Portland Therapy Center
Sasha Strong

Sasha Strong

Licensed Professional Counselor

CLOSED TO NEW INDIVIDUAL CLIENTS 1/2020, NEW GROUP MEMBERS and folks seeking GENDER LETTER ASSESSMENTS are welcome. I help people overcome life challenges using mindfulness, embodiment, and skills education. I adapt my strengths and expertise to your preferences, to create a therapy that fits you.

Client Status

accepting clients

Contact

971-279-7261

4531 SE Belmont Street

Suite 316

Portland, 97215

Email Website

At a Glance

Me

Rate: $75-$150

Provides free initial consultation

Provides telehealth services

Practicing Since: 2015

Languages: English

Services

  • Individual
  • Group

Insurances Accepted

  • Out of Pocket

My view of therapy is grounded in the perspective of brilliant sanity: all beings have an innate wakefulness that underlies any suffering and confusion. I use Hakomi, DBT, talk therapy, humanistic, and contemplative approaches to help you find a new relationship with your basic goodness. I use empirically-derived outcome measures (FIT/PCOMS) to make sure that therapy is on track and that my clients are getting what works for them. While I am open to providing you with a diagnosis if you wish, I operate in a strength-based model that celebrates your resources, resilience, and wisdom.

I hold an M.A. in Contemplative Psychotherapy from Naropa University, where my studies centered on mindfulness, Buddhist psychology, group therapy,and counseling. I am also a Naropa University-certified mindfulness instructor. I am currently a Ph.D. candidate in East-West Psychology at the California Institute of Integral Studies. My dissertation research focuses on how people recover from bipolar disorder using Buddhist mindfulness practice. I have also trained in Hakomi embodied-experiential psychotherapy, including a year-long internship at the M.E.T.A. Counseling Clinic. I am currently in the Hakomi certification process. I have completed advanced training in counseling queer, trans*, and gender non-conforming people. I can write letters for gender affirmative procedures. I have conducted research on counseling competency for non-binary and genderqueer people. I have presented on this topic several times for professional audiences. I'm an LPC in Oregon.

Techniques I Use

Specialties

  • Hakomi External link

    I use Hakomi to help my clients access the wisdom of the body in the present moment, and to overcome their obstacles in a nonviolent way that respects the organicity of who they are. I have interned at the M.E.T.A. Counseling Clinic and began training in Hakomi in 2010.

  • Transpersonal External link

    For clients who have spiritual interests, practices, or experiences, I integrate spirituality and transpersonal phenomena into therapy. My doctoral training at CIIS has included experiential and didactic coursework on transpersonal psychology and integrative approaches to healing. My background in Buddhist psychology and Tibetan Buddhism also influences my approach.

  • Mindfulness-based External link

    I use mindfulness to help clients extend curiosity, openness, acceptance, and love towards their experience. I hold a Master's degree in Contemplative Psychotherapy, which integrates mindfulness, counseling, and Buddhist psychology. I am also a Naropa University certified mindfulness instructor.

Issues I Treat

Specialties

  • Personal Growth External link

    As humans, we have the potential for healing and growth throughout the lifespan. I'd like to help you reach your full potential, and integrate all the parts of who you are.

  • Spirituality External link

    Have you had spiritual experiences, yet you struggle to integrate them? Do you want to integrate spirituality into your therapy? I can help! My master's degree integrates psychotherapy, mindfulness practice, and Buddhist psychology, and my Ph.D. coursework integrates world wisdom traditions and transpersonal psychology. I think there's room for all kinds of experiences in our human journey.

  • LGBTQ Issues External link

    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*, queer, poly, kinky, and intersex folks. I love working with my community. I'm also a founding member of the Oregon Association of LGBT Issues in Counseling.

  • Gender Identity External link

    Do you need a letter, or support on your gender journey? You've come to the right place. I identify as nonbinary/genderqueer, so I understand the complexities of gender and transition. I've completed professional training in gender-affirmative care and I have experience working with trans women, trans men, and nonbinary, genderqueer, agender, and other gender non-conforming folks.

  • Bipolar External link

    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. Based on that, I'm developing a new treatment approach to help people recover.

Contact Sasha

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