Recommended: EHNW’s May Professional Salong

Sitting in the ‘Not- Knowing’: Uncertainty as Clinical Practice

Co-facilitated by: Carol Swanson LCSW, ACSW, & Sofia Elias, MA

Date: Saturday, May 16th, 2026
Time: 10 am–12:00 pm Pacific Time
Fee: $0-20 | Free for EHNW Affiliates & $20 for General

Online: via Zoom
Host: Existential-Humanistic Northwest (EHNW)

In this salon, participants explore the role of uncertainty in therapy – not as something to eliminate, but as something to tolerate, and to work with. “What does it ask of us to stay present when we don’t yet know what’s happening? What capacities are required to hold that space without rushing to closure? And how might our willingness to remain in ‘Not-Knowing’ deepen the therapeutic process?”

The facilitators will begin with a few framing thoughts, with most of our time together devoted to conversation and experiential engagement.

The facilitators are excited about being open and curious with everyone as participants explore this topic together! 

About the Facilitators

Carol Swanson, LCSW, ACSW, has been in private practice in Portland, OR, for over forty years. She cofounded the Portland Gestalt Therapy Training Institute and has trained therapists in Europe, Australia, and the US. Her current interests are studying philosophical resources for humanistic clinicians. Although semi-retired, clinical work is still rewarding work, along with living outdoors in her garden, on her bike, her kayak, or on the trails.

Sofia Elias, MA has been in private practice as a Relationship Coach in Portland, OR, for 16 years. She holds a Master’s degree in Spiritual Psychology. Sofia is trained in Terry Real’s Relational Life Therapy (Certified), Hendrix & La Hunt’s Imago Relationship Therapy (Certified), Sue Johnson’s Emotionally-Focused Therapy, Bader-Pearson’s Developmental Model, and Martha Kauppi’s work with sexual issues. All of her work is supported by the Existential-Humanistic model, which she holds as the foundation for all other methodologies. Outside of the office, Sofia enjoys spending time with her loved ones and two cats, learning new things (currently ukulele), doing crosswords, perusing Little Free Libraries, and spending lots of time in nature in the beautiful Pacific Northwest. 

Registration >>

Questions? Please note that this workshop is hosted by our friends at Existential-Humanistic Northwest (EHNW) in Portland. For any questions, contact them at event-host@ehnwpdx.org.

EHNW Vision Statement: Existential-Humanistic NorthWest is here to impact the world through our commitment to and passion for existential-humanistic values of authenticity, integrity, responsibility, inter-connectedness, inclusion, and awe.