Sex Therapists in Portland, OR
NorthWest Institute for Psychotherapy & Sexuality
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Online Only
Our team is inclusive to all genders, sex, sexual preferences, and relationship styles and make no judgements on our client’s individual political, religious, or other personal beliefs.
Starting therapy can be intimidating and finding a therapist you click with can seem daunting. The success of the relationship built between you and your therapist is more than just the sum of a therapist’s qualifications and credentials. Success in therapy is built on trust. Difficulties we find in our relationships and in life itself, can be scary to face alone, but having an ally who we trust can give us the courage to confront them. In our practice we prioritize mutual respect and trust, allowing us to co-create a safe space for self-exploration, understanding, and ultimately a richer, fuller, and more authentic life.
Our team is inclusive to all genders, sex, sexual preferences, and relationship styles and make no judgements on our client’s individual political, religious, or other personal beliefs.
Starting therapy can be intimidating and finding a therapist you click with can seem daunting. The success of the relationship built between you and your therapist is more than just the sum of a therapist’s qualifications and credentials. Success in therapy is built on trust. Difficulties we find in our relationships and in life itself, can be scary to face alone, but having an ally who we trust can give us the courage to confront them. In our practice we prioritize mutual respect and trust, allowing us to co-create a safe space for self-exploration, understanding, and ultimately a richer, fuller, and more authentic life.
As well as being able to provide general individual and couples support in therapy, I have specialized education and training in working with sexual concerns related to sexual dysfunctions, painful sex, shame or anxiety around sex, and improvement in pleasure.
I have experience working with people from all walks of life, backgrounds, and identities, but there is a special place in my heart for those who have histories of trauma or abuse. Other communities and presenting concerns I love working with are the LGBT+ community, sexual dysfunctions, kink/BDSM, anxiety, self-worth, PTSD/C-PTSD, couples, and individuals.
As well as being able to provide general individual and couples support in therapy, I have specialized education and training in working with sexual concerns related to sexual dysfunctions, painful sex, shame or anxiety around sex, and improvement in pleasure.
I have experience working with people from all walks of life, backgrounds, and identities, but there is a special place in my heart for those who have histories of trauma or abuse. Other communities and presenting concerns I love working with are the LGBT+ community, sexual dysfunctions, kink/BDSM, anxiety, self-worth, PTSD/C-PTSD, couples, and individuals.
Roger D. Carlson
Psychologist, PhD, MDiv, CCH, CST, ABS ACS
Verified Verified
Online Only
Waitlist for new clients
I treat sexual difficulties or lifestyle issues from a sex positive perspective.
I work with people who wish to make changes in their emotions, thoughts, and behaviors. I use hypnosis, cognitive therapy, and psychoanalytic psychotherapy for making significant life changes.
I treat sexual difficulties or lifestyle issues from a sex positive perspective.
I work with people who wish to make changes in their emotions, thoughts, and behaviors. I use hypnosis, cognitive therapy, and psychoanalytic psychotherapy for making significant life changes.
I enjoy working with a range of clients and specialize in assisting individuals and couples who are neurodivergent, LGBTQ+, and/or adult survivors of complex trauma and their partners navigate anxiety, depression, communication issues, and cultivate healthy sexuality.
I lead with curiosity, warmth and authenticity as we work together to create a container that is conducive for your growth. I'll celebrate every win and encourage you to do the same-no matter how small or silly. With my clinical guidance, we will use a mix of practical skill-building with process-oriented exploration. All parts of you are welcome.
I enjoy working with a range of clients and specialize in assisting individuals and couples who are neurodivergent, LGBTQ+, and/or adult survivors of complex trauma and their partners navigate anxiety, depression, communication issues, and cultivate healthy sexuality.
I lead with curiosity, warmth and authenticity as we work together to create a container that is conducive for your growth. I'll celebrate every win and encourage you to do the same-no matter how small or silly. With my clinical guidance, we will use a mix of practical skill-building with process-oriented exploration. All parts of you are welcome.
Joshua Bytendorp
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, LCMHC
Verified Verified
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).
My desire is for you to feel empowered to be your authentic self and transform your relationship with sex and sexuality into a positive one.
