LGBTQ+ Affirming Therapists in Portland, OR
Dana works with a wide range of mental health concerns yet specializes working with couples, LGBTQ, ADHD, and tramah.
Dana believes in serving the whole person (mind, body, and soul) while nurturing a sense of belonging and safety. He is psychodynamic, drawing from many theories that foster client growth and development. As a therapist, he supports building a greater understanding of self, learning new skills, and working towards more positive connections with others. He will work with you in creating goals and a treatment plan that fits your specific needs.
Dana works with a wide range of mental health concerns yet specializes working with couples, LGBTQ, ADHD, and tramah.
Dana believes in serving the whole person (mind, body, and soul) while nurturing a sense of belonging and safety. He is psychodynamic, drawing from many theories that foster client growth and development. As a therapist, he supports building a greater understanding of self, learning new skills, and working towards more positive connections with others. He will work with you in creating goals and a treatment plan that fits your specific needs.
As a child and family therapist who is neurodivergent and transgender myself, I have a passion for working with youth with ASD/ADHD, as well as youth who identify as trans and LGBT.
Using Narrative Therapy, I conceptualize change through changing an individual's personal "narrative". To this end, I incorporate techniques including play therapy, ACT and CBT, and I use Collaborative Problem Solving and ARC Frameworks when working with families. All my work is done from a trauma-informed lens.
As a child and family therapist who is neurodivergent and transgender myself, I have a passion for working with youth with ASD/ADHD, as well as youth who identify as trans and LGBT.
Using Narrative Therapy, I conceptualize change through changing an individual's personal "narrative". To this end, I incorporate techniques including play therapy, ACT and CBT, and I use Collaborative Problem Solving and ARC Frameworks when working with families. All my work is done from a trauma-informed lens.
I am a queer, trauma-informed Licensed Clinical Social Worker, well versed with the LGBTQ+ population, offering on-going mental health therapy to ADULTS 18+.
I appreciate humor & empathy, utilizing narrative therapy w/eclectic clinical approaches that are relational & affirming to those seeking support & healing. I practice from a lens of awareness & understanding of institutionalized racism, sexism, homophobia, social injustice, and trauma & the forged generational impact of deep-systemic issues.
I am a queer, trauma-informed Licensed Clinical Social Worker, well versed with the LGBTQ+ population, offering on-going mental health therapy to ADULTS 18+.
I appreciate humor & empathy, utilizing narrative therapy w/eclectic clinical approaches that are relational & affirming to those seeking support & healing. I practice from a lens of awareness & understanding of institutionalized racism, sexism, homophobia, social injustice, and trauma & the forged generational impact of deep-systemic issues.
As a queer kid who grew up in a fundamentalist community in Mississippi, my journey has been long and hard.
Many of us didn't get the love, support, or connection that we deserved from our families or communities growing up. Because we're resilient, we developed creative strategies for getting our needs met (ex. people-pleasing, perfectionism, numbing-out, overanalyzing, rebelling, etc.). And these strategies worked for a while! They helped us get through complicated childhoods. But as we get older, many of us begin to notice a toll on our minds, our bodies, and our relationships.
As a queer kid who grew up in a fundamentalist community in Mississippi, my journey has been long and hard.
Many of us didn't get the love, support, or connection that we deserved from our families or communities growing up. Because we're resilient, we developed creative strategies for getting our needs met (ex. people-pleasing, perfectionism, numbing-out, overanalyzing, rebelling, etc.). And these strategies worked for a while! They helped us get through complicated childhoods. But as we get older, many of us begin to notice a toll on our minds, our bodies, and our relationships.
I use an anti-oppressive, person-centered and trauma-informed framework and I strive to be culturally sensitive and queer/ LGBTQ+ affirming.
There are multiple approaches we can take to therapy together, whether that is dealing with stressors in the present or processing difficult or traumatic events from the past. We can work to develop better insight and self-compassion, set boundaries and develop healthier relationships, or unpack privilege and learn to be a better ally. I am comfortable and knowledgeable about topics relating to gender, sexuality, sex positivity, poly/non-monogamy, and intersections of identity. I also offer assessment and letters of support to folx seeking gender-affirming medical care, and will bill insurance or offer a sliding scale or pro-bono.
