LGBTQ+ Affirming Therapists in Portland, OR
Therapeutic relationships are odd—you enter a relationship with a total stranger and bring them into the depths of your world. I don’t take this endeavor lightly... it’s an honor to build trust with someone in order to support them with their goals, including really digging into what’s going well and what’s getting in the way. I believe that increasing awareness provides opportunity for true choice–moving forward with intentional & authentic agency. Our main efforts will be to stay curious and compassionate so we can deepen understanding of experiences, thoughts, emotions, body sensations, relationships, actions, beliefs and values.
Therapeutic relationships are odd—you enter a relationship with a total stranger and bring them into the depths of your world. I don’t take this endeavor lightly... it’s an honor to build trust with someone in order to support them with their goals, including really digging into what’s going well and what’s getting in the way. I believe that increasing awareness provides opportunity for true choice–moving forward with intentional & authentic agency. Our main efforts will be to stay curious and compassionate so we can deepen understanding of experiences, thoughts, emotions, body sensations, relationships, actions, beliefs and values.
Our practice is trauma-informed, queer-affirming, and rooted in community care.
We combine three core modalities to support mind-body healing: IFS for inner parts work, EMDR/ART for trauma processing, and ADHD/Autism skills coaching. Our team collaborates across methods to meet your individual learning style and pace. Set up a 15-minute consult to explore which approach feels right for you.
Our practice is trauma-informed, queer-affirming, and rooted in community care.
We combine three core modalities to support mind-body healing: IFS for inner parts work, EMDR/ART for trauma processing, and ADHD/Autism skills coaching. Our team collaborates across methods to meet your individual learning style and pace. Set up a 15-minute consult to explore which approach feels right for you.
I provide a supportive, non-judgmental space for couples where we collaboratively identify and work through the pain points in your relationship, utilizing new skills, experiences, and ways of being and rebuilding trust and emotional safety along the way.
I provide a supportive, non-judgmental space for couples where we collaboratively identify and work through the pain points in your relationship, utilizing new skills, experiences, and ways of being and rebuilding trust and emotional safety along the way.
Anna Claybaugh
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LICSW
1 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97217
Waitlist for new clients
You are ready to stop patterns that involve giving your power away. You are looking for more fulfillment in life and are ready to reclaim your authentic self. You are tired of feeling like everything else comes before your dreams, goals, empowerment and mental health. You who want to learn how to build more loving awareness and compassion towards yourself in order to support your best life. You are interested in learning more about what makes you who you are, how to shift out of unhealthy beliefs and figure out what’s holding you back from securing happiness and abundance for yourself. Resonate? Then, let's work together.
You are ready to stop patterns that involve giving your power away. You are looking for more fulfillment in life and are ready to reclaim your authentic self. You are tired of feeling like everything else comes before your dreams, goals, empowerment and mental health. You who want to learn how to build more loving awareness and compassion towards yourself in order to support your best life. You are interested in learning more about what makes you who you are, how to shift out of unhealthy beliefs and figure out what’s holding you back from securing happiness and abundance for yourself. Resonate? Then, let's work together.
I am a queer non-binary femme and have over 4 years of experience working with LGBTQIA+ clients, as well as partners and family of transgender individuals.
I'm very responsive to what each individual brings. Therefore, my clients experience customized approaches based on their level of need and interest. I find helping people talk through issues through Socratic questioning and considering all alternatives leads to much insight. I help clients identify their core values so that they can act in alignment.
I am a queer non-binary femme and have over 4 years of experience working with LGBTQIA+ clients, as well as partners and family of transgender individuals.
I'm very responsive to what each individual brings. Therefore, my clients experience customized approaches based on their level of need and interest. I find helping people talk through issues through Socratic questioning and considering all alternatives leads to much insight. I help clients identify their core values so that they can act in alignment.
Currently accepting new clients! I work with children (10 and up), teens, and adults who are navigating a wide range of experiences including depression, anxiety, life transitions, grief, trauma, identity exploration, relationship challenges, or feeling stuck and overwhelmed. I value and deeply respect the complex and unique experiences, identities, and stories each client brings. You might be seeking therapy for the first time or returning to expand your self-understanding- either way I strive to create a safe and supportive place where we can co-create your path to healing and growth.
