Portland Therapy Center
Saren Craig

Saren Craig (They/Them)

Licensed Professional Counselor

M.A. Counseling and Guidance

I'm a queer identified counselor and social justice advocate based in Portland Oregon. See my website for full details.

Client Status

accepting clients

Contact

971-266-1430

1135 SE Salmon St.

Suite L4

Portland, 97205

Email Website Schedule Now

At a Glance

Me

Rate: $70-$190

Provides free initial consultation

Provides telehealth services

Practicing Since: 2018

Languages: English

Services

  • Individual

Insurances Accepted

  • Out of Pocket

My Ideal Client

I value advocacy surrounding social justice issues and center of experiences of oppression, especially regarding LGBTQ+ and BIPOC communities into perspective when discussing mental health. I provide letters of support for gender affirming surgery. Scheduling to consult with me is as easy as sending a Google meet invite, my calendar is on my website. My favorite thing about this work is seeing people find happiness within themselves and watching them become more confident being themselves.

My Background and Approach

I am experienced in a variety of settings, including inpatient psychiatric hospitals, community mental health, case management, and supported housing. I have learned many skills and resources from working in those environments, and I know that multiple factors in the external system create internal issues. I understand the dynamic of power within the counseling relationship, and aim to empower clients through this work. In doing this work, I like to think about parts of us that needed something along our life's journey that we may not have received in a way that was affirming to us. These younger parts of ourselves need compassion and understanding to heal. I value social justice work and actively look for ways to become involved. I believe that reducing oppression through systemic change and greater awareness creates healthy communities.

My Personal Beliefs and Interests

I'm involved in advocacy and activism for the LGBTQ+ Community and support Black Lives Matter. I believe in treating each person with warmth, dignity and respect, while upholding the professional boundaries of the counseling relationship. I work from a broad theoretical background and approach care with a systemic lens. I aim to empower clients, and I understand that each individual has their own pace and path in the growth process. The Portland Metro area rests on traditional village sites of the Multnomah, Wasco, Cowlitz, Kathlamet, Clackamas, Bands of Chinook, Tualatin, Kalapuya, Molalla, and many other tribes who made their homes along the Columbia River. I also acknowledge the systemic policies of genocide, relocation, and assimilation that still impact many Indigenous/Native American families today. I respect the work of Indigenous leaders and families, and pledge to make ongoing efforts recognize their knowledge, creativity, and resilience.

Techniques I Use

Issues I Treat

Specialties

  • Gender Identity External link

    I am an LGBTQ+ affirming provider and believe that each person should be able to make choices for their own body, and experience in this world. I write letters of support for those seeking gender affirming care.

  • LGBTQ Issues External link

    Whether it's coming out to family, or maintaining relationships. I'm here to help you along the way. Coming out can be a challenging experience, but with the right support, you can feel empowered and accepted for who you are.

  • Anxiety External link

    We all have anxiety, and at different times, it becomes overwhelming. I offer support, and practical coping solutions to deal with anxiety in the moment.

  • Divorce External link

    I offer support for people going through a divorce. This can be a very difficult time, with ruptures in relationships that trigger anxiety and many different feelings about oneself as a person. Other times both parties can agree that this is the best course of action for both of them and separate amicably. Either way, going through a divorce can be stressful.

  • Personal Growth External link

    I am here to encourage you to pursue your goals and dreams. We will better define your goals and map out ways to achieve what you want. I will offer emotional support, but also practical resources when needed. Along this journey we will celebrate your successes.

Contact Saren

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