Specialized Therapy in Oregon for Neurodiverse, Highly Sensitive, and LGBTQ+ Adults in Oregon
Finding the right therapist in Oregon who truly understands your unique experiences can transform your life. Solace in Self Therapy is a solo practice dedicated to serving neurodiverse adults, highly sensitive individuals, and members of the LGBTQ+ community across Oregon. As the sole therapist at Solace in Self Therapy, I provide specialized mental health support tailored to your specific challenges and strengths.
Through secure telehealth services, I provide accessible, compassionate care designed specifically for adults who may be struggling with life transitions, trauma, anxiety, depression, and other mental health concerns. My practice focuses on creating a therapeutic relationship where you feel truly seen, heard, and understood.
Specialized Support for Your Unique Journey
Many clients come to therapy after previous attempts that felt unsuccessful because their therapist lacked understanding of their specific needs. At Solace in Self Therapy, you'll receive:
Professional counseling that understands neurodiversity as a natural variation rather than something to "fix"
Therapy sessions where your sensory sensitivities are recognized and accommodated
A therapeutic relationship where your gender identity and sexual orientation are fully respected and affirmed
Strategies specifically designed for your neurological profile and sensory processing needs
Support addressing the unique intersection of your various identities and experiences
A safe space to explore difficult emotions and relationship dynamics
Each person's therapeutic journey is unique, which is why personalized care forms the foundation of my approach therapy. By understanding the specific challenges you face, I provide more relevant and effective mental health services.
Services for Neurodiverse Adults
Neurodiversity encompasses various conditions including ADHD and autism spectrum disorder. These neurological differences present unique challenges in a world designed primarily for neurotypical individuals. As an Oregon therapist specializing in neurodiversity, I provide therapy services that honor and work with your neurological differences rather than trying to change them.
Emotional Regulation Therapy
Emotional dysregulation—experiencing emotions more intensely—is common among neurodiverse individuals. This can lead to overwhelm, meltdowns, or shutdowns in response to stimuli that others might find manageable.
My therapeutic approach helps clients:
Identify early warning signs of emotional overwhelm
Develop personalized regulation strategies for your nervous system
Process past experiences where you may have been shamed for emotional responses
Build self-compassion around emotional sensitivity
Create environments and routines that support emotional stability
Learn tools to manage anxiety, depression, and other difficult emotions
Identity Development and Self-Understanding
Many neurodiverse adults reach adulthood without understanding why they experience the world differently. This lack of understanding can lead to internalized shame and negative self-perception.
My therapeutic work focuses on:
Exploring and celebrating unique strengths and abilities
Reframing perceived "deficits" as natural neurological variations
Processing grief around past struggles and missed diagnoses
Developing a positive identity that incorporates neurodiversity
Connecting internal experiences with external behaviors and challenges
Creating a meaningful life that honors your authentic self
Executive Function Support
Many neurodiverse adults struggle with executive function—the cognitive processes responsible for planning, focusing attention, and managing tasks. These difficulties aren't due to laziness but reflect genuine neurological differences.
My therapy services help neurodiverse clients:
Understand how executive dysfunction manifests in daily life
Process feelings of frustration, shame, and inadequacy
Develop personalized strategies that work with your natural cognitive patterns
Create systems and external supports that complement your neurological profile
Improve self-advocacy skills for workplace and social environments
Build tools for managing everyday challenges related to executive function
Social Relationship Counseling
Social interactions often present unique challenges for neurodiverse adults, who may process social cues differently than neurotypical individuals. This can lead to feelings of isolation, confusion, and fear in social situations.
Through specialized therapy, clients learn to:
Understand their unique social processing style
Develop authentic social strategies without masking their true selves
Process past social traumas and build resilience
Identify and cultivate relationships where they feel truly accepted
Set boundaries that protect their energy and well-being
Improve relationship dynamics in personal and professional contexts
Services for Highly Sensitive Persons (HSPs)
Highly Sensitive Persons experience the world more intensely, processing sensory information more deeply than others. This trait affects approximately 15-20% of the population and manifests as heightened sensitivity to stimuli and deeper emotional responses. My practice provides specialized counseling services for HSPs throughout Oregon.
Sensory Sensitivity Management
HSPs often struggle with sensory overload in environments that others find comfortable. This can lead to fatigue, anxiety, and difficulty functioning.
My therapeutic approach helps HSPs:
Identify specific sensory triggers and thresholds
Develop personalized strategies for managing sensory input
Create environments that support sensory needs
Process feelings of difference or shame around sensitivities
Advocate for necessary accommodations in various settings
Understand how their sensitivities make them different in positive ways
Social Energy Balancing
Many HSPs have limited social capacity compared to less sensitive individuals, requiring more alone time to recharge after social interactions.
