Portland Therapy Center
Kip Williams

Kip Williams (he/him)

Licensed Marriage Family Therapist

Ph.D., LMFT

Mindful-Somatic Psychotherapy: A Holistic Approach to Trauma Recovery and Personal Growth

Client Status

accepting clients

Contact

503.922.6339

1308 NW 20th Ave.

Portland, 97209

Email Website

At a Glance

Me

Provides free initial consultation

Practicing Since: 2012

Languages: English

Services

  • Individual

Insurances Accepted

  • Out of Pocket
  • Out of Network

My Ideal Client

I work one-on-one with adults who are seeking to heal from trauma and loss, to understand and accept themselves more fully, to feel more present and connected, and to pursue new directions of personal growth. Most of my clients have been in therapy before—some for many years, but with limited results. They often arrive at my practice seeking an alternative to traditional “talk therapy” and the medical model of mental health.

My Approach to Helping

I offer a holistic approach to psychotherapy that honors the body, mind, spirit, and natural world. My approach combines trauma-sensitive mindfulness and body-centered therapy to support the healing and growth of the whole person. This method emphasizes being present in the moment and listening to the body’s signals as part of the therapy process. This approach can be particularly beneficial for individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, and chronic stress because it provides tools to regulate the nervous system, process difficult emotions, and cultivate a sense of safety, presence, and connection. Specializations include LGBTQ+ Issues, Complex Trauma and Dissociation, Outdoor Ecotherapy, and Cannabis-Assisted Somatic Psychotherapy.

Why I Became a Therapist

I am a white-bodied and cisgender gay/queer male therapist from the rural South. I came to this work following an experience of severe burnout after 10 years of intensive activism for peace and social justice. I realized that I had been using activism to cope with the traumas of my past (trying to channel my pain and anger into positive social change) while simultaneously using it as an avoidance strategy (focusing on the outside world so I didn't have to look within). In my journey of healing and integration, I learned that both the inner and outer domains are important—but real change starts from within. My sincere hope and intention as a therapist is that the in-depth work I do with my clients would be in service of a greater goal—the liberation of all beings from systems of trauma and oppression.

Techniques I Use

Specialties

  • Somatic Therapy (Body Centered) External link

    Somatic therapy focuses on the mind-body connection. This approach recognizes that our experiences are not only processed cognitively (through our thoughts and stories), but are also stored and expressed in our physical bodies—often beneath the level of conscious awareness. By bringing mindful awareness to what is happening in the body, we can shine a light on hidden aspects of ourselves and re-organize the inner landscape that shapes our responses to the world.

  • Mindfulness-based External link

    Mindfulness means awareness with acceptance of the present moment experience—without judging, attaching, or pushing anything away. Rooted in ancient meditation practices, mindfulness can be a powerful tool to build resilience and connect with your body and emotions. I offer a compassionate and trauma-sensitive approach to therapeutic meditation, mindful self-inquiry, and building a personal practice.

  • EcoTherapy External link

    Living in relationship with the natural world means being rooted (knowing where we come from) and grounded in our basic sense of safety, belonging, and dignity. Outdoor Ecotherapy sessions provide an opportunity to get away from the pace and distractions of urban life and reconnect with your own true nature. Sessions include elements of "walk and talk" therapy with nature-based resourcing and awareness practice.

Issues I Treat

Specialties

  • LGBTQ Issues External link

    I welcome the intersections of who you are and the complexities of your lived experience. As a white-bodied and cisgender gay/queer male therapist from the rural South, I bring a social justice lens to help LGBTQ+ clients navigate the unique challenges we face as a community. Our work together may include healing from religious trauma, deconstructing internalized systems of oppression, and living from a place of authenticity and wholeness.

  • Dissociative Disorder (DD) External link

    Complex trauma refers to multiple and repetitive traumatic experiences—including systemic oppression and ongoing abuse or neglect in childhood. It often results in feelings of disconnection and a fragmented sense of self that may continue for many years after the trauma occurred. Through trauma-sensitive mindfulness and somatic therapy, I help survivors gently reconnect with their body and emotions, fostering a sense of safety, wholeness, and post-traumatic growth.

Contact Kip

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