LGBTQ+ Affirming Therapists in Portland, OR
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.
Our therapists specialize in trauma/PTSD (including C-PTSD), domestic violence, narcissistic abuse, anxiety, depression, grief, religious trauma, gender dysphoria, and LGBTQ+ identity issues.
Finding the right therapist matters — especially when your identity, your community, or your circumstances mean that not every practice is truly a safe place. Health Allies Counseling is an LGBTQIA2S+ affirming, trans-affirming, anti-racist practice in SE Portland, built specifically to serve people who need more than a generic therapy experience. Our therapists who work with highly sensitive people, neurodivergent clients, chronic illness, and polyamorous or ethically non-monogamous relationships. We are available in person at our SE Portland office (2950 SE Stark St, Suite 130) and via telehealth throughout Oregon.
Our therapists specialize in trauma/PTSD (including C-PTSD), domestic violence, narcissistic abuse, anxiety, depression, grief, religious trauma, gender dysphoria, and LGBTQ+ identity issues.
Finding the right therapist matters — especially when your identity, your community, or your circumstances mean that not every practice is truly a safe place. Health Allies Counseling is an LGBTQIA2S+ affirming, trans-affirming, anti-racist practice in SE Portland, built specifically to serve people who need more than a generic therapy experience. Our therapists who work with highly sensitive people, neurodivergent clients, chronic illness, and polyamorous or ethically non-monogamous relationships. We are available in person at our SE Portland office (2950 SE Stark St, Suite 130) and via telehealth throughout Oregon.
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.
If you woke up tomorrow and your life was exactly how you wanted it to be, what would be different? Maybe you’re feeling stuck and weighed down by the past, and you want to be unburdened and able to move forward with your life. Perhaps you want to manage stress better, improve relationships, or feel less depressed and worried. You may want support around uncertainty, grief, anxiety, or fear related to the world around you, with concerns related to discrimination, politics, or the future of our country and world. Whatever you are facing right now, therapy can be a powerful tool for creating meaningful and lasting change.
If you woke up tomorrow and your life was exactly how you wanted it to be, what would be different? Maybe you’re feeling stuck and weighed down by the past, and you want to be unburdened and able to move forward with your life. Perhaps you want to manage stress better, improve relationships, or feel less depressed and worried. You may want support around uncertainty, grief, anxiety, or fear related to the world around you, with concerns related to discrimination, politics, or the future of our country and world. Whatever you are facing right now, therapy can be a powerful tool for creating meaningful and lasting change.
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, exploring expansive identities, 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, exploring expansive identities, 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'm Lauren, a non-binary, queer-identified therapist practicing psychodynamic clinical social work in Oregon and Massachusetts.
Through an affirming and collaborative approach, I provide a warm and supportive environment for clients to explore their inner selves and make changes in their lives. Together we will delve into the reasons behind persistent challenges and unearth new aspects of their identities and experiences, ultimately making space for healing and flourishing.
I'm Lauren, a non-binary, queer-identified therapist practicing psychodynamic clinical social work in Oregon and Massachusetts.
Through an affirming and collaborative approach, I provide a warm and supportive environment for clients to explore their inner selves and make changes in their lives. Together we will delve into the reasons behind persistent challenges and unearth new aspects of their identities and experiences, ultimately making space for healing and flourishing.
Veronica Terese
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, QMHP-C, CGAC-II, CADC-I
3 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97221
Waitlist for new clients
I look forward to working with those who identify as the Global Majority, queer, neurodivergent, fat-bodied, romantic/platonic friends/(chosen) families and communities.
Are you feeling alone when in your loved ones company? Feeling unheard when you are communicating? Are addictions causing disconnection?
Seeking therapeutic help is courageous and I hope you will allow me to help guide you in your journey of reconnection. I am a Marriage and Family Therapist Registered Associate, specialized in addictions processes and recovery among varying relationships and families. Through direct yet empathic feedback we will name inequities to root into relational strength. Altogether we will co-create goals, lean on cultural teachings and value resilience to cultivate interdependence.
I look forward to working with those who identify as the Global Majority, queer, neurodivergent, fat-bodied, romantic/platonic friends/(chosen) families and communities.
Are you feeling alone when in your loved ones company? Feeling unheard when you are communicating? Are addictions causing disconnection?
