, which emphasizes personal growth and self-fulfillment. Together, these approaches guide you in transforming challenges like anxiety, guilt, and loneliness into opportunities for freedom, creativity, hope, and connection.

EH therapy is rooted in the belief that every person has the potential for growth when provided the right environment and support. It recognizes that we all have fundamental needs for safety, connection, purpose, exploration, and transcendence. When these needs are blocked, we suffer. EH therapy helps you identify and remove these barriers so you can start living a life that aligns with your true values.

The heart of EH therapy is a warm, non-judgmental, and collaborative relationship between therapist and client. This partnership fosters deeper self-awareness, empowering you to confront what holds you back and embrace what matters most. Over time, you'll become more present, confident, and connected to your highest values and purpose, gaining the courage to make choices that shape a more fulfilling life.

In EH therapy, you are the hero of your own story. The therapist is your guide, helping you navigate life’s uncertainties and find your unique path to growth, creativity, and authentic living. Ultimately, EH therapy is about empowering you to lead a life filled with meaning, resilience, and a deep love for being fully human.

Somatic Experiencing Approach
Somatic Experiencing is an important element in my practice practice, helping clients to heal from trauma and other issues. It is different from the EH approach, and yet related in that they both emphasize depth, the experiential, and the relational. They support each other powerfully. Often SE operates by gradually orienting the client to the here and now, enhancing personal strengths, and focusing on bodily sensations to release tension and support emotional healing.

"Somatic Experiencing works by helping individuals complete the fight, flight, freeze, or fold responses that were thwarted during trauma. By gently guiding clients to reconnect with their bodily sensations, SE allows them to process and release the residual energy that is stuck in their nervous system." (Peter Levine, PhD)

SE therapy is a body-focused approach to healing trauma and stress-related conditions. SE often focuses on how your body holds and processes stress and trauma. Sometimes, when we go through difficult or overwhelming experiences, our bodies store the energy and tension from those events. This can lead to a variety of physical and emotional symptoms, like anxiety, chronic pain, or feeling stuck in certain patterns.

In therapy sessions, we’ll gently work on helping your body release this stored energy. We’ll do this by paying attention to the sensations in your body, like tightness, warmth, or tingling, and allowing these sensations to gradually move through and out of your system. It’s a bit like slowly unwinding a spring that’s been tightly wound for a long time.

The idea is that by reconnecting with your body and allowing it to complete the natural processes that were interrupted during the traumatic event, you can find relief from symptoms and regain a sense of balance and well-being. We’ll move at your own pace, and I’ll guide you in noticing and safely experiencing these physical sensations, so you can heal from the inside out.

This therapy helps you become more aware of your body’s natural capacity to heal and recover from trauma, leading to a greater sense of calm and resilience.

Both EH and SE therapy believe that individuals have the capacity to heal. The purpose of the therapy, ultimately, is to unblock those capacities so that the natural healing can transpire.

Specific Issue(s) I'm Skilled at Helping With

Anxiety, Depression, Anxiety, PSTD and trauma issues, attachment wounds, career counseling, life transitions, grief, self-esteemconfidenceassertiveness issues, anger management, relationship challenges, loneliness, spiritual concerns, issues actualizing creativityartistic goals, and more.