Portland Therapy Center
Claire Tam

Claire Tam (they/them)

Professional Counselor Associate

MA, Professional Counselor Associate

Supervisor: Silvana Espinoza Lau, LMFT

I'm a queer person of color who helps LGBTQ+ and BIPOC folx break down internalized shame and foster self-understanding.

Client Status

accepting clients

Contact

Email

At a Glance

Me

Rate: $125-$175

Provides free initial consultation

Practicing Since: 2021

Languages: English

Services

  • Individual

Insurances Accepted

  • Out of Pocket
  • Out of Network

My Ideal Client

I specialize in working with queer, TGNB, and BIPOC adults. I have experience with a range of challenges including depression, anxiety, gender identity, polyamory/relationship concerns, and healing from trauma, but the most common issue among my clients is struggling to have a sense of belonging due to intersecting identities. I collaborate with clients to explore the parts of themself that have been disowned, the parts that deserve to be seen, and the parts that are yet to be discovered.

My Approach to Helping

I embrace living with authenticity and integrity and will use these values to help you create the relationships with yourself and others that you desire. Within therapy sessions, I listen for ways to foster connections between your body and mind. I focus on the bridge between emotional, behavioral, and physical sensations and may also encourage you to tap into the wisdom of your ancestors and nature. My approach is relationally-oriented meaning I attune to the present moment in session, recognizing what happens inside the therapy room may be what happens outside of therapy, too. Together we will create a space where you feel seen, heard, and encouraged in exploring areas for self-growth. I offer telehealth sessions Mon-Thurs 10am-5pm. Currently available for sessions weekly on Mon and Tues, bi-weekly or monthly on Wed and Thurs. Contact me for a free 30-minute consultation.

My Personal Beliefs and Interests

As a queer, non-binary, Chinese/Native Hawaiian person, I understand the impact of cross-generational trauma and colonialism on all bodies. I practice solo polyamory in my relationships and have experience with monogamy, marriage, and multiracial/blended families. I believe in collective liberation and have previously engaged in social justice by volunteering with refugees in Greece as well as serving as a board member for The Equi Institute in Portland. I support making therapy accessible- please ask about my Sliding Scale. Outside of therapy, I indulge in self-led pastry tours, explore new music (Spotify calls my taste "shapeshifter"), immerse myself in nature, and deepen my avian knowledge while playing Wingspan.

Techniques I Use

Specialties

  • Relational  External link

    Relational Therapy focuses on understanding your experiences within the context of your relationships with your self and others. I believe the power of therapy is rooted in the healing that occurs within the therapeutic relationship. Using a relational framework, we will explore how past experiences (individual or intergenerational) may be impacting your beliefs about yourself and the world around you.

  • Mindfulness-based External link

    Mindfulness-based Therapy involves becoming more aware of what is happening internally and externally in the present moment. Developing your ability to be more aware of physical sensations enables you to find more clarity around your emotions and sense of self.

  • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) External link

    DBT revolves around the philosophy of balancing opposites- how to find ways to hold two seemingly conflicting perspectives at once. Within the DBT framework, we work towards acceptance and change by integrating the use of mindfulness techniques with emotion regulation and communication skills.

Issues I Treat

Specialties

Contact Claire

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