Seeking therapeutic help is courageous and I hope you will allow me to help guide you in your journey of reconnection. I am a Marriage and Family Therapist Registered Associate, specialized in addictions processes and recovery among varying relationships and families. Through direct yet empathic feedback we will name inequities to root into relational strength. Altogether we will co-create goals, lean on cultural teachings and value resilience to cultivate interdependence.
The world we live in does not set us up to intuitively connect with ourselves. The demands of productivity can erode our most important relationship: the one we cultivate with ourselves. Maybe you've arrived face-to-face with a new or unfamiliar part of yourself. Perhaps you’re feeling stuck, lonely, anxious, depressed, unworthy, or not (fill in the blank) enough. You might be someone seeking support in navigating relational difficulties, past or present. Wherever you’ve found yourself, it can help having someone beside you as you begin to make sense of the push and pull of life's tides.
The world we live in does not set us up to intuitively connect with ourselves. The demands of productivity can erode our most important relationship: the one we cultivate with ourselves. Maybe you've arrived face-to-face with a new or unfamiliar part of yourself. Perhaps you’re feeling stuck, lonely, anxious, depressed, unworthy, or not (fill in the blank) enough. You might be someone seeking support in navigating relational difficulties, past or present. Wherever you’ve found yourself, it can help having someone beside you as you begin to make sense of the push and pull of life's tides.
As a transmasc, queer, LGBTQ therapist, I've spent 25 years providing counseling and therapy for those across the LGBTQIA spectrum and straight individuals.
If you're anywhere on the LGBTQIA2S+ spectrum and are undergoing gender transition, coming out, navigating relationship or career issues, or are trying to figure out how to not just cope with life but truly celebrate it ... I'm here for you. Significant life changes can feel overwhelming. They also raise important questions about who we are and who we want to be, which is why I offer individual and couples therapy to make sure you get the structured, compassionate support you need and deserve to better understand yourself, develop resilience, and create authentic, fulfilling relationships and life that's truly worth celebrating!
As a transmasc, queer, LGBTQ therapist, I've spent 25 years providing counseling and therapy for those across the LGBTQIA spectrum and straight individuals.
If you're anywhere on the LGBTQIA2S+ spectrum and are undergoing gender transition, coming out, navigating relationship or career issues, or are trying to figure out how to not just cope with life but truly celebrate it ... I'm here for you. Significant life changes can feel overwhelming. They also raise important questions about who we are and who we want to be, which is why I offer individual and couples therapy to make sure you get the structured, compassionate support you need and deserve to better understand yourself, develop resilience, and create authentic, fulfilling relationships and life that's truly worth celebrating!
LGBTQ+, EMDR certified, trauma, Religious trauma, neurodivergent, gender dysphoria, depression, anxiety in California, Oregon, and Wisconsin.
My connection with my clients drives me to work with people. I want to know who you are, even if you don’t fully understand that yet. My core values in therapy include authenticity, empathy, safety, professionalism, and growth. I disclose parts of me that help clients feel comfortable with themselves and know they are in a safe, non-judgmental space.
LGBTQ+, EMDR certified, trauma, Religious trauma, neurodivergent, gender dysphoria, depression, anxiety in California, Oregon, and Wisconsin.
My connection with my clients drives me to work with people. I want to know who you are, even if you don’t fully understand that yet. My core values in therapy include authenticity, empathy, safety, professionalism, and growth. I disclose parts of me that help clients feel comfortable with themselves and know they are in a safe, non-judgmental space.
I offer a deep awareness of LGBTQ+ concerns, an anti-oppressive lens, and a background in community organizing and nonprofits.
I believe that we each already hold the inner wisdom we need to heal ourselves. My role as therapist is to honor that wise voice and work collaboratively with you to create a space for the voice to grow. In my experience, this wisdom is rooted in the body and by working holistically with mind and body we are able to cultivate the connection to our truest, and most at ease, selves. My approach is relational at its core. By building a strong, authentic relationship, we work together to recognize what makes relationships feel hard and what new things we might try to ease them.
I offer a deep awareness of LGBTQ+ concerns, an anti-oppressive lens, and a background in community organizing and nonprofits.
I believe that we each already hold the inner wisdom we need to heal ourselves. My role as therapist is to honor that wise voice and work collaboratively with you to create a space for the voice to grow. In my experience, this wisdom is rooted in the body and by working holistically with mind and body we are able to cultivate the connection to our truest, and most at ease, selves. My approach is relational at its core. By building a strong, authentic relationship, we work together to recognize what makes relationships feel hard and what new things we might try to ease them.
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.
As a queer, trans, neurospicy counselor with lived experience, I get what it's like to navigate exhaustion, chronic pain, feeling stuck, life transitions, identity exploration, relationship challenges, and the weight of oppressive systems.
Inner Rising means rising into your truest self, not who you were told to be. I offer liberation-focused support where your brain isn't broken, it just works differently. My approach is humanistic, warm, collaborative, and directional — with curiosity, humility and humor, we build clarity, relief, and a life that fits how you're wired.
As a queer, trans, neurospicy counselor with lived experience, I get what it's like to navigate exhaustion, chronic pain, feeling stuck, life transitions, identity exploration, relationship challenges, and the weight of oppressive systems.
Inner Rising means rising into your truest self, not who you were told to be. I offer liberation-focused support where your brain isn't broken, it just works differently. My approach is humanistic, warm, collaborative, and directional — with curiosity, humility and humor, we build clarity, relief, and a life that fits how you're wired.
My areas of speciality include supporting adolescents who are struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, and stress, who are hesitant about therapy, mixed/multi-racial & BIPOC youth, and queer youth.
Accepting new clients. I offer relational, affirming, & approachable therapy for teens and young adults (14-24ish) that helps navigate the often turbulent times of adolescence & emerging adulthood. I work with young people so that they can feel less alone and more connected to a greater understanding of themselves, their joy, and how to move through hardship. As a therapist, my goal is to create a warm, open, and non-judgmental space where you can feel more understood, connected, and supported. I believe that healing happens within trusting relationships and that we shouldn’t have to go through difficulty alone.
My areas of speciality include supporting adolescents who are struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, and stress, who are hesitant about therapy, mixed/multi-racial & BIPOC youth, and queer youth.
Accepting new clients. I offer relational, affirming, & approachable therapy for teens and young adults (14-24ish) that helps navigate the often turbulent times of adolescence & emerging adulthood. I work with young people so that they can feel less alone and more connected to a greater understanding of themselves, their joy, and how to move through hardship. As a therapist, my goal is to create a warm, open, and non-judgmental space where you can feel more understood, connected, and supported. I believe that healing happens within trusting relationships and that we shouldn’t have to go through difficulty alone.
Here, LGBTQ+ folks, people with chronic illness and pain or disabilities, age 18 to 108 will find safety, community, and a non-judgmental space to explore who you are, and find purpose and joy.
I believe that you are the expert in your own life. We will work together collaboratively and you will have the power to decide how therapy goes at each step. Therapy with me will center your voice and your choices. As a therapist, I offer transparency and trauma informed care and you will be seen and heard with non-judgment and compassion.
Here, LGBTQ+ folks, people with chronic illness and pain or disabilities, age 18 to 108 will find safety, community, and a non-judgmental space to explore who you are, and find purpose and joy.
I believe that you are the expert in your own life. We will work together collaboratively and you will have the power to decide how therapy goes at each step. Therapy with me will center your voice and your choices. As a therapist, I offer transparency and trauma informed care and you will be seen and heard with non-judgment and compassion.
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.
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.
Kendyl Watts
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
1 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97206
Waitlist for new clients
I especially enjoy working with members of the LGBTQ+ community, people living with or affected by HIV/AIDS, and individuals experiencing infertility, pregnancy, and more.
I can help you feel more empowered, cultivate resilience, develop new coping strategies, strengthen your relationships, and more. My style is attachment-oriented and typically uses a mix of cognitive-behavioral and narrative techniques, but the specific strategies utilized are unique to each individual. I am also a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional.
I especially enjoy working with members of the LGBTQ+ community, people living with or affected by HIV/AIDS, and individuals experiencing infertility, pregnancy, and more.
I can help you feel more empowered, cultivate resilience, develop new coping strategies, strengthen your relationships, and more. My style is attachment-oriented and typically uses a mix of cognitive-behavioral and narrative techniques, but the specific strategies utilized are unique to each individual. I am also a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional.
InnerCanvas Counseling LLC
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, C8184
3 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97232
Waitlist for new clients
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 and Couples. 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 and Couples. I offer empathy, positivity, and validation of your experience.
I am connected to 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 and in-office visits in NE Portland. Have questions? Reach out!
I am connected to 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 and in-office visits in NE Portland. Have questions? Reach out!
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