Through therapy, HSPs learn to:
Honor their authentic social capacity without shame
Communicate needs effectively to friends, family, and colleagues
Design social schedules that allow for adequate recovery time
Process feelings of guilt around needing more downtime
Recognize the strengths that come with their sensitive nature
Create boundaries that protect their energy while maintaining connections
Emotional Depth Processing
HSPs typically experience emotions more intensely and process them more deeply than others. While this emotional depth brings many gifts, it can also lead to overwhelm.
My specialized support helps HSPs:
Develop emotional regulation skills tailored to sensitive temperaments
Set appropriate emotional boundaries with others
Harness emotional depth as a strength while managing potential downsides
Process emotional experiences fully rather than suppressing them
Develop self-trust around emotional responses
Use their emotional intelligence as a resource rather than a burden
Sustainable Lifestyle Development
The pace of modern life can be particularly challenging for HSPs, who often need more time to process experiences and recover from stimulation.
My therapeutic work focuses on:
Identifying a sustainable pace of life that honors sensitivity
Creating rhythms and routines that support nervous system regulation
Making career and lifestyle choices aligned with sensitive temperaments
Developing discernment about which activities and environments are supportive
Building confidence in making choices that may differ from societal expectations
Finding meaning in a life designed around sensitivity needs
Affirming Therapy Services for LGBTQ+ Adults
LGBTQ+ individuals face unique challenges related to identity development, societal acceptance, and navigating relationships. Having a therapist who fully affirms and understands LGBTQ+ experiences creates a foundation for meaningful therapeutic work. My practice provides specialized counseling services for LGBTQ+ adults throughout Oregon.
Identity Exploration and Affirmation Therapy
Many LGBTQ+ adults continue to explore and refine their understanding of their identity throughout life. This process deserves space, respect, and support.
My affirming therapeutic approach helps clients:
Explore gender identity and sexual orientation in a safe, non-judgmental space
Process internalized negative messages about LGBTQ+ identities
Develop authentic self-expression that aligns with their true self
Navigate transitions in identity and expression
Build a positive relationship with their identity in a heteronormative society
Address fear that may arise during the coming-out process
Relationship and Family Dynamics Counseling
LGBTQ+ adults often face unique challenges in relationships and family dynamics, particularly when family members struggle to accept their identity.
My therapeutic support helps clients:
Navigate complex family relationships while maintaining authenticity
Process grief around family rejection or conditional acceptance
Develop healthy boundaries with family members
Build chosen family and supportive relationships
Create authentic partnerships that honor their identity and needs
Find healing in relationships that affirm their whole person
Minority Stress Management
LGBTQ+ individuals often experience minority stress—the chronic stress faced by members of stigmatized minority groups. This unique form of stress impacts mental health and deserves specialized attention.
Through therapy, clients learn to:
Recognize the impacts of minority stress on their mental health
Develop resilience strategies specific to LGBTQ+ experiences
Process experiences of discrimination, microaggressions, and exclusion
Build supportive community connections
Advocate for themselves in various settings
Transform challenges into sources of strength and personal growth
Self-Trust and Self-Advocacy Development
Many LGBTQ+ individuals have experienced having their reality questioned or denied by others, which can undermine self-trust and make self-advocacy difficult.
My therapy focuses on:
Rebuilding trust in one's own perceptions and experiences
Developing confidence in expressing needs and boundaries
Learning effective self-advocacy in healthcare, workplace, and social settings
Processing shame and building self-worth independent of others' validation
Cultivating authentic self-expression and self-determination
Creating hope for a meaningful life aligned with one's authentic identity
Therapeutic Modalities Offered
As a licensed professional counselor in Oregon, I draw from several evidence-based therapeutic approaches, carefully selecting modalities that work particularly well for neurodiverse individuals, HSPs, and LGBTQ+ adults. My continuing education ensures I stay current with the latest developments in professional counseling and mental health practice.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
ACT helps clients accept difficult thoughts and feelings while committing to actions aligned with their values. This approach therapy is particularly useful for those struggling with anxiety or intrusive thoughts.
ACT therapy helps clients:
Develop psychological flexibility to handle difficult thoughts and feelings
Clarify personal values to guide meaningful action
Learn mindfulness skills to reduce the power of unhelpful thoughts
Commit to behavior changes that create a more fulfilling life
Accept uncomfortable experiences without being controlled by them
Create positive change despite challenging circumstances
Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapy
Internal Family Systems therapy recognizes that we all have different "parts" within us that serve protective functions. This approach is particularly helpful for clients who experience internal conflict.
IFS therapy helps clients:
Identify different internal "parts" and understand their protective roles
Develop self-compassion for all aspects of themselves
Access their core "Self" that can provide leadership to these parts
Heal wounded parts through self-led processes
Create greater internal harmony and reduced conflict
Integrate past experiences of trauma in a safe manner
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT helps clients identify and change unhelpful thought patterns that affect their emotions and behaviors. This structured approach provides practical skills for managing difficult thoughts.
