LGBTQ+ Affirming Therapists in Portland, OR
Welcome, I’m so happy you’re here! As someone who has spent time looking for a therapist myself, I know how difficult and daunting it can be to find the right fit. No matter where you are in your journey, my hope is to create a space with you where you feel safe to explore the complexities that today’s world brings. Whether or not you have a distinct idea of how you would like therapy to look, we can spend time defining what would be the most supportive for your needs. Therapy doesn’t have to look one exact way, and it’s my hope that you are also open to being intentional with me to co-create what works the best for you!
Welcome, I’m so happy you’re here! As someone who has spent time looking for a therapist myself, I know how difficult and daunting it can be to find the right fit. No matter where you are in your journey, my hope is to create a space with you where you feel safe to explore the complexities that today’s world brings. Whether or not you have a distinct idea of how you would like therapy to look, we can spend time defining what would be the most supportive for your needs. Therapy doesn’t have to look one exact way, and it’s my hope that you are also open to being intentional with me to co-create what works the best for you!
This includes monogamous and non-monogamous relationships, LGBTQ+ clients, and those navigating questions around sex, connection, and identity.
In our work together, we’ll look at the patterns that keep you feeling stuck, whether that’s communication struggles, differences in desire, or deeper attachment wounds shaped by past experiences. My approach integrates relational, attachment-based, somatic, and sex therapy to support meaningful, lasting change—not just insight.
This includes monogamous and non-monogamous relationships, LGBTQ+ clients, and those navigating questions around sex, connection, and identity.
In our work together, we’ll look at the patterns that keep you feeling stuck, whether that’s communication struggles, differences in desire, or deeper attachment wounds shaped by past experiences. My approach integrates relational, attachment-based, somatic, and sex therapy to support meaningful, lasting change—not just insight.
You are facing a challenge (or maybe many!) and you feel overwhelmed. Your life may be busy but not feel full. You have some of what you want, but something, or maybe many things, feel off. You know there has got to be more to it, you are just not quite sure what it is. You'd like nonjudgmental support, someone who is listening with their whole heart, someone who sees and hears you. You'd like tools and skills to help you weather the storms. You've already come so far and are ready to level up.
You are facing a challenge (or maybe many!) and you feel overwhelmed. Your life may be busy but not feel full. You have some of what you want, but something, or maybe many things, feel off. You know there has got to be more to it, you are just not quite sure what it is. You'd like nonjudgmental support, someone who is listening with their whole heart, someone who sees and hears you. You'd like tools and skills to help you weather the storms. You've already come so far and are ready to level up.
I draw much of my philosophy concerning gender and sexuality from queer theory which historically challenges normative society, established traditions, and binary or definitive constructs.
I work with individuals struggling with issues related to ADHD and or ASD, gender identity exploration, trauma, racial identity exploration . To help you go from surviving to thriving while living under systems of oppression. I also offer relationship counseling for adults struggling with issues of connection, trust, and sexual intimacy.
I draw much of my philosophy concerning gender and sexuality from queer theory which historically challenges normative society, established traditions, and binary or definitive constructs.
I work with individuals struggling with issues related to ADHD and or ASD, gender identity exploration, trauma, racial identity exploration . To help you go from surviving to thriving while living under systems of oppression. I also offer relationship counseling for adults struggling with issues of connection, trust, and sexual intimacy.
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.
You care about relationships, communities, and the way you show up in the world. You find yourself navigating unfulfilled longing, grief, shame, despair, or somatic pain that feel difficult to metabolize on your own. You may be a survivor, neurodiverse, or chronically ill. At times, what you are experiencing may feel overwhelming.
I am a seasoned therapist with understanding and experience to not unwittingly support you to stay stuck in a loop. You will witness yourself transforming in real time.
I tend to be a strong match for people who feel and care deeply, including social justice oriented healers, artists, and activists.
You care about relationships, communities, and the way you show up in the world. You find yourself navigating unfulfilled longing, grief, shame, despair, or somatic pain that feel difficult to metabolize on your own. You may be a survivor, neurodiverse, or chronically ill. At times, what you are experiencing may feel overwhelming.
I am a seasoned therapist with understanding and experience to not unwittingly support you to stay stuck in a loop. You will witness yourself transforming in real time.
I tend to be a strong match for people who feel and care deeply, including social justice oriented healers, artists, and activists.
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.
Marginalized folx are my specialty: Queer / GNC / Neurodivergent/ADHD & 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/ADHD & 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.
CURRENTLY ACCEPTING CLIENTS! This practice has multiple clinicians. Contact us for more details. Are you trying to figure out how you will adjust to a new and different environment? Or wanting to tune-up your daily routine? Are you uncertain of how to move forward in your life? Have you set some things down to just get through? We've got you. Most people I work with are in transition and looking to find new ways to engage in meaningful activities. I work with adults who want to play an active role in their therapy and transformation. Most people are open to "doing" during sessions and interested in making an impact today.