I use an anti-oppressive, person-centered and trauma-informed framework and I strive to be culturally sensitive and queer/ LGBTQ+ affirming.
There are multiple approaches we can take to therapy together, whether that is dealing with stressors in the present or processing difficult or traumatic events from the past. We can work to develop better insight and self-compassion, set boundaries and develop healthier relationships, or unpack privilege and learn to be a better ally. I am comfortable and knowledgeable about topics relating to gender, sexuality, sex positivity, poly/non-monogamy, and intersections of identity. I also offer assessment and letters of support to folx seeking gender-affirming medical care, and will bill insurance or offer a sliding scale or pro-bono.
I support LGBTQIA+ and neurodivergent clients, and those working through religious trauma, life transitions, and grief.
My style is eclectic and anchored in self-exploration, cultural awareness, and self-compassion. I draw from frameworks like IFS, Feminist, and Existential Therapy that explore how our different parts intersect and how the world around us shapes our reality, values, and relationships. Therapy with me highlights authenticity, depth, compassion and laughter.
I support LGBTQIA+ and neurodivergent clients, and those working through religious trauma, life transitions, and grief.
My style is eclectic and anchored in self-exploration, cultural awareness, and self-compassion. I draw from frameworks like IFS, Feminist, and Existential Therapy that explore how our different parts intersect and how the world around us shapes our reality, values, and relationships. Therapy with me highlights authenticity, depth, compassion and laughter.
As a queer individual from the south, I am confident in my ability to provide meaningful services and support in LGBTQ matters.
Are you overwhelmed by negative self-talk? Maybe you feel that no matter how hard you try, you somehow seem to miss the mark you set for yourself. Are you struggling with a sense of overwhelming anxiety, and your usual methods of coping are just not working anymore? Perhaps you've been hesitant to seek professional advice because you had a bad experience with a therapist, or you simply dislike labels. I am here to lend a hand. I strive to practice in a way that is most comfortable for my clients. For some, a diagnosis feels like validation; for others, it's a prison. I am happy to provide the service that best suits your needs.
As a queer individual from the south, I am confident in my ability to provide meaningful services and support in LGBTQ matters.
Are you overwhelmed by negative self-talk? Maybe you feel that no matter how hard you try, you somehow seem to miss the mark you set for yourself. Are you struggling with a sense of overwhelming anxiety, and your usual methods of coping are just not working anymore? Perhaps you've been hesitant to seek professional advice because you had a bad experience with a therapist, or you simply dislike labels. I am here to lend a hand. I strive to practice in a way that is most comfortable for my clients. For some, a diagnosis feels like validation; for others, it's a prison. I am happy to provide the service that best suits your needs.
I draw from several therapeutic modalities, namely Internal Family Systems, Queer Theory, and Motivational Interviewing.
My specialties include religious trauma, anxiety disorders, life transitions, LGBTQ+ related work, trauma work including EMDR, and somatic work. I work with adolescents to adults of all background, sexualities, and genders to work through life's difficulties and uncover new possibilities.
I draw from several therapeutic modalities, namely Internal Family Systems, Queer Theory, and Motivational Interviewing.
My specialties include religious trauma, anxiety disorders, life transitions, LGBTQ+ related work, trauma work including EMDR, and somatic work. I work with adolescents to adults of all background, sexualities, and genders to work through life's difficulties and uncover new possibilities.
Marginalized folx are my specialty: Queer / GNC / Neurodivergent, POC.
I have almost 3 decades of experience working with youth ages 11-18 and their families. As a family therapist, I have found it helpful to draw from my prior experience as a public middle school teacher. Areas of focus are family conflict, trauma, anxiety, depression, PTSD, neurodiversity/ADHD, and LGBTQ+ issues.
Marginalized folx are my specialty: Queer / GNC / Neurodivergent, POC.
I have almost 3 decades of experience working with youth ages 11-18 and their families. As a family therapist, I have found it helpful to draw from my prior experience as a public middle school teacher. Areas of focus are family conflict, trauma, anxiety, depression, PTSD, neurodiversity/ADHD, and LGBTQ+ issues.
