Liz Powell

Liz Powell (they/them)

Clinical Psychologist

CA PSY 27871; OR PSY 3068

I believe Great Sex Can Change the World! My mission is to help you have meaningful, pleasurable relationships in life, work, & the bedroom

Client Status

not accepting clients

Contact

4157351524

11 NE MLK Jr. Blvd

Suite 501

Portland, OR 97232

At a Glance

Me

Rate: $50-$400

Provides free initial consultation

Provides telehealth services

Practicing Since: 2007

Languages: English

Services

  • Individual
  • Family
  • Group
  • Relationship

Insurances Accepted

  • Out of Pocket
  • Out of Network

My Ideal Client

Are you someone who's been having problems in your sex life or relationships? Have you struggled to find a therapist who speaks your language and understands your community and lifestyle? Are social justice and activism important to you? It can be hard sometimes to feel like we can be our full selves with our healthcare providers. We worry about judgment, so we leave parts of ourselves out. As someone specializing in non-traditional relationships, I can tell you that I'm here for the real you

My Approach to Helping

My work with clients is playful, deep, challenging, systemically aware, strengths-focused, and action-oriented. In short, my goal is to help you feel seen, to help you to face what's holding you back, and to put your challenges in context. I'm invested in helping you make the most of the time we spend together. In our work together, I work to find a balance between pushing someone to grow and learn and giving them acceptance and understanding. I know that no matter how much training I have, you're the biggest expert on you, so part of my job is to listen to you about what you know is right for you and what you know isn't. When looking at what's keeping us from what we want, or what's prolonging our pain, often we find it is the stories we hold about who we should be or how we should live. I help clients look at what those stories are so that we can help you decide which ones you want to keep, which ones to change, and which ones to leave in the past.

My Personal Beliefs and Interests

I've been out as bisexual for over 20 years, kinky for almost 20 years, non-monogamous on and off for 20 years, and exploring my gender for the last few years. My passion for work with LGBTQ+/BDSM/non-monogamy communities is rooted in my own participation in them; in many ways, I came to private practice to become the therapist I needed at so many times in my life. I'm also active in activism related to social justice, I work daily at unpacking my internalized white supremacy so that I can be a better ally and accomplice to BIPOC people, and I am always striving to learn more and to put my values into action. I'm also an internationally recognized expert in sex and relationships. My work has been featured in Playboy, Cosmopolitan, Glamour, CBC Radio, Health.com, AskMen, Marie Claire, Psych Central, and Dope Magazine, as well as on multiple podcasts and other web articles. I've presented at conferences and taught sex and relationship classes all over North America.

Techniques I Use

Specialties

  • Feminist External link

    The struggles we each face do not occur in a vacuum - we are all subject to the influences of family, cultural, and societal systems. Examining the individual without considering the impact of these systems does the client a disservice. I apply and anti-oppression, intersectional feminist lens to all client work.

  • Narrative  External link

    The stories we have about ourselves and our world often drive the way that we move through our lives. I was lucky enough to receive 2+ years of Narrative Therapy specific training throughout graduate school. I want to help you look at the stories you have about yourself, others, and the world and see how those stories are affecting your life.

  • Cognitive Behavioral (CBT) External link

    With extensive training in CBT techniques and theory and over a decade of experience, I want to help you examine how your thoughts, feelings, and actions are interacting.

Issues I Treat

Specialties

  • Polyamorous and Open Relationships External link

    I have over a decade of experience working with non-monogamous clients and have been non-monogamous myself for most of my adult life. I also recently published my first book, Building Open Relationships: Your Hands-On Guide to Swinging, Polyamory, & Beyond. In particular, I look at figuring out how to practice non-monogamy in a way that is ethical and in alignment with your own values/boundaries

  • Veterans/Military Service External link

    As a disabled veteran, I understand the challenges of military service and life once you leave active duty. I served 5 years in the US Army, including a 9 month deployment to Afghanistan. I've worked with active duty service members, reserve/guard, and veterans from all branches. I also know that military service can bring up complex feelings, so I like to make space for whatever comes up for you.

  • LGBTQ Issues External link

    I've worked with LGBTQ issues for over a decade and love work with these populations. As a non-binary, bisexual/queer person, I understand the gifts and challenges of LGBTQ+ communities. Exploration of sexuality and gender is core to my practice.

  • Sexual Problems External link

    With specialized training in sex therapy from the University of Guelph as well as AASECT approved classes and presentations, I enjoy helping people explore their concerns related to sexual health, functioning, and exploration. I understand that issues related to sex are rarely as simple as technique or biology and enjoy helping people identify and examine their own narratives about sexuality.

  • PTSD External link

    I'm trained in the 3 evidence-based treatments for PTSD: Prolonged Exposure, Cognitive Processing Therapy, and EMDR. I've treated dozens of clients with trauma symptoms related to a variety of traumatic events, ranging from complex, multiple traumas to discreet single traumas. I also have experience working in conjunction with prescribers to ensure your symptoms are addressed.

Contact Liz

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