Sasha Strong (they/them)

Hakomi

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.

Relational 

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.

Mindfulness-based

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.

Transpersonal

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.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

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.

Gender Identity

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.

LGBTQ Issues

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.

Personal Growth

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.

Spirituality

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.

Bipolar

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. For my doctoral dissertation, I studied how people recover from bipolar disorder using mindfulness and Buddhist frameworks. I also 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.