Hi, I’m Scott Rower, PhD.
but I just go by Scott.
I work as a clinical psychologist but you might think of me as a deconstructor of unhelpful patterns, a trust builder, a facilitator of self-awareness — in short, a safe & enthusiastic guide for growth.
I help people who are stuck with some emotional or relationship problem and their usual way of coping isn’t helping. In fact, it’s probably making things worse.
How I Help
Research is clear – modern, effective therapy has two essential elements.
#1 | For therapy to be effective you need a therapist that you connect with & who feels safe to open up with. Studies show this is the biggest predictor of therapy being successful. This is essential, but it alone isn’t sufficient.
#2 | In order to make deep, lasting changes the therapy should be following proven maps (or emotional change models) based on research to shift underlying, core internal conflicts. Addressing root causes, not just fixing symptoms.
I have studied intensively how people get stuck & how to help them to get unstuck using well researched emotional change maps. You can read a summary of that here – The Therapy Process
Fellow Travelers
In my work with people I find it’s easiest for both of us if we relate less as doctor and patient and more as fellow humans. Every person alive has some mental/emotional stuff they’re struggling with and working through. This certainly includes me.
If our relationship is on this even ground, it’s easier for us to get comfortable talking about things that can be hard to talk about.
My Pledge to You
I assure you though that if you decide to work with me you are getting a therapist that is committed to excellence.
It’s hard to define what that means in few words, so I wrote an answer to the most common question I get about my work that touches on what the value of ‘excellence’ as a therapist means to me.
The Single Most Common Question I Get as a Psychologist
Education & Credentials
FORMAL CLINICAL TRAINING
Post-Doctoral Fellowship – Portland, OR
Intensive study of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) at Portland Psychotherapy Clinic, Research & Training Center (2013)
Post-Doctoral Fellowship – Fort Collins, CO
On call psychologist at a primary care medical center (2012)
Pre-Doctoral Internship – Long Beach, CA
Evidenced-based therapy for dual diagnosis (addiction + mental health issues) (2011)
DEGREES
PhD in Clinical Psychology
Alliant University – California School of Professional Psychology (2011)
Emphasis in Health Psychology
Dissertation on bridging East & West models of mental health
MA in Clinical Psychology
Alliant University – California School of Professional Psychology (2008)
PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
Oregon Psychological Association
International Society for Emotion Focused Therapy