LGBTQIA+ affirming therapy in Portland, Oregon
You felt like you couldn't be your true self for so long. And once you started to accept your identity and sexual orientation, not everyone in your life accepted you. This grief has stayed with you. However, you are determined to find your chosen family (or maybe you already have). While you take pride in who you are, you are still processing the years of emotional turmoil, loneliness, and shame. Maybe you're processing the feelings of disappointment and betrayal towards those who said they loved you unconditionally, but ultimately, did not show you that love when you came out.
Maybe you grew up in a conservative and/or religious environment that saw queerness as "evil" or labeled it as "just being confused". They tried to silence you and make you question your very existence. The fact is, it was not totally safe to be who you were. And your body knew it.
As someone who grew up in a very conservative environment, I came out as queer later in life. I understand how detrimental this can be on someone's mental health! My first therapist was a queer man. While I hadn't come out yet, looking back, I realize how important that representation was.
I am a member of professional advocacy group, Oregon SAIGE (Sexual, Affectional, Intersex, & Gender expansive communities). I offer gender-affirming care letters (including WPATH) as a part of ongoing treatment, if this is something you are interested in. While there are many barriers in our system, I will advocate for and support clients experiencing gender dysphoria and navigating gender-affirming care.
Within our work, we will explore your core beliefs and how that shaped your identity overtime. We will open up the space for you to grieve who you could have been if you had felt safer to come out sooner. We will process the grief, frustration, and feelings of abandonment from loved ones who haven't accepted you for who you are. You are safe here. You are accepted. And you can feel empowered to live the life you always wanted to.