CURRENTLY ACCEPTING CLIENTS! This practice has multiple clinicians. Contact us for more details. Are you trying to figure out how you will adjust to a new and different environment? Or wanting to tune-up your daily routine? Are you uncertain of how to move forward in your life? Have you set some things down to just get through? We've got you. Most people I work with are in transition and looking to find new ways to engage in meaningful activities. I work with adults who want to play an active role in their therapy and transformation. Most people are open to "doing" during sessions and interested in making an impact today.
Sometimes it’s painful to face things about ourselves or our situations that we would rather ignore. It's worth it to face them because it gives us the opportunity to look at things from a different perspective, to ask different questions, to challenge ourselves, and ultimately to get more of what we want out of life. Understanding where we've been and how we got here is important, but in order to feel better, we often have to do something different. In therapy we can learn to identify what the options are, evaluate the risks and benefits of different options, and make the best choice for ourselves.
Sometimes it’s painful to face things about ourselves or our situations that we would rather ignore. It's worth it to face them because it gives us the opportunity to look at things from a different perspective, to ask different questions, to challenge ourselves, and ultimately to get more of what we want out of life. Understanding where we've been and how we got here is important, but in order to feel better, we often have to do something different. In therapy we can learn to identify what the options are, evaluate the risks and benefits of different options, and make the best choice for ourselves.
Everybody deserves a space where they can feel truly seen, heard, and understood without judgment. As a clinical psychologist, I strive to provide therapy that is collaborative, effective, and uniquely tailored to every client. I have extensive training and clinical experience working with clients from all walks of life on a wide range of issues including (but not limited to): depression, anxiety, stress, self-esteem, family-of-origin, cultural identity, codependency, relationships, etc. I also enjoy working with couples (monogamous or non-monogamous) and families.
Everybody deserves a space where they can feel truly seen, heard, and understood without judgment. As a clinical psychologist, I strive to provide therapy that is collaborative, effective, and uniquely tailored to every client. I have extensive training and clinical experience working with clients from all walks of life on a wide range of issues including (but not limited to): depression, anxiety, stress, self-esteem, family-of-origin, cultural identity, codependency, relationships, etc. I also enjoy working with couples (monogamous or non-monogamous) and families.
Are you feeling more like roommates than romantic partners? Maybe you’re stuck in painful cycles of miscommunication, lingering silences, or arguments that leave you both wondering, “What are we even fighting about?” or “What happened to us?”
As a couples counselor and marriage counselor, I often meet partners overwhelmed by resentment, the mental load, or patterns that make connection feel difficult. Many couples seek couples counseling for emotional disconnection, communication breakdowns, or a loss of intimacy. When these issues go unresolved, couples often feel lonely in the relationship they hoped would feel like home.
Are you feeling more like roommates than romantic partners? Maybe you’re stuck in painful cycles of miscommunication, lingering silences, or arguments that leave you both wondering, “What are we even fighting about?” or “What happened to us?”
As a couples counselor and marriage counselor, I often meet partners overwhelmed by resentment, the mental load, or patterns that make connection feel difficult. Many couples seek couples counseling for emotional disconnection, communication breakdowns, or a loss of intimacy. When these issues go unresolved, couples often feel lonely in the relationship they hoped would feel like home.
My practice is fully affirming of LGBTQ+ individuals, couples, and partners—including poly and kink communities.
Feeling stuck? Or, maybe things are feeling like a lot right now? From the outside, it may seem like you have everything together, but inside you might be carrying anxiety, self-doubt, or exhaustion. Work, relationships, and daily stress can leave you overwhelmed, caught in cycles of overthinking, burnout, or people-pleasing. Beneath it all may be a desire to feel more grounded, authentic, and connected to yourself. Together, we'll slow down, create space for what's beneath the surface, identify the patterns keeping you stuck, and build new pathways toward greater clarity and lasting change.
My practice is fully affirming of LGBTQ+ individuals, couples, and partners—including poly and kink communities.
Feeling stuck? Or, maybe things are feeling like a lot right now? From the outside, it may seem like you have everything together, but inside you might be carrying anxiety, self-doubt, or exhaustion. Work, relationships, and daily stress can leave you overwhelmed, caught in cycles of overthinking, burnout, or people-pleasing. Beneath it all may be a desire to feel more grounded, authentic, and connected to yourself. Together, we'll slow down, create space for what's beneath the surface, identify the patterns keeping you stuck, and build new pathways toward greater clarity and lasting change.