I enjoy working with LGBTQ+ youth, adults, and couples, people who are neurodiverse, and people struggling with new or chronic illnesses.
Thank you for exploring your options for support. People who seek out therapy want something in their lives to change or are sometimes adjusting to a stressful change. Therapy can be incredibly helpful and healing. Therapy can also be about getting to know yourself and supporting your growth. Couples counseling can be helpful when communication patterns have created more distance instead of connection and you need help getting back to feeling like you are allies and partners, in it together.
I enjoy working with LGBTQ+ youth, adults, and couples, people who are neurodiverse, and people struggling with new or chronic illnesses.
Thank you for exploring your options for support. People who seek out therapy want something in their lives to change or are sometimes adjusting to a stressful change. Therapy can be incredibly helpful and healing. Therapy can also be about getting to know yourself and supporting your growth. Couples counseling can be helpful when communication patterns have created more distance instead of connection and you need help getting back to feeling like you are allies and partners, in it together.
I specialize in working with LGBTQ+ clients and allies, helping people with issues related to identity, life transitions, depression, anxiety, relationship issues, existential crises, and the impacts of discrimination.
On the surface, everything appears fine but you feel anxious at times. Relationships, stress, work and other responsibilities are piling up and you’re feeling stuck and overwhelmed. Perhaps you’re tired of overthinking, struggling with burnout or finding yourself people pleasing. Or, maybe you’re looking to explore your identity and sense of self. Therapy is a collaborative process which allows us to look at areas in your life that cause distress, explore patterns, and identify ways to adjust your thoughts and behaviors to create positive change. I work with individual clients and couples/partners (poly & kink affirming).
I specialize in working with LGBTQ+ clients and allies, helping people with issues related to identity, life transitions, depression, anxiety, relationship issues, existential crises, and the impacts of discrimination.
On the surface, everything appears fine but you feel anxious at times. Relationships, stress, work and other responsibilities are piling up and you’re feeling stuck and overwhelmed. Perhaps you’re tired of overthinking, struggling with burnout or finding yourself people pleasing. Or, maybe you’re looking to explore your identity and sense of self. Therapy is a collaborative process which allows us to look at areas in your life that cause distress, explore patterns, and identify ways to adjust your thoughts and behaviors to create positive change. I work with individual clients and couples/partners (poly & kink affirming).
Accepting new clients as of 5/2/2025. My clients often face significant questions and changes in their lives. They explore their identities and learn new ways to cope with stressful transitions, such as adjusting to single life after a breakup, experiencing career shifts, moving from student to employee, entering retirement, undergoing gender transition, relocating, or coming out. Big changes require strong support. I offer professional individual and couples therapy to help my clients lead fulfilling and authentic lives.
Accepting new clients as of 5/2/2025. My clients often face significant questions and changes in their lives. They explore their identities and learn new ways to cope with stressful transitions, such as adjusting to single life after a breakup, experiencing career shifts, moving from student to employee, entering retirement, undergoing gender transition, relocating, or coming out. Big changes require strong support. I offer professional individual and couples therapy to help my clients lead fulfilling and authentic lives.
As a licensed clinical social worker with a decade of experience, specializing in trauma, LGBTQIA+ issues, and gender-affirming care, I am here to guide and support you every step of the way.
Together, we will embark on a journey of self-discovery and healing. Utilizing person-centered and strengths-based techniques, such as Internal Family Systems, EMDR, and Positive Psychology, I will support you in unlocking your inner wisdom, identifying your strengths, and overcoming the barriers that stand in the way of your personal growth and fulfillment.
As a licensed clinical social worker with a decade of experience, specializing in trauma, LGBTQIA+ issues, and gender-affirming care, I am here to guide and support you every step of the way.
Together, we will embark on a journey of self-discovery and healing. Utilizing person-centered and strengths-based techniques, such as Internal Family Systems, EMDR, and Positive Psychology, I will support you in unlocking your inner wisdom, identifying your strengths, and overcoming the barriers that stand in the way of your personal growth and fulfillment.
Joseph Bonnell
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, CRC, CADCIII
Portland, OR 97230
Waitlist for new clients
Some areas I have experience in include disability, chronic illness, queer and trans folks, gender affirming care, various forms of neurodiversity, trauma, oppression, navigating social services - both as clients and workers, and substance use.