CBT therapy helps clients:
Recognize automatic negative thoughts and their impact
Challenge and reframe unhelpful thinking patterns
Develop more balanced and realistic thought processes
Change behaviors that maintain negative emotions
Build coping skills for managing difficult situations
Create new tools for addressing anxiety and depression
Somatic Therapy
Somatic therapy focuses on the connection between mind and body, recognizing that trauma and stress are stored physically as well as mentally.
Through somatic therapy, clients learn to:
Recognize how emotions manifest in their bodies
Use physical awareness to regulate their nervous system
Process trauma that may be stored in the body
Develop greater bodily awareness and connection
Use physical cues as valuable information about their needs
Experience healing that integrates both mind and body
Solution Focused Therapy
Solution focused therapy emphasizes identifying solutions and achievable goals rather than dwelling on problems. This approach works well for clients seeking practical strategies.
Through solution-focused work, clients:
Identify specific, measurable goals for therapy
Recognize their existing strengths and resources
Develop concrete strategies for moving forward
Celebrate small successes along the way
Build momentum through focused action
Create sustainable solutions to recurring challenges
The Benefits of Telehealth Therapy in Oregon
As an Oregon therapist offering telehealth services, I provide distinct advantages, particularly for neurodiverse individuals, HSPs, and those who value privacy around LGBTQ+ identity. My HIPAA-compliant telehealth services are available throughout Oregon, from Portland to Bend, Eugene to Medford, and everywhere in between.
Increased Comfort and Accessibility
Telehealth eliminates many barriers to therapy, making mental health support more accessible across Oregon:
Sessions take place in your familiar home environment
No need to navigate public transportation or driving
Sensory sensitivities can be better accommodated in your controlled environment
Reduced transition time before and after therapy
Geographic limitations are removed, allowing access to specialized therapy regardless of where you live in Oregon
Provides access to licensed professional counseling with specialized training
Enhanced Privacy and Safety
For many clients, particularly those in the LGBTQ+ community, privacy concerns can be a barrier to seeking therapy:
No concern about being seen entering a therapist's office
Reduced worry about encountering acquaintances in waiting rooms
Greater control over who knows about your therapy journey
Option to attend sessions from any private location with internet access
Elimination of safety concerns related to traveling to appointments
Provides accurate information and support without compromising privacy
Consistent Support Through Life Changes
Telehealth ensures therapy remains consistent despite life changes:
Continue sessions during illness when you wouldn't want to attend in person
Maintain therapeutic support during relocations within Oregon
Access therapy during high-anxiety periods when leaving home feels challenging
Adjust session times more flexibly around changing work schedules
Integrate therapy more seamlessly into your existing routines
Receive consistent support during difficult times and life transitions
My Therapeutic Approach
As a licensed professional counselor in Oregon, I enjoy working with clients to develop self-compassion and emotional resilience—qualities that are particularly important for neurodiverse individuals, HSPs, and LGBTQ+ adults.
Building Self-Compassion
Self-compassion involves treating yourself with the same kindness you would offer a good friend. For many clients, self-criticism has become a default response to challenges.
Through therapy, clients learn to:
Recognize self-critical patterns and their origins
Develop a compassionate inner voice to counter harsh self-judgment
Practice self-compassion exercises tailored to their unique challenges
Accept imperfection as part of the human experience
Respond to mistakes with kindness rather than criticism
Create a foundation for healing through self-acceptance
Processing Difficult Emotions
Many clients come to therapy struggling with difficult emotions like shame, grief, anxiety, or fear. These emotions are valid responses to challenging experiences.
Through my specialized therapy, clients learn to:
Name and validate their emotional experiences
Understand the wisdom and information emotions provide
Process emotions physically as well as mentally
Move through rather than avoid difficult feelings
Integrate emotional experiences into their broader life narrative
Develop a healthier relationship with all emotions
Cultivating Emotional Resilience
Emotional resilience is the ability to adapt to stressful situations and recover from difficulties. This skill is especially important for individuals who experience emotions intensely.
My therapeutic approach helps clients:
Develop personalized strategies for emotional regulation
Build a toolkit of coping skills for different situations
Process past experiences that impact current resilience
Identify early warning signs of emotional overwhelm
Create supportive environments that bolster resilience
Transform challenges into opportunities for growth
Improving Self-Worth and Self-Trust
Many neurodiverse individuals, HSPs, and LGBTQ+ adults have received messages that undermine their self-worth and self-trust. Rebuilding these foundations is essential for mental health.
My therapeutic work focuses on:
Identifying and challenging internalized negative messages
Recognizing inherent worth independent of productivity or conformity
Developing trust in one's own perceptions and experiences
Celebrating unique strengths