Kaiser (Out-of-Network) Therapists in Portland, OR

I am a queer trans-identified licensed professional therapist practicing clinical psychotherapy for over 16 years. My practice is based out of Portland, OR and Seattle, WA. I specialize in working with teen and adult queer, non-binary, poly populations. I have extensive experience and work with counseling both individuals and couples in a wide variety settings such as primary health care clinics, urban and rural tribal health care, community mental health treatment centers, and major healthcare facilities. received my master's degree in Psychology at Antioch University Seattle in 2008.

Have you been through a difficult experience? I specialize in emotional and relational disorders arising from trauma, sexual abuse, attachment disruptions, and less-than-optimal early childhood experiences. These types of experiences can create life-long distress and difficulty with relationships. Finding the right therapist is an important first step in healing from trauma. My orientation integrates modern neuroscience with relational psychotherapy. In addition to traditional methods, I utilize expressive approaches such as sandtray, play therapy, psychodrama, movement, and art therapy in my practice. I will tailor your sessions to meet your unique needs and ways of expressing yourself.

My journey in mental health began while serving as an assistant pastor, where I addressed community concerns related to immigration and other challenging services. Realizing the need for more specialized care for families, I pursued further education in trauma and crisis management. While managing a busy private practice, I noticed an increasing number of people struggling with OCD and sought specialization to better support them. At NOCD, my team and I specialize in providing evidence-based treatment for OCD. Our deep understanding of the nuances and intricacies of OCD enables us to diagnose and treat it effectively.

My approach as a therapist is to assist you in creating a felt sense of internal connectedness and strength, as well as connectedness to others, and to help reauthor narratives that help you feel embodied and authentic. I work primarily with queer, trans, neurodivergent, and non-monogamous individuals and couples. My work often focuses on healing trauma, gender identity exploration, navigating the intricacies of polycules or exploring non-monogamy, finding empowerment/healing through sex therapy, and how to find space for joy and connection while living under systems of oppression.

You have found your way to my profile because you are seeking relief— from body dissatisfaction and chronic dieting, anxiety, or from feeling exhausted of chasing perfection and always playing by the "rules" of life. On the outside your life may appear totally put together, but deep down you are yearning to feel more deeply connected to yourself and others. I commonly work with young and mid-life adults who are navigating challenges with perfectionism, food and body issues, and gender and sexuality related concerns.

Therapy is writing your own story as we embrace the ‘self as inherently fluid’ and that all individuals are capable of crafting new and empowering stories that include a new sense of self. This is a healing journey, and I'm here to connect with you to explore together the trauma, grief, and other challenging life experiences that prevent you from healing, growing and living the fulfilling life you are seeking.

Do you sometimes feel lonely, frustrated, or unsure about how to parent your child (neurotypical, neurodiverse, highly sensitive, biological, foster, adopted, step-child or inner child)? Has your child received a recent diagnosis and you are wondering what it means and how to start helping them? Is your family experiencing high parental conflict or has been through a recent life transition and needs guidance and support? Or, perhaps, raising your child has caused you to re-examine your own childhood and relationships with members of your family of origin? If so, I would love to be on your "team".

I practice from several approaches, but something that makes me different is my training and ability to practice Anti-Racist Trauma-Informed Care when appropriate and indicated for consenting clients. Unequal access to resources and social prejudice and discrimination creates difference of opportunity that shape people and family’s ability to create sustainable predictability, which often leaders to intergenerational trauma and stress. This area of focus is often disregarded or uncomfortable to discuss, with therapy being little exception to that rule.

I feel that therapy is a space for fostering connections. My approach is rooted in the belief that each individual possesses an inner wisdom that shapes their journey. I have a background in assisting clients dealing with complex trauma, crisis intervention, depression, anxiety, and relationship challenges. My particular focus is on survivors of sexual assault and intimate partner violence.

