Licensed Professional Counselor
MA, PhD, LPC
I help queer, trans, and non-binary folks overcome life challenges using embodiment, mindfulness, and spiritual integration.
Client Status
971-279-7261
4531 SE Belmont Street
Suite 316
Portland, 97215
Rate: $100-$200
Provides free initial consultation
Provides telehealth services
Practicing Since: 2015
Languages: English, Français
Are you looking for therapy that can support you in the uniqueness of who you are? We all have rough times sometimes, and this world is complicated! I'd be happy to help you integrate all the dimensions of your being in a personalized process that suits you.
Specialties
I use Hakomi to help you access the wisdom of the body in the present moment, and to overcome your obstacles in a non-violent way that respects the organicity of who you are. Hakomi can involve touch, but doesn't have to, and touch is always totally consensual and optional. I trained in Hakomi from 2010 to 2018 and completed a post-Master's internship at the M.E.T.A. Counseling Clinic in Portland, OR under the supervision of Donna Roy.
For clients who are interested, I integrate spirituality and transpersonal perspectives into therapy. My graduate training has included experiential and didactic coursework on transpersonal psychology and integrative approaches to healing, and I have benefited from my own lived experience as well. This orientation helps me provide support with psychedelic integration, working with extraordinary experiences, and recovering from psychotic episodes.
I use mindfulness to help clients extend curiosity, openness, acceptance, and love towards their experience. I trained in Contemplative Psychotherapy, which integrates mindfulness, counseling, and Buddhist psychology. I am interested in embodied, full-person approaches to mindfulness— not the spiritually bypassing type. ;). I view mindfulness as supported by meditation practice, but also accessible through other attitudes and practices, such as interpersonal neurobiology.
The therapeutic relationship is an opportunity to explore relational dynamics in a new, experimental content. My training includes attachment-based, interpersonal, and experiential approaches to using the therapeutic encounter to give clients new options for showing up in relationships and with themselves. My clients matter to me, and I try to communicate that by participating in a healing relationship in which we each get to show up as we are, without demands.
I draw from the DBT toolkit to support clients in developing as full human beings, including the skillsets of core mindfulness, interpersonal effectiveness, emotion regulation, and distress tolerance. During my Master's internship, I trained in trauma-informed DBT and co-facilitated a weekly DBT class. I use DBT skills training with individual clients who find it helpful.
Specialties
Do you need a letter, or support on your gender journey? You've come to the right place. I identify as nonbinary/genderqueer, and I understand the complexities of gender and transition. I've completed professional training in gender-affirmative care and I have experience working with binary trans, non-binary, agender, and other gender-diverse folks. I often write letters for gender-affirming procedures in a single session, and I offer free or reduced-fee letters for BIPOC folks.
Are you queer, or in the LGBTQIA2S+ community umbrella? Me too! I practice affirmative therapy with queer folks, and I have worked with all sorts of clients, including lesbian, gay, bisexual/pansexual, trans, non-binary, queer, genderqueer, poly, and kinky folks. I love working with my community. I'm a founding member of the Oregon Association of LGBT Issues in Counseling and a member of WPATH and TPATH.
As humans, we have the ability to heal and grow throughout the lifespan. I'd like to help you reach your full potential and deepen your sense of being a fully human being, whatever next horizon is calling you now.
Have you had spiritual, psychedelic, or hallucinatory experiences, yet you struggle to weave them together in your life? I can help! My graduate training and personal experience integrate psychotherapy, mindfulness, somatics, Vajrayana Buddhism, world wisdom traditions, and transpersonal psychology. I think there's room for all kinds of meaningful experiences in our human journey, and I'd be happy to help you integrate your experiences with who you are.
Do you struggle with mood swings? Have you experienced a manic episode? I believe that people can recover from bipolar disorder, and recovery can mean a lot of different things. My Ph.D. topic is how people recover from bipolar disorder using mindfulness and Buddhist frameworks, and I have personal experience recovering from a bipolar diagnosis. The good news is: recovery is possible! I'd be happy to share what I learned with you, and offer guidance on your journey.
Gender Identity, LGBTQ Issues
Are you a trans, non-binary, or queer LPC or LMFT intern looking for a supervision group where you feel understood, respected, and valued? Let's talk! This monthly group will help you feel connected in a queer- and trans-inclusive space where you can spread your wings and build your skills as a new professional without having to explain your gender and sexuality to your cis-het supervisor or peers. Learn more at: http://www.brilliancycounseling.com/queer-sup-group
Group Meets: Thursdays
Start Time:
Group Size: 4-6
Cost: $75
Session Length: 90
Address: 4531 SE Belmont Street, Suite 316, Portland, Oregon 97215
Join The GroupGender Identity, LGBTQ Issues
Are you a trans, non-binary, or queer LPC or LMFT intern in private practice looking for a supervision group where you feel understood, respected, and valued? Join us! Whether you’ve been in private practice for awhile or you’re just getting started, it’s important to be with peers and mentors who understand your identity. This group is designed to be a safer space where you feel connected and held in your identity as you practice new skills. Learn more: https://tinyurl.com/pdx-queer-sup
Group Meets: Thursdays
Start Time:
Group Size: 6
Cost: $75
Session Length: 90
Address: 4531 SE Belmont Street, Suite 316, Portland, Oregon 97215
Join The GroupGender Identity, LGBTQ Issues
This group for non-binary, genderqueer, and other gender non-conforming folks provides a supportive, safer community context for belonging and feeling understood. We understand your struggle with the gender-binarizing world! This group for adults 18+ is professionally facilitated by nonbinary/genderqueer counselors. Advance registration required. Please get in touch to learn more!
Group Meets:
Start Time: 6:00 PM
Group Size: 8-10
Cost: 15-$45 sliding scale
Session Length: 90 minutes
Address: 4531 SE Belmont St, Portland, 97215
Join The GroupSasha Strong has not published any articles.