Catherine Dahrens-Epperly
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, NCC, LPC
5 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97212
It happens to everyone at some point, but still there is no way to fully prepare for it. The unthinkable. The potential loss you never want to acknowledge. The loss that never even crossed your mind as a possibility. And you find yourself completely side-swiped by unrelenting grief. Waves of depression, shock, anger, and sheer pain wash over your life leaving you feeling unstable, out of control, and many times misunderstood by those closest to you. You need someone to talk to who really understands the impact of grief and hard transitions, and gives you permission to speak and feel anything and everything you are experiencing.
It happens to everyone at some point, but still there is no way to fully prepare for it. The unthinkable. The potential loss you never want to acknowledge. The loss that never even crossed your mind as a possibility. And you find yourself completely side-swiped by unrelenting grief. Waves of depression, shock, anger, and sheer pain wash over your life leaving you feeling unstable, out of control, and many times misunderstood by those closest to you. You need someone to talk to who really understands the impact of grief and hard transitions, and gives you permission to speak and feel anything and everything you are experiencing.
I am queer, nonbinary and mixed race, and my primary focus and specialty is with people who are both BIPOC and queer/trans, as well as people from an immigrant background, and Spanish speakers.
My therapy practice is dedicated to supporting you in making sense of this life, integrating painful past experiences, and orienting towards a hopeful future. I enjoy working with QTBIPOC, activists, organizers and change makers. As your therapist, I aim to offer a spacious, non-judgmental environment where you can bring your hurts, fears, longings, and questions.
I am queer, nonbinary and mixed race, and my primary focus and specialty is with people who are both BIPOC and queer/trans, as well as people from an immigrant background, and Spanish speakers.
My therapy practice is dedicated to supporting you in making sense of this life, integrating painful past experiences, and orienting towards a hopeful future. I enjoy working with QTBIPOC, activists, organizers and change makers. As your therapist, I aim to offer a spacious, non-judgmental environment where you can bring your hurts, fears, longings, and questions.
I specialize in working with individuals from diverse backgrounds, with a focus on supporting LGBTQ+ and BIPOC communities.
My trauma-informed approach is warm, inclusive, and rooted in cultural humility. I believe everyone deserves a space where they are seen, heard, and valued. Together, we’ll create a supportive environment where you can embrace your true self and not just survive—but truly thrive.
I specialize in working with individuals from diverse backgrounds, with a focus on supporting LGBTQ+ and BIPOC communities.
My trauma-informed approach is warm, inclusive, and rooted in cultural humility. I believe everyone deserves a space where they are seen, heard, and valued. Together, we’ll create a supportive environment where you can embrace your true self and not just survive—but truly thrive.
Many of the clients I work with identify as Latine and/or Queer, two communities that I am deeply connected to and am passionate about serving.
While I have experience working with individuals across the lifespan, I am passionate about working with young adults wanting to explore trauma, transitional phases of life, culture, identity, and relationships. My approach to therapy is rooted in a trauma-informed, strengths-based, and culturally affirming lens, understanding the impact of various systems.
Many of the clients I work with identify as Latine and/or Queer, two communities that I am deeply connected to and am passionate about serving.
While I have experience working with individuals across the lifespan, I am passionate about working with young adults wanting to explore trauma, transitional phases of life, culture, identity, and relationships. My approach to therapy is rooted in a trauma-informed, strengths-based, and culturally affirming lens, understanding the impact of various systems.
I am a queer trans non-binary therapist and expressive arts therapist.
I am an expressive arts therapist and often integrate play and creative expression into therapy. This could include anything from creating a D&D character who represents part of your experience, to making a music playlist, to integrating visual art, movement, music, writing, or role-playing into our work.
I am a queer trans non-binary therapist and expressive arts therapist.
I am an expressive arts therapist and often integrate play and creative expression into therapy. This could include anything from creating a D&D character who represents part of your experience, to making a music playlist, to integrating visual art, movement, music, writing, or role-playing into our work.
I especially enjoy working with couples, regardless of how the relationship is defined, and have served the LGBTQ community for 20 years.
Relationship to Self is the foundation for all of our relationships, including our connections to the landscapes in which we live and through which we travel. I provide a relaxed therapeutic environment, often incorporating humor, where we can collaborate to identify and build upon existing strengths, deepen insights, expand mind/body connections, and increase motivation to move forward on a preferred path. My direct, interactive approach, combined with deep compassion, respectfully supports my clients’ healing process, inviting them more fully into the present and more fully into their embodied, authentic Self.
I especially enjoy working with couples, regardless of how the relationship is defined, and have served the LGBTQ community for 20 years.
Relationship to Self is the foundation for all of our relationships, including our connections to the landscapes in which we live and through which we travel. I provide a relaxed therapeutic environment, often incorporating humor, where we can collaborate to identify and build upon existing strengths, deepen insights, expand mind/body connections, and increase motivation to move forward on a preferred path. My direct, interactive approach, combined with deep compassion, respectfully supports my clients’ healing process, inviting them more fully into the present and more fully into their embodied, authentic 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.
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.
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