Portland Therapy Center
Ryja (Rylan Jay) Testa

Ryja (Rylan Jay) Testa (he/him)

Clinical Psychologist

PhD; Psychologist Licensed in OR and CA

Psychologist, Spiritual Counselor, Buddhist Practitioner, Nature & Forest Therapy Guide, and Trans Man

Client Status

waitlist

Contact

707-243-3293

Email Website

At a Glance

Me

Rate: $200-$275

Provides free initial consultation

Practicing Since: 2012

Services

  • Individual

Insurances Accepted

  • Out of Pocket
  • Out of Network
  • OHP CareOregon/HealthShare
  • OHP Open Card
  • OHP Single Case Agreement
  • OHP Trillium
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My Ideal Client

Are you going through a time of major transformation or healing? This could mean a shift in gender or sexual identity, spiritual perspective, health status, career, relationship, or a recent loss. When we are thrust into the unknown, finding a new way forward can feel confusing, overwhelming, scary, or overwhelming. You might be unsure of what to do next or worry you have lost your way, or find it hard to trust you will be okay. I specialize in working with people navigating major change.

My Background and Approach

My combined personal and professional paths uniquely prepare me to guide others through times of unknown. I offer counseling based on: - over a decade professional experience as a clinical psychologist - over two years of full-time residential training at a Zen monastery - certification as a Nature and Forest Therapy Guide (anft.earth) - certification in ministry and Depth Hypnosis (developed by Isa Gucciardi, PhD.; sacredstream.org) - personal experience healing my own nervous system from burnout, mold toxicity, and dysautonomia, through neural reprogramming, guided imagery, dreamwork, and creative practices - countless hours listening to the teachings of the more-than-human world - lived experience as a transgender man I walk alongside you as fellow human, having gone through my own transformations of gender, health, and spirituality. I offer you all the gifts that have been gathered through my own evolution and healing. Please see my full CV on my website, including publications.

Why I am a Good Fit for You

I personalize treatment for you, using a combination of insight oriented work, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, guided meditation, dream work, forest therapy, hypnotherapy, art, movement, and music therapies. I help you connect with your deepest intentions and inner wisdom, and heal from any trauma or stuck patterns that block you from moving forward. You don't have to do the unknown alone. I walk alongside you in the mystery until you find your way to the other shore. I have particular specialized expertise the areas of gender and sexuality, spirituality, and health. If you are experiencing distress related to any of these areas, please don't hesitate to reach out for a free consultation! I would love to hear more about your journey and see how I might be of support.

Techniques I Use

Specialties

  • Depth Therapy External link

    I am certified in Depth Hypnosis through Foundation of the Sacred Stream, under the guidance of Isa Gucciardi, PhD. This training is thorough and integrates transpersonal psychology, shamanism, and Buddhist philosophy. This is the primary orientation I practice in, allowing change to occur at the subconscious level and thus be integrated and influence thoughts, feelings, and behaviors across contexts. This work empowers the client and is powerful and transformative.

  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) External link

    Over the years I have received formal training in ACT through my initial doctoral internship and followed this with additional trainings in my post-doctoral years and beyond. I have consistently used ACT integrated into my therapeutic work since 2012 and consider it to be one of my primary treatment approaches.

  • EcoTherapy External link

    I am certified as a Nature and Forest Therapy Guide, through ANFT.EARTH. This training is extensive and further requires completion of an immersion program for lifelong certification, which I did complete in 2021. I offer free forest therapy events for medical and mental health providers regularly, in effort to honor their work and prevent burnout.

Issues I Treat

Specialties

  • Gender Identity External link

    -Former Assistant Professor whose research and teaching focused on Gender Minority Stress and Resilience. -Published over 15 peer-reviewed research articles on this topic. -Author of The Gender Quest Workbook (2015) -Completed Post-Doctoral Fellowship: Sexual and Gender Identities Clinic and Center for LGBT Evidence-Based Applied Research, Palo Alto University -Prior Program Manager of the Gender Identities Program; Palo Alto University, Palo Alto, CA -Former Volunteer for The Trevor Project

  • Spirituality External link

    -2 and 1/2 years living and training full-time at a Zen Buddhist monastery -Certification in Depth Hypnosis (a healing methodology that combines transpersonal psychology, shamanism, and Buddhist philosophy -Certification as a Nature and Forest Therapy Guide (therapeutic practice that explores relationship with self, others, and the more than human world, incorporating Zen Buddhist philosophy)

  • Chronic Pain or Illness External link

    - Experience healing from and working with people healing from chronic diseases and poorly understood conditions such as chronic fatigue, multiple chemical sensitivity, mold toxicity, nervous system dysregulation/imbalance, dysautonomia, Lyme, and chronic pain - Experience working with clients with terminal illnesses - Doctoral Internship rotations in behavioral medicine - Experience providing group therapy for veterans with chronic pain and insomnia

Contact Ryja (Rylan Jay)

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