What’s the Difference Between Anxiety and Depression?

A smiling man with long, curly dark hair and a beard, wearing a white shirt and hoop earrings, leaning against a textured stone wall.

Anxiety and depression can look similar, but they often affect daily life in different ways. At Holistic Community Therapy, we support adults across the community who feel overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure what they’re experiencing. Through our holistic, occupational therapy-informed approach, we help people understand patterns impacting mood, stress, and everyday functioning. As a group practice, […]

Coping Mechanisms for Depression and Anxiety When Living with Chronic Conditions

Hand with bandage and flowers representing healing from chronic illness and emotional recovery

Living with a chronic condition can affect more than the body, it can quietly shape how we think, feel, and move through daily life. In our Portland practice, we often meet people managing ongoing health challenges while also carrying anxiety, low mood, or emotional fatigue, many of whom benefit from targeted support like anxiety therapy. […]

Occupational Therapy vs Physical Therapy What’s the Difference

Person standing with arms raised at sunset representing recovery, independence, and improved mobility through occupational therapy and physical therapy.

Occupational therapy and physical therapy are often confused but they serve different purposes. Physical therapy focuses on restoring movement, strength and reducing pain after injury or surgery. Occupational therapy focuses on helping people function in everyday life things like managing routines, returning to work or handling daily responsibilities with more confidence. As an occupational therapist […]

Difference Between OT and PT in Brain Injury Recovery

visualization of neural connections in the brain symbolizing neuroplasticity during traumatic brain injury rehabilitation

If you’re looking for brain injury support in Portland, Oregon, you may be wondering whether occupational therapy (OT) or physical therapy (PT) is the right fit. After a traumatic brain injury, it’s not always clear who does what, or where to begin. As an occupational therapist and founder of Holistic Community Therapy here in Portland, […]

Is Depression a Disability?

Silhouette of a bird flying in a grey sky representing isolation and emotional weight linked to depression and disability

Is depression considered a disability? That’s a question a lot of us ask, especially when daily life feels extra heavy. Depression isn’t just sadness, it can make even simple routines feel impossible. But when does this cross the line into disability? Defining depression as a disability is important. It affects not only how we view […]

Understanding Attention and Executive Function Differences: Meaning, Patterns, and Core Signs

Heart-shaped candies arranged in a pattern with one different color, symbolizing neurodiversity and how ADHD brains differ

Attention and executive functioning differences refer to patterns that affect how the brain manages attention, self-control, and activity levels. These patterns often show up in childhood, sometimes before age 12, but they can continue into adulthood as well. You might notice challenges with focus, sitting still, or following through on everyday tasks. These attention and […]

Does Therapy Help with Anxiety?

Pink lotus flower symbolizing healing, calm, and emotional balance through therapy for anxiety

Therapy truly does help with anxiety, plain and simple. Countless people have found real relief and lasting change through various forms of therapy, from talk-based sessions to more hands-on approaches. It isn’t just about reducing anxiety symptoms like worry and panic. The real magic of therapy is how it helps us untangle what’s behind those […]

What Is a Trauma Therapist?

Silhouetted hands reaching toward a plant, symbolizing healing, safety, and growth in trauma therapy.

A trauma therapist is a licensed mental health professional who specializes in supporting people as they recover from deeply distressing or harmful experiences. Their main job is to help individuals process and heal from psychological trauma, whether it’s rooted in childhood, recent events, or ongoing stress. Unlike general counselors or therapists, trauma therapists are equipped […]

What Do Occupational Therapists Do?

Close-up of a flower with morning dew representing growth, healing, and transformation through occupational therapy.

Occupational therapists help you live life on your own terms, no matter what kind of challenges you’re facing. Their job is to support people who have physical injuries, illnesses, or mental health struggles, anything that can mess with your daily routines. Whether it’s relearning to dress after an injury or finding new ways to manage […]

How Does Therapy Help With Depression?

Hand holding a dried plant in a barren field symbolizing depression and emotional struggle

If you’re struggling with depression, you might wonder if therapy really makes a difference. The truth is, therapy isn’t just about talking, it’s designed to help you understand your feelings, break tough patterns, and build real-life skills one step at a time. You’ll get to learn about proven therapy approaches, how these actually help with […]