Queer & Trans Affirming Therapy in Portland, OR & Durham, NC
Therapy for Queer & Trans Young Adults & Families
I work primarily with queer and trans communities as well as those who have experienced marginalization in any other way. I have a particular interest in working with young adults roughly ages 16-30 as this is often a time of identity development and exploration.
Individual Adult Therapy
My goal is to build a supportive relationship with you, in which you can be your full self. I bring in an attachment lens, which means I’m really curious about the relationships you have with others and how this has shaped you. While I want to help you explore the deepest parts of your experience, I also love fun and witty banter! We can also get creative, such as you sharing a song that’s been really resonating with you during our session. I am able to challenge you to confront the things you may tend to avoid or struggle to sit with, while helping you stay grounded in self compassion.
Teen Therapy
Prior to going into private practice, I worked exclusively with teenagers, and today, teens make up roughly a quarter of my practice. I am a proud supporter of the queer and trans youth I work with particularly given the unique challenges they face in today’s political climate. In my work with teens, I use traditional talk therapy, games, mindfulness, social skill building activities, and expressive and creative therapies. It is especially important to me to develop a safe space where young people feel that their ideas, values, and experiences are valued and honored. I take confidentiality very seriously in all of my work, but especially with teenagers who often lack the autonomy and rights they deserve.
Family Therapy
In queer communities, we have embraced the notion of “chosen family” and embraced this concept as something that extends beyond biology. In my practice, I enjoy working with all kinds of family configurations including but not limited to friendships, platonic partnerships, and roommates. I especially enjoy working with young adult clients and their caregivers who are interested in healing ruptures that occurred during childhood. In doing family based work, my goal is to help clients feel more secure in their relationships with one another so that they are more directly able to communicate with one another. At this time, I am not able to provide couples therapy as this is an area I am seeking further training in.
I believe you have the right to make decisions about your body and expression. And yet, I know the systems we’re in create barriers to that. This may leave you feeling worried about the letter process. I want to assure you that you are allowed to show up to this process as your full self. My role is to help you gain access to what feels best for your body.
Strengths based
Trauma informed
Empowering