I'm glad you're seeking support! I’m particularly passionate about supporting people who are working through sexual shame, navigating ethical non-monogamy, and those who identify neurodivergent (specifically Autistic or ADHD), queer, and/or BIPOC. I believe that community is at the core of our being. Despite that, relationships (platonic, romantic, or otherwise) are complicated. Navigating challenges that arise and staying curious can allow you to find ways to heal and discover your truth.
My desire is for you to feel empowered to be your authentic self and transform your relationship with sex and sexuality into a positive one.
I'm glad you're seeking support! I’m particularly passionate about supporting people who are working through sexual shame, navigating ethical non-monogamy, and those who identify neurodivergent (specifically Autistic or ADHD), queer, and/or BIPOC. I believe that community is at the core of our being. Despite that, relationships (platonic, romantic, or otherwise) are complicated. Navigating challenges that arise and staying curious can allow you to find ways to heal and discover your truth.
I understand that talking about relationships and sex can feel difficult, that's why I take time with all of my clients to create a space in which you feel safe to show up authentically.
Have you been struggling with getting your needs met in your romantic relationships? Feeling like you want to explore your sexual interests and pleasure, but not sure where to start? In our work together, I'll support you in getting curious, gaining new understanding, and initiating fresh changes in your life and relationships.
I understand that talking about relationships and sex can feel difficult, that's why I take time with all of my clients to create a space in which you feel safe to show up authentically.
Have you been struggling with getting your needs met in your romantic relationships? Feeling like you want to explore your sexual interests and pleasure, but not sure where to start? In our work together, I'll support you in getting curious, gaining new understanding, and initiating fresh changes in your life and relationships.
My focus areas include relationship and sex therapy.
I strive to work with folks who do not feel like they fit the typical mold of society. So many of us have experienced othering or felt judgment for our unique qualities. It is a pleasure to aid folks in reframing those differences as strengths and assets. Whether a client feels different due to identity or sexual orientation or just thinks differently, I hope to help these clients find a sense of peace within themselves. I enjoy working with all members of society but have a love for working with folks in the LGBTQIA+, Poly, Kink-conscious, nerdy, and those who strive to appreciate their quirks and uniqueness.
My focus areas include relationship and sex therapy.
I strive to work with folks who do not feel like they fit the typical mold of society. So many of us have experienced othering or felt judgment for our unique qualities. It is a pleasure to aid folks in reframing those differences as strengths and assets. Whether a client feels different due to identity or sexual orientation or just thinks differently, I hope to help these clients find a sense of peace within themselves. I enjoy working with all members of society but have a love for working with folks in the LGBTQIA+, Poly, Kink-conscious, nerdy, and those who strive to appreciate their quirks and uniqueness.
As a sex and relationship therapist I specialize in treating individuals seeking guidance and support for intimacy concerns, low desire/desire discrepancy, lack of sexual interest/pleasure, erectile dysfunction, kink/BDSM, difficulty w/ orgasm/arousal, sex related pain, sexual issues due to anxiety/depression, sexual trauma, gender/sexual identity exploration, conflict & communication breakdowns, and other relationship challenges.
I help people to understand and accept themselves with grace and compassion as they develop new ways of relating, discovering pleasure, and cultivating satisfying relationships. Treatment is tailored to each individual and I draw from attachment theory, cognitive-behavior therapy, mindfulness, emotion focused therapy, and sex-positive frameworks.
As a sex and relationship therapist I specialize in treating individuals seeking guidance and support for intimacy concerns, low desire/desire discrepancy, lack of sexual interest/pleasure, erectile dysfunction, kink/BDSM, difficulty w/ orgasm/arousal, sex related pain, sexual issues due to anxiety/depression, sexual trauma, gender/sexual identity exploration, conflict & communication breakdowns, and other relationship challenges.
I help people to understand and accept themselves with grace and compassion as they develop new ways of relating, discovering pleasure, and cultivating satisfying relationships. Treatment is tailored to each individual and I draw from attachment theory, cognitive-behavior therapy, mindfulness, emotion focused therapy, and sex-positive frameworks.