My approach to therapy strives to incorporate all of who you are: identities, beliefs, economics, social structures, physical health, etc. My therapeutic style is relationship based and eclectic, as relationships are inherently healing. My work incorporates disability affirming, narrative, feminist, DBT, harm reduction, and CBT techniques.
Some areas I have experience in include disability, chronic illness, queer and trans folks, gender affirming care, various forms of neurodiversity, trauma, oppression, navigating social services - both as clients and workers, and substance use.
My approach to therapy strives to incorporate all of who you are: identities, beliefs, economics, social structures, physical health, etc. My therapeutic style is relationship based and eclectic, as relationships are inherently healing. My work incorporates disability affirming, narrative, feminist, DBT, harm reduction, and CBT techniques.
Joshua Bytendorp
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, LCMHC
2 Endorsed
Online Only
Waitlist for new clients
As a queer neurodivergent (autism/ADHD) sex therapist, I provide a unique experience for my clients to be able to work through issues around sex, sexuality, trauma, religious trauma, gender dysphoria and other mental health issues.
As an experienced and seasoned mental health and sex therapist with over 15 year of experience in the mental health field paired with my lived experience. I provide a safe space free of judgment for you to explore issues around sex, sexuality, gender identity, kink, ENM/polyamory, Autism, and trauma (sexual, religious and complex trauma).
As a queer neurodivergent (autism/ADHD) sex therapist, I provide a unique experience for my clients to be able to work through issues around sex, sexuality, trauma, religious trauma, gender dysphoria and other mental health issues.
As an experienced and seasoned mental health and sex therapist with over 15 year of experience in the mental health field paired with my lived experience. I provide a safe space free of judgment for you to explore issues around sex, sexuality, gender identity, kink, ENM/polyamory, Autism, and trauma (sexual, religious and complex trauma).
I am passionate about working with folks around body liberation and/or LGBTQ+ identities and experiences.
Seeking therapeutic support can be a crucial step in a journey towards growth and healing. You are the expert of you - You can help decide what your process in therapy will look like - whether that is getting support around a life transition, seeking coping strategies for pandemic fatigue, managing anxiety, processing body image concerns, navigating boundary issues in relationships, coming to terms with identity, or struggling with feelings of shame, I am here to listen without judgment and sit beside you with care. My hope is to hold space and offer tools along the way that help to build upon your unique identities and strengths.
I am passionate about working with folks around body liberation and/or LGBTQ+ identities and experiences.
Seeking therapeutic support can be a crucial step in a journey towards growth and healing. You are the expert of you - You can help decide what your process in therapy will look like - whether that is getting support around a life transition, seeking coping strategies for pandemic fatigue, managing anxiety, processing body image concerns, navigating boundary issues in relationships, coming to terms with identity, or struggling with feelings of shame, I am here to listen without judgment and sit beside you with care. My hope is to hold space and offer tools along the way that help to build upon your unique identities and strengths.
My experience includes working closely with the LGBTQ+ community and individuals experiencing homelessness, along with helping clients navigate complex systems as they seek assistance in healing and improving their circumstances.
There are opportunities for growth both during and outside of therapy, and I strongly believe in meshing the push-pull factors from both sides to create the best sense of comfort and accomplishment while providing the strongest evidence of development.
My experience includes working closely with the LGBTQ+ community and individuals experiencing homelessness, along with helping clients navigate complex systems as they seek assistance in healing and improving their circumstances.
There are opportunities for growth both during and outside of therapy, and I strongly believe in meshing the push-pull factors from both sides to create the best sense of comfort and accomplishment while providing the strongest evidence of development.
I offer a safe space for those in the LGBTQIA+ and Neurodivergent communities and others, to come and process their emotions utilizing psychodynamic principals.
Our work together will be creative, integrative and mindful. I have extensive training in psychotherapy and art therapy. Our sessions could include talk therapy, therapeutic art, and sensory awareness. Perfect for individuals or groups. I work a lot with Trauma, and Family Of Origin. I offer empathy, positivity, and validation of your experience.
