Eugene Therapists
Robert “Rob” Mountainspring-Wood
Professional Counselor Associate
“All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us.”
–Gandalf the Grey
I genuinely believe that everyone is capable of change, and that change is both possible, attainable, and sustainable with the right support. Too often people think that their problems are too large and their burdens too heavy, and so they try to go it alone. I commend you for seeking help and inviting me to share in your journey, for as long as you care for my company. As your counselor, it is my job to walk alongside you and to help you as you get closer to the truth, whatever that may be, and confront it head-on. This process may not be easy, this process may even hurt a bit; but through patience, open dialogue, and a desire for change, we can walk this road together as you seek healing.
Change is slow. There is rarely ever a lightning-flash “aha” moment where a person suddenly and radically changes. Change is slow and perpetual – a series of choices that we make day after day. It is because of this that two inividuals will rarely, if ever, have the same therapy story. This is okay and normal, as no two individuals are alike. But regardless of what brings you into counseling, we will make good use of the time that is given to us.
Rob's Approach
My goal is to be a toolbox for clients. I employ a number of skills and modalities, from Lenihanian dialectics (DBT) to cognitive diffusion (ACT), from cognitive restructuring (CBT) to parts work (IFS). First and foremost, however, I rely on building a strong therapeutic alliance with clients to assess when to use a modality and when to just listen. There will be times when I sit and listen to you as you share about your experiences. There will be times when I empathize or encourage you. There will be times when I challenge you. But I will always treat you like a person worthy of respect and dignity.
I meet clients where they are, and through this integrative approach, I can sit with a client through a wide range of needs and experiences, and work collaboratively with the client to meet those needs through evidence-based modalities and human connection. Integration of modalities and skills is very important to me; after all, what good is a toolbox if it only has hammers?
I strive to create a safe and inclusive environment for clients to authentically and freely express who they are as a human.
More About Rob Mountainspring-Wood
Experience
Prior to graduate school, I worked for FARA as a facilitator for their Outgrowing Power, Anger, and Control (OPAC) psychoeducation program, where I developed a passion for deconstruction work with men. In addition, I worked as an intake and exit facilitator for new and graduating clients of the OPAC program. This gave me the honor and privilege of being able to walk with clients through nearly every step of the OPAC program, from beginning to end.
During graduate school, I did my internship with the Bushnell University Mental Health Clinic as an intern counselor working with members of the Eugene community seeking clinical support, as well as work as a counselor with the Bushnell Athletic Department (track and field, men’s soccer, and esports).
After graduate school, I worked as a professional counselor associate for Oregon Directions Counseling (now Zendo Health) before moving to Arise Counseling Service.
Education
I earned an Associate of Arts (Oregon Transfer) from Umpqua Community College in 2018. I earned a Bachelor of Arts (General Social Science – Crime, Law, and Society) from the University of Oregon in 2020. I earned a Master of Arts (Clinical Mental Health Counseling) from Bushnell University in 2023.
Can I Help You?
I treat patients for:
- Anxiety, worry, stress, panic
- Depression, grief, loss, sadness
- Relationship struggles
- Developmental/Autism Spectrum disorder
- LGBTQIA+ related issues
- BIPOC related issues
- Deconstruction work