Currently accepting new clients! I work with children (10 and up), teens, and adults who are navigating a wide range of experiences including depression, anxiety, life transitions, grief, trauma, identity exploration, relationship challenges, or feeling stuck and overwhelmed. I value and deeply respect the complex and unique experiences, identities, and stories each client brings. You might be seeking therapy for the first time or returning to expand your self-understanding- either way I strive to create a safe and supportive place where we can co-create your path to healing and growth.
I'm so glad you found me! Are you struggling with a hard life transition? Are you wishing you had more coping strategies for uncomfortable feelings like anxiety or depression? Do you wish you had someone to talk to while feeling free of judgement or expectations? Are you wanting to play a more active role in your own life? Do you want to process old hurts that are impacting your life? Are you struggling with LGBTQIA2S+ related challenges? I am here for it! ....I also offer licensing and non licensing supervision. Please inquire!
I'm so glad you found me! Are you struggling with a hard life transition? Are you wishing you had more coping strategies for uncomfortable feelings like anxiety or depression? Do you wish you had someone to talk to while feeling free of judgement or expectations? Are you wanting to play a more active role in your own life? Do you want to process old hurts that are impacting your life? Are you struggling with LGBTQIA2S+ related challenges? I am here for it! ....I also offer licensing and non licensing supervision. Please inquire!
Hi, my name is Rea (like "Ray") and I'm so grateful you are here. You can expect a warm introvert who meets you with curiosity and respects your pace. Feel free to snack, doodle, fidget, and bring your pet(s) in our sessions.
I am a queer clinician, myself, and provide identity-affirming care, including gender-affirming psychotherapy.
I specialize in working with people navigating trauma, life transitions, identity exploration, burnout, caregiving, and substance use.
I work with teens, young adults, and adults — including health care professionals (both human and animal medicine).
Hi, my name is Rea (like "Ray") and I'm so grateful you are here. You can expect a warm introvert who meets you with curiosity and respects your pace. Feel free to snack, doodle, fidget, and bring your pet(s) in our sessions.
I am a queer clinician, myself, and provide identity-affirming care, including gender-affirming psychotherapy.
I specialize in working with people navigating trauma, life transitions, identity exploration, burnout, caregiving, and substance use.
I work with teens, young adults, and adults — including health care professionals (both human and animal medicine).
Accepting new clients for in-person and virtual therapy. I work with adults and teens experiencing mental health or relational struggles and draw on my clinical training, including EMDR, to support you on your journey. Many of the people I work with are in recovery from depression, anxiety, OCD, eating disorders, and trauma and feel the burnout of perfectionism and constant self-criticism. I offer a space to slow down and explore the patterns holding you back from becoming the person you want to be, working with you to create lasting and meaningful change.
Accepting new clients for in-person and virtual therapy. I work with adults and teens experiencing mental health or relational struggles and draw on my clinical training, including EMDR, to support you on your journey. Many of the people I work with are in recovery from depression, anxiety, OCD, eating disorders, and trauma and feel the burnout of perfectionism and constant self-criticism. I offer a space to slow down and explore the patterns holding you back from becoming the person you want to be, working with you to create lasting and meaningful change.
I also specialize in working with queer folx, BIPOC, progressive activists, and womxn.
I love co-creating a space where individuals, couples, and families may feel deeply safe, understood, and heard. Let's explore together, and move forward with love, mindfulness, and care, so that we can help you create a life that's truly life-giving and in alignment with your deepest values.
I also specialize in working with queer folx, BIPOC, progressive activists, and womxn.
I love co-creating a space where individuals, couples, and families may feel deeply safe, understood, and heard. Let's explore together, and move forward with love, mindfulness, and care, so that we can help you create a life that's truly life-giving and in alignment with your deepest values.
Many of my clients are neurodivergent, queer, and/or trans.
Accepting clients in-person and via video - as of 6/16/26 . The world can feel like a scary, uncertain place right now, for good reason. I am here to help folks navigate it all. Over 20 years experience working with individuals and couples from marginalized groups, especially neurodivergence in the form of bipolar disorder, autism, and/or ADHD. I enjoy in helping clients experiencing identity exploration around gender and/or sexual orientation. I focus on attachment, and how your family of origin showed up for you (or didn't) impacts what you expect out of relationships, and the comfort (or discomfort) you feel in getting close.
Many of my clients are neurodivergent, queer, and/or trans.