My practice is centered on adolescents (15+) and adults who need support with exploring emotions and stimulating growth through connection with a mental health professional. My philosophy is that therapy is a journey of self-discovery; no matter what stage of change that one finds themselves, there is room to evolve. I primarily work through a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy & Solution Focused Brief Therapy lens and will use additional orientations based on client need. I believe that healing is worth the journey.

‍‍I really am a child at heart. I see individuals as part of a larger system, via family, community and culture. I believe that the therapeutic alliance I make with my clients is really the heart of therapy and I have seen positive outcomes for my clients when they live confident, happy and healthy lives. Much of my practice focuses on empowering women of all ages to be the best version of themselves. Overall I strive to be the kindest human I can be as I firmly believe that it is the act of true kindness to ourselves and others that allows us the ability to thrive.

My practice offers a compassionate space for those navigating the complexities of anxiety and trauma. Recognizing the profound impact these experiences have on daily life, I prioritize understanding and empathy. Together, we'll explore paths to healing, aiming for resilience and empowerment. By focusing on your strengths and potential, we create a journey tailored to your recovery and growth.

I am seeing new clients! I know how therapy can be: hard, rough, crying, happiness, wisdom, and finding who you are with your body, mind, emotions, and spirit. Together we can find a path that feels healthy and healing. We will find those brick walls on that path and smash them with our hulk hands. I work with clients to develop their strengths into powerful tools. I provide individual therapy and counseling sessions to individuals aged 18 and older. I have a particular passion and expertise in grief/bereavement/loss, trauma, anxiety, existentialism, and depression disorders.

Whether you’re heading off to college, shifting careers, or going through a breakup, life changes are never easy. These changes in routine can lead to deep anxieties and fears. You don’t have to go through these times alone. My focus will be on gently unravelling these feelings, understanding their impact, and finding you a path forward.

As a Licensed Professional Counselor and Registered Art Therapist, I have multiple tools to help as I work alongside my clients and their families to alleviate symptoms, achieve goals and attain balance. Although a specific interest in Art Therapy is not necessary to begin services with me, I find that Art Therapy provides a creative approach that is not reliant on spoken language. I have experience providing a variety of treatment approaches to clients and families, and am specially trained in Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Art Therapy and Collaborative Problem Solving modalities.

Navigating life's transitions can be profoundly disorienting, especially when trauma is part of your story. You might feel stuck, as if you're walking through fog, unable to see the path ahead. These moments of change—whether chosen or unexpected—can stir up past hurts, making the future seem daunting. If you're searching for guidance to help clear the haze, to find healing and direction, you're in the right place. Together, we'll work to understand your experiences, empowering you to move forward with clarity and resilience.

In my experience, true connection, warmth, and authenticity are foundational to any improvement made in the therapeutic space. I understand that while folks may need support and guidance, each of us are ultimately the expert in our own experience and take our own steps towards change and improvement. I am an attentive listener, but I do not shy away from non-judgmentally reflecting on patterns in thought and behavior to find clarity. I work with older teens and adults of all backgrounds, and I have experience working with folks of diverse sexualities, gender experiences, cultural backgrounds, body sizes, and relationship dynamics.

I support my clients to find safety, rest, and joy within themselves, often in the midst of very challenging circumstances. I work with folks healing from trauma – especially childhood, religious, sexual, and relational traumas – those exploring their authentic identities, and those who want support in life transitions large and small. I believe that you are the expert of your own experience. Together we will create a space where you can explore deeper layers of your experience, to understand, and potentially reframe, strategies that no longer serve you, and to take steps towards a richer connection with yourself and others.

I believe each individual has both the capacity and the right to change and to grow. It is my duty to be aware of the whole person and never to reduce him or her to a mental health challenge or diagnosis. Whole people have their own set of circumstances physically, emotionally, educationally and spiritually as well as other facets. I subscribe to a meta-approach. I employ multiple types of treatment modalities. I take these and with the person being served, weave a set of treatments that will best address whatever needs are being presented as obstacles to thriving.