patrick borkland, pc
Specialties: Individual, Couples
My name is Patrick Borkland (he/him/his) and I believe that change and growth begin with healthy and compassionate relationships - relationships to others, but also to ourselves. I work with both individuals and couples to explore and rework burdensome relational strategies that hinder our ability to work through the hardships that life throws at us. Whether you struggle with anxiety, depression, or difficult life transitions, I strive to create a space of curiosity and compassion for our work.
My approach is warm and conversational as I seek to utilize our therapeutic relationship as the backboard for change. Sessions with me look more explorative, tracking patterns in your life and in your relationship that give us helpful insight. While you lead the ship, you can expect me to steer us back to what our roles are and how we can instill more accountability within ourselves. This approach is particularly helpful with couples treatment as we rework approaches that hinder rather than help.
My goal is to foster a sense of agency in your life! Those of us that struggle with uncertainty, helplessness, and fear tend to hold a lot of shame. And shame can be debilitating. With the use of frameworks like Relational Life Therapy and Internal Family Systems Therapy, we'll work together to identify unhelpful relational patterns, collaborate on adjustments that fit your specific needs, and make space for any emotion you come through the door with. I received my Master's Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Northwestern University, and their focus was anchored in integrating psychodynamic theory with other frameworks. After working within The Therapy Group, I've gained a more systematic way of thinking to include the context of your relationships, personal life, and the impact of your culture. I also take from Narrative Therapy to help clients work towards more meaningful and fulfilling lives.
What I love most about being a therapist comes from the connections I form with my clients. I feel immense privilege to be a part of my clients' lives, even if those moments are difficult and filled with hardship. There isn't anything more rewarding than helping others learn compassion and accountability for the self. But outside of therapy my free time is spent exercising, hiking, reading high-fantasy novels, watching nature documentaries, and playing Dungeons & Dragons!