Topics I explore with clients: processing trauma, creating body wisdom & relationship w/ self, sex & sexuality (pleasure, barriers, shame, kink/bdsm, desires, & so much more!), creating healthy relationship dynamics, healing childhood wounds, religious wounds, ancestral & cultural wisdom, anxiety, depression, navigating stress, symptom mindset shift, etc.
Healing is a subtle & gradual process, & thankfully we don't have to do it alone. In supporting your healing process, my desire is to see you move from constriction (pain/trauma/symptoms) into expansion (pleasure/liberation/alignment with self). I believe we do this by: recognizing the barriers in our lives, finding the ways in which trauma has been stuck & stored within the body, & gently moving through stagnant pain/symptoms by establishing safety & recalibrating the nervous system together. Therapy is a beautiful co-creative process where we get to support the life you envision; one that honors your most sacred self!
Topics I explore with clients: processing trauma, creating body wisdom & relationship w/ self, sex & sexuality (pleasure, barriers, shame, kink/bdsm, desires, & so much more!), creating healthy relationship dynamics, healing childhood wounds, religious wounds, ancestral & cultural wisdom, anxiety, depression, navigating stress, symptom mindset shift, etc.
Healing is a subtle & gradual process, & thankfully we don't have to do it alone. In supporting your healing process, my desire is to see you move from constriction (pain/trauma/symptoms) into expansion (pleasure/liberation/alignment with self). I believe we do this by: recognizing the barriers in our lives, finding the ways in which trauma has been stuck & stored within the body, & gently moving through stagnant pain/symptoms by establishing safety & recalibrating the nervous system together. Therapy is a beautiful co-creative process where we get to support the life you envision; one that honors your most sacred self!
Are you navigating the complexities of your relationships and sexuality, whether monogamous, non-monogamous, or exploring kink?
Whether you're seeking to deepen your connection with your partner, explore new facets of your sexuality, or address individual mental health concerns, I am here to support you. Together, we will work on reconnecting you with yourself and your community, emphasizing the essential mind-body connection that is often overlooked.
Are you navigating the complexities of your relationships and sexuality, whether monogamous, non-monogamous, or exploring kink?
Whether you're seeking to deepen your connection with your partner, explore new facets of your sexuality, or address individual mental health concerns, I am here to support you. Together, we will work on reconnecting you with yourself and your community, emphasizing the essential mind-body connection that is often overlooked.
Meet Our Sex Therapy
Tamzin Johanson
Pre-Licensed Professional
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97213
Waitlist for new clients
I work with individuals & couples, with a passion for supporting neurodivergent folks, sex workers, and those experiencing sexual or relationship concerns.
I want our sessions to be what feels good for you! My initial goal is to build a relationship where you feel comfortable, seen, heard, and valued. While providing validation and compassion, I won’t hesitate to push you when it’s needed for growth. I’m informed and affirming around sex work, queerness, gender expansiveness, kink/BDSM, and asexuality.
I work with individuals & couples, with a passion for supporting neurodivergent folks, sex workers, and those experiencing sexual or relationship concerns.
I want our sessions to be what feels good for you! My initial goal is to build a relationship where you feel comfortable, seen, heard, and valued. While providing validation and compassion, I won’t hesitate to push you when it’s needed for growth. I’m informed and affirming around sex work, queerness, gender expansiveness, kink/BDSM, and asexuality.
I use a strengths-based, trauma informed, LGBTQIA2S+ affirming, sex positive, intersectional, and client centered approach.
My approach to therapy is collaborative, creative, and compassionate. My goal is to create a safe and warm space, so each client feels comfortable sharing what's on their mind and in their heart. This may include diving into trauma, grief, and other challenging life experiences that prevent a person from feeling at peace and operating at their highest potential. The philosophy that guides my work is that everyone has the inner wisdom needed to thrive. My role is to help clients access this inner wisdom so they can heal, grow and live the fulfilling life they are seeking.
I use a strengths-based, trauma informed, LGBTQIA2S+ affirming, sex positive, intersectional, and client centered approach.
My approach to therapy is collaborative, creative, and compassionate. My goal is to create a safe and warm space, so each client feels comfortable sharing what's on their mind and in their heart. This may include diving into trauma, grief, and other challenging life experiences that prevent a person from feeling at peace and operating at their highest potential. The philosophy that guides my work is that everyone has the inner wisdom needed to thrive. My role is to help clients access this inner wisdom so they can heal, grow and live the fulfilling life they are seeking.