Accepting clients in-person and via video - as of 6/16/26 . The world can feel like a scary, uncertain place right now, for good reason. I am here to help folks navigate it all. Over 20 years experience working with individuals and couples from marginalized groups, especially neurodivergence in the form of bipolar disorder, autism, and/or ADHD. I enjoy in helping clients experiencing identity exploration around gender and/or sexual orientation. I focus on attachment, and how your family of origin showed up for you (or didn't) impacts what you expect out of relationships, and the comfort (or discomfort) you feel in getting close.
Paula Emerick
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
2 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97214
Waitlist for new clients
I believe the most important parts of therapy are trust and collaboration. You'll know immediately if the therapist is right for you. If you don't feel it, keep looking. There's a lot of us therapists out here and your time and self-work are important! Additionally, at our most vulnerable times in life, we need someone who will hold a safe space for us to approach our edges - the parts of us we tend to avoid or neglect. Addressing our 'issues' is intensely brave and can also be terrifying! I commend you for embarking on this journey and invite you to call me if my words resonate with your needs.
I believe the most important parts of therapy are trust and collaboration. You'll know immediately if the therapist is right for you. If you don't feel it, keep looking. There's a lot of us therapists out here and your time and self-work are important! Additionally, at our most vulnerable times in life, we need someone who will hold a safe space for us to approach our edges - the parts of us we tend to avoid or neglect. Addressing our 'issues' is intensely brave and can also be terrifying! I commend you for embarking on this journey and invite you to call me if my words resonate with your needs.
*Currently accepting new clients* In this new world, with unexpected disasters seeming to descend every day, and with an unprecedented level of connection to the larger world--complete with all of its joys and devastations--we are all a bit unmoored. I believe that we already contain all of the puzzle pieces that we need to survive and thrive, and I believe in the brave and necessary lifetime work of putting them together.
*Currently accepting new clients* In this new world, with unexpected disasters seeming to descend every day, and with an unprecedented level of connection to the larger world--complete with all of its joys and devastations--we are all a bit unmoored. I believe that we already contain all of the puzzle pieces that we need to survive and thrive, and I believe in the brave and necessary lifetime work of putting them together.
We specialize in trauma, social justice, multicultural identities, LGBTQIA+ identities, disability, immigration, anxiety, grief, suicide prevention, family system stress, and relationship repair.
At Sakura Counseling, we offer a nurturing space where healing unfolds like the cherry blossom, graceful yet resilient, soft yet strong. For centuries, the sakura tree has stood as a symbol of life’s impermanence and the quiet power of renewal. Its blossoms return each spring, reminding us that even after the harshest winters, growth is not only possible, it is inevitable. Grounded in compassion and guided by a deep respect for the richness of human experience, we offer a nurturing space where your story is honored and your voice is valued.
We specialize in trauma, social justice, multicultural identities, LGBTQIA+ identities, disability, immigration, anxiety, grief, suicide prevention, family system stress, and relationship repair.
At Sakura Counseling, we offer a nurturing space where healing unfolds like the cherry blossom, graceful yet resilient, soft yet strong. For centuries, the sakura tree has stood as a symbol of life’s impermanence and the quiet power of renewal. Its blossoms return each spring, reminding us that even after the harshest winters, growth is not only possible, it is inevitable. Grounded in compassion and guided by a deep respect for the richness of human experience, we offer a nurturing space where your story is honored and your voice is valued.
My approach is warm, queer-informed, and collaborative, creating a space where you feel safe to explore and heal.
With training in various therapy modalities, including Internal Family Systems, I tailor my approach to each client’s unique needs, focusing on what works best for their system. This is where we collaborate to discover what feels right for you. Additionally, I offer pre-surgical assessments for individuals seeking gender-affirming surgery.
My approach is warm, queer-informed, and collaborative, creating a space where you feel safe to explore and heal.
With training in various therapy modalities, including Internal Family Systems, I tailor my approach to each client’s unique needs, focusing on what works best for their system. This is where we collaborate to discover what feels right for you. Additionally, I offer pre-surgical assessments for individuals seeking gender-affirming surgery.
I have a lot of experience working with: survivors of trauma, neurodivergent/neurospicy brains, parents, therapists, LGBTQIA+ folks, people in poly and open relationships, people in monogamous relationships, and people who are just generally tired of hearing their therapist respond to everything with “mmmmmm….
I am often using Brainspotting with clients to help move things that traditional talk therapy hasn’t been able to move. It’s a brain-body based therapy that helps to rewire connections in your experiencing and reacting brain. This allows people to have a different experience in moments when they would usually be triggered and respond rather than react.
