find queer relationship counselor in portland, Oregon
LGBTQ Relationship Counseling
I provide LGBTQ relationship counseling and am based in Portland, Oregon.
As a queer counselor, I understand the extra pressures and challenges LGBTQI+ folks face in their relationships. According to NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness), LGBTQI+ couples tend to be at higher risk for mental health conditions — particularly, depression and anxiety disorders.
How LGBTQ identities and issues affect couples counseling
Many in the LGBTQI community face discrimination, prejudice, denial of civil and human rights, harassment, and family rejection, all of which can lead to new or compound symptoms, particularly for those with intersecting racial or socioeconomic factors.
It’s no surprise that gay marriage counseling is in demand because it may be more challenging for LGBTQIA+ people to remain grounded during arguments and set and maintain healthy boundaries. This is often due to societal factors that can encompass fear of rejection, a lack of familial support, religious trauma, and micro and macro aggressions inflicted upon them.
Lesbian marriage counseling & getting the Love You Want
When Maya Kollman and her partner, Barbara attended their first Getting the Love You Want workshop, it transformed their relationship, and they became passionate about sharing Imago Relationship Therapy techniques with other LGBTQ couples. For the past 30 years, Maya and Barbara have been providing Imago Relationships Therapy and facilitating Imago workshops for lesbian, gay, and queer couples. Early on, they realized that LGBTQ couples who were seeking traditional couples counseling often experienced insensitivity or a lack of cultural competency from mental health providers.
Queer couples need safe spaces to be themselves where they are not misgendered, misunderstood, or subjected to heteronormative relationship norms and gender roles.
Taking inspiration from Maya and Barbara, I believe that LGBTQ couples benefit the most when working with therapists specializing in LGBTQ issues because it enables them to process their challenges with someone who deeply understands issues relating to heteronormativity, cisnormativity, internalized homophobia, and minority stress.
As a queer relationship counselor, this understanding has only increased my dedication to sharing what I’ve learned from Maya and Barbara with LGBTQIA clients.
Polyamory & Non-monogamous relationships counseling
As a polyamory-affirmative counselor, I am dedicated to expanding my knowledge and counseling skills to work with people in polyamorous relationship structures by attending continuing education courses in consensual non-monogamy.
In my practice, I discovered that applying Imago’s Relationship Theory with numerous partners is as effective as practicing the same skills in traditional couples or marriage relationships. Imago Relationship Therapy is about creating safe connections between partners and healing interpersonal conflicts.
Schedule a Free 15 min.
Consultation
Counseling Rates in Portland, OR
I accept Oregon Health Plan and private pay clients. Standard rates are $130 – $200 per 50-minute session.
Sliding Scale
If my fee is a barrier, under certain circumstances I may offer a sliding scale. Please inquire about the availability of my sliding scale slots when you first contact me.
Payment
I can accept payment for counseling:
Cancellation Policy
If you are unable to attend a session, please make sure you cancel at least 24 hours beforehand. Otherwise, you may be charged for the full rate of the session.
Any Other Questions?
Please contact me for any additional questions you may have. I look forward to hearing from you!
The following are services that I specialise in
It’s no surprise that gay marriage counseling is in demand because it may be more challenging for LGBTQ people.
People thrive in secure and loving partnerships! As a helping professional I believe in the healing power of connection.
A cornerstone of my practice is supporting survivors of gender-based violence and creating a safe space for women.
Creating a compassionate, understanding and affirming space to explore sexuality and gender identity.
I do know what it means to acculturate and make new connections to question identity, and to navigate interculturally.