Megan McDavid
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MEd, CST
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Online Only
I specialize in sexuality concerns and working with LGBTQIA+, kinky, and poly-identified clients.
In the hustle of our daily lives, it can be difficult to tune into ourselves and notice the ways that our work, stress, relationships, and responsibilities are affecting us. We can find ourselves feeling unsettled or unhappy and not have the space to move into a better understanding of what in our lives needs to change. To overcome this, many people find it helpful to have a space dedicated to deepening their understanding of themselves and their emotions. Therapy provides a unique space to develop your understanding of yourself and respond to life's challenges with curiosity, compassion, and understanding.
I specialize in sexuality concerns and working with LGBTQIA+, kinky, and poly-identified clients.
In the hustle of our daily lives, it can be difficult to tune into ourselves and notice the ways that our work, stress, relationships, and responsibilities are affecting us. We can find ourselves feeling unsettled or unhappy and not have the space to move into a better understanding of what in our lives needs to change. To overcome this, many people find it helpful to have a space dedicated to deepening their understanding of themselves and their emotions. Therapy provides a unique space to develop your understanding of yourself and respond to life's challenges with curiosity, compassion, and understanding.
Portia L Sipes
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, CST, MAC, CADCIII
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97205
I specialize in sex therapy, substance use, life transitions, anxiety and depression.
Feeling disconnected from yourself, friends, family? Experiencing a life transition? Wondering if you can improve sexual intimacy or sexual function? Struggling with depression or anxiety? Have questions about your alcohol or drug use? I can help. Life can be difficult and sometimes we need help sorting out the challenges we face. We all need support and encouragement. In my approach to therapy, I encourage you to think about how you are strong, have dealt with past challenges, and support you in developing new skills and strategies. I believe you hold the wisdom and knowledge to manifest a healthier, more fulfilling life.
I specialize in sex therapy, substance use, life transitions, anxiety and depression.
Feeling disconnected from yourself, friends, family? Experiencing a life transition? Wondering if you can improve sexual intimacy or sexual function? Struggling with depression or anxiety? Have questions about your alcohol or drug use? I can help. Life can be difficult and sometimes we need help sorting out the challenges we face. We all need support and encouragement. In my approach to therapy, I encourage you to think about how you are strong, have dealt with past challenges, and support you in developing new skills and strategies. I believe you hold the wisdom and knowledge to manifest a healthier, more fulfilling life.
LCSW, EMDR Certified, have been supervised by a doctorate in sex and sexuality
Starting a healing journey is a big step, and I am excited to meet you here. I love working with folks who want to do deep healing work. I focus on attachment and relationships, healing from complex trauma, and discovering your sexual self. This work can be very meaningful for individuals and couples. You can visit my website to see more detail about this work and how I approach it. The most important variable in successful therapy is the individual's feelings of trust and safety with the therapist. My first goal is to create a space where you feel comfortable to be yourself.
LCSW, EMDR Certified, have been supervised by a doctorate in sex and sexuality
Starting a healing journey is a big step, and I am excited to meet you here. I love working with folks who want to do deep healing work. I focus on attachment and relationships, healing from complex trauma, and discovering your sexual self. This work can be very meaningful for individuals and couples. You can visit my website to see more detail about this work and how I approach it. The most important variable in successful therapy is the individual's feelings of trust and safety with the therapist. My first goal is to create a space where you feel comfortable to be yourself.
Andrea J. Wright Johnston
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Online Only
I specialize in sex therapy and am an effective life coach.
New emotional experiences can heal wounds and reduce or eliminate emotional pain and distress. Therapy can be used to increase your ability to access resilience and resources to overcome obstacles. Goals for improving connections and new possibilities can be developed collaboratively.
I specialize in sex therapy and am an effective life coach.
New emotional experiences can heal wounds and reduce or eliminate emotional pain and distress. Therapy can be used to increase your ability to access resilience and resources to overcome obstacles. Goals for improving connections and new possibilities can be developed collaboratively.