I have a lot of experience working with: survivors of trauma, neurodivergent/neurospicy brains, parents, therapists, LGBTQIA+ folks, people in poly and open relationships, people in monogamous relationships, and people who are just generally tired of hearing their therapist respond to everything with “mmmmmm….
I am often using Brainspotting with clients to help move things that traditional talk therapy hasn’t been able to move. It’s a brain-body based therapy that helps to rewire connections in your experiencing and reacting brain. This allows people to have a different experience in moments when they would usually be triggered and respond rather than react.
" My practice specializes in serving the queer community, folks in larger bodies, and those who find themselves to be “other
Growth and change can be challenging, and my hope is that by offering a supportive and non-judgmental space, I can help clients navigate their challenges and move toward their goals. Everyone’s story is unique, and I am here to honor yours. I believe that we all deserve a safe space to grow, heal, and be truly seen.
" My practice specializes in serving the queer community, folks in larger bodies, and those who find themselves to be “other
Growth and change can be challenging, and my hope is that by offering a supportive and non-judgmental space, I can help clients navigate their challenges and move toward their goals. Everyone’s story is unique, and I am here to honor yours. I believe that we all deserve a safe space to grow, heal, and be truly seen.
My primary clinical focus has been centered around BIPOC and LGBTQ+ communities, helping folks struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, substance abuse/dependence, individuals living with HIV, or church hurts.
Reaching out for help can be scary and vulnerable. When you do it afraid, you are choosing courage over fear, your authentic self over the mask (or masks) you feel like you have to wear for protection. You’re choosing empowerment and self-love. In our time together, I aim to create a safe, non-judgmental space where you can be your true self.
My primary clinical focus has been centered around BIPOC and LGBTQ+ communities, helping folks struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, substance abuse/dependence, individuals living with HIV, or church hurts.
Reaching out for help can be scary and vulnerable. When you do it afraid, you are choosing courage over fear, your authentic self over the mask (or masks) you feel like you have to wear for protection. You’re choosing empowerment and self-love. In our time together, I aim to create a safe, non-judgmental space where you can be your true self.
This is a safe, affirming, and nonjudgmental space where LGBTQIA+ individuals and our straight allies can explore identity, realize their potential, find meaning, cultivate inner peace and joy.
I’m a queer, cisgender woman who practices from an attachment-based, client-centered approach—meaning I’ll meet you where you are at and support you in mapping where you’d like to go. Our work together is a collaborative process grounded in acceptance and curiosity, helping you feel seen, supported, and empowered to move forward.
This is a safe, affirming, and nonjudgmental space where LGBTQIA+ individuals and our straight allies can explore identity, realize their potential, find meaning, cultivate inner peace and joy.
I’m a queer, cisgender woman who practices from an attachment-based, client-centered approach—meaning I’ll meet you where you are at and support you in mapping where you’d like to go. Our work together is a collaborative process grounded in acceptance and curiosity, helping you feel seen, supported, and empowered to move forward.
When the tunnel vision comes on, you hunker down. When your heart starts to speed up, you move too fast. You lose time. You slip into autopilot. You spend time with people but you never feel connected.
Sleep isn't easy. You're too busy wondering, what did I do wrong today? You spin it all through your mind. You're not a "perfectionist," per say but you criticize your every move. So many mistakes. You want to do relationship right. You care. And it's hard to stay. You get mixed up in your partners problems or their expectations. You're exhausted and as much as you love your partner, you wish they could step up and do more.
When the tunnel vision comes on, you hunker down. When your heart starts to speed up, you move too fast. You lose time. You slip into autopilot. You spend time with people but you never feel connected.
Sleep isn't easy. You're too busy wondering, what did I do wrong today? You spin it all through your mind. You're not a "perfectionist," per say but you criticize your every move. So many mistakes. You want to do relationship right. You care. And it's hard to stay. You get mixed up in your partners problems or their expectations. You're exhausted and as much as you love your partner, you wish they could step up and do more.
See more therapy options for Portland
Nearby LGBTQ+ Therapists Searches for Portland
- Aloha
- Beaverton
- Clackamas
- Gladstone
- Gresham
- Happy Valley
- Lake Oswego
- Milwaukie
- Oak Grove
- Tigard
- Tualatin
- West Linn
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.