I offer a safe space for those in the LGBTQIA+ and Neurodivergent communities and others, to come and process their emotions utilizing psychodynamic principals.
Our work together will be creative, integrative and mindful. I have extensive training in psychotherapy and art therapy. Our sessions could include talk therapy, therapeutic art, and sensory awareness. Perfect for individuals or groups. I work a lot with Trauma, and Family Of Origin. I offer empathy, positivity, and validation of your experience.
I am connected to issues faced by the LGBTQ community.
I offer walk and talk therapy to clients in Portland, OR. This is traditional talk therapy taken outside. A few places I walk: Mt. Tabor, Wilshire Park, Columbia Park, Luuwit View Park. I am more than happy to meet you at a favorite walking spot on the East Side. I also offer telehealth to clients in both Oregon and Maine. Have questions? Reach out!
I am connected to issues faced by the LGBTQ community.
I offer walk and talk therapy to clients in Portland, OR. This is traditional talk therapy taken outside. A few places I walk: Mt. Tabor, Wilshire Park, Columbia Park, Luuwit View Park. I am more than happy to meet you at a favorite walking spot on the East Side. I also offer telehealth to clients in both Oregon and Maine. Have questions? Reach out!
As a queer therapist, I love working with other LGBTQIA+ folx.
Everything is easier when you feel confident that your partner is in your corner. Sharing the weight of your struggles and amplifying life's joys are what make a couple worth all the work. Our greatest emotional wounds come from our relationships, and our romantic relationships hold the most healing capacity for not only our collective healing but our individual healing as well. If you're looking for better communication, repairing trust, or throwing out the rulebook and creating your own new paradigm, Courageous Couples Counseling is here to help.
As a queer therapist, I love working with other LGBTQIA+ folx.
Everything is easier when you feel confident that your partner is in your corner. Sharing the weight of your struggles and amplifying life's joys are what make a couple worth all the work. Our greatest emotional wounds come from our relationships, and our romantic relationships hold the most healing capacity for not only our collective healing but our individual healing as well. If you're looking for better communication, repairing trust, or throwing out the rulebook and creating your own new paradigm, Courageous Couples Counseling is here to help.
See more therapy options for Portland
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LGBTQ+ Therapists
Do LGBTQ-affirmative therapists receive special training?
Yes. Many therapists who practice LGBTQ-affirmative therapy have completed specialized training, either during their degree program or as continuing education, to learn the core principles of affirmative therapy and how to best support their LGBTQ clients; some have received certifications in LGBTQ-affirmative therapy. Prospective clients should inquire as to a clinician’s background and training to ensure a good fit.
Why might I want to see an LGBTQ-affirming or LGBTQ-friendly therapist?
Queer and gender-non-conforming individuals frequently experience bias and marginalization in day-to-day life. Working with a therapist who understands these unique challenges, as well as accepts and affirms their identity, can help LGBTQ clients feel safe and supported during therapy—allowing them to better navigate their relationships, mental health, and anything else that they wish to explore during therapy. It is important to note that many therapists can be effective in their work with LGBTQ+ individuals, even in the absence of specific training or background knowledge. The most important component in therapy is the alliance between therapist and client, and this alliance can exist between individuals with very different backgrounds.
How can I find an LGBTQ-friendly therapist?
You may wish to inquire about a therapist’s expertise with your specific challenges or concerns—depression, for example, or relationship strife—as well as their past experiences treating LGBTQ+ clients. Prospective clients may also ask whether a therapist has obtained additional training and/or certification in LGBTQ-affirmative techniques.
How can I inquire about a therapist’s experience with LGBTQ issues?
Prospective clients should feel empowered to directly ask therapists whether they have received training or been certified in LGBTQ-affirming therapy; competent therapists will be happy to explain their educational background and preferred approach(es) to help a client find the best match for them. Clients may also wish to ask how a therapist has treated clients with their particular challenges in the past and what they expect treatment to look like.
Are all the therapists listed in the LGBTQ directory themselves members of the LGBTQ community?
While therapists may choose to disclose their sexual orientation or gender identity in their profiles, the LGBTQ directory features not only those who have shared this information but also those who assert specialized training or experience in providing support to queer individuals, couples or families.