Specialties: Consensual/Ethical Non-Monogamy, Sex and Relationship Issues, BDSM/Kink, Body Positivity, Consent, Pain Management, and SPMI.
My private practice is focused on helping people curious about and/or practicing consensual/ethical non-monogamy, solo poly, relationship anarchy, and any alternative relationship style. I am BDSM/kink-aware and LGBTQIA+ friendly.
Specialties: Consensual/Ethical Non-Monogamy, Sex and Relationship Issues, BDSM/Kink, Body Positivity, Consent, Pain Management, and SPMI.
My private practice is focused on helping people curious about and/or practicing consensual/ethical non-monogamy, solo poly, relationship anarchy, and any alternative relationship style. I am BDSM/kink-aware and LGBTQIA+ friendly.
I maintain a private practice with a focus on sex therapy in Portland, Oregon.
Sexuality is often plagued by ideas and expectations regarding performance. I will encourage you to focus on pleasure and on expanding and deepening your sexual experiences. Relationships will engage in open communication as to desires, needs, and feelings in order to build more intimate and satisfying emotional and sexual connections.
I maintain a private practice with a focus on sex therapy in Portland, Oregon.
Sexuality is often plagued by ideas and expectations regarding performance. I will encourage you to focus on pleasure and on expanding and deepening your sexual experiences. Relationships will engage in open communication as to desires, needs, and feelings in order to build more intimate and satisfying emotional and sexual connections.
I work primarily with individuals, couples, and other relationship systems who are hoping to heal past trauma, explore gender or sexuality, work through sexual difficulties, process emotional, relational, or sexual wounding, or connect more deeply to their authentic selves.
The philosophies of existential-humanistic and narrative therapies are woven into my work as a therapist. I practice narrative therapy, experiential therapy, and emotionally focused therapy. I also integrate techniques from internal family systems (IFS), somatic therapy, mindfulness, and other therapeutic modalities in order to best fit your needs.
I work primarily with individuals, couples, and other relationship systems who are hoping to heal past trauma, explore gender or sexuality, work through sexual difficulties, process emotional, relational, or sexual wounding, or connect more deeply to their authentic selves.
The philosophies of existential-humanistic and narrative therapies are woven into my work as a therapist. I practice narrative therapy, experiential therapy, and emotionally focused therapy. I also integrate techniques from internal family systems (IFS), somatic therapy, mindfulness, and other therapeutic modalities in order to best fit your needs.
See more therapy options for Portland
Nearby Sex Therapy Searches for Portland
- Beaverton
- Clackamas
- Gresham
- Happy Valley
- Hillsboro
- Lake Oswego
- Milwaukie
- Oregon City
- Sherwood
- Tigard
- Tualatin
- West Linn
Sex Therapy
Who is sex therapy for?
Sex problems are common in relationships. Many people want a better sex life and want to feel loved and desired by their partner. It is difficult for couples to resolve sexual problems on their own because people often feel ashamed to talk about their sexual desires fearing they are not normal, when in fact a very broad range of preferences and behaviors are normal. A sex therapist can help clarify this and other matters.
Why do people need sex therapy?
Many people do not know how to talk about their erotic needs or their emotional needs, both of which are addressed in sex therapy. Couples often live with sexual difficulties for years before seeking help, and in that time, partners may experience so much disappointment and alienation that they may fear their problems mean they are incompatible. Once people experience disappointment, it is difficult to find resolution without help.
What happens in sex therapy?
People have many misconceptions about what takes place in sex therapy. First, it is a form of talk therapy in which partners discuss their sexual concerns; it does not involve touching or physical exploration of any kind. Sex therapy typically helps couples get comfortable talking to each other about sex so that, in the privacy of their home life, they can openly discuss their sexual desires and make decisions about what they want to do. Couples are typically assigned activities to do at home that build intimacy skills.
What kinds of problems do sex therapists treat?
Very often, partners differ in their degree of sexual desire and struggle over how often to have sex. Or they may have fights about porn use or have difficulty connecting sexually after one partner is unfaithful. Men may have problems with premature ejaculation. Women may find themselves struggling to become aroused or to achieve an orgasm. Sometimes partners feel like they have lost the sense of attraction to their partner. These are all common issues dealt with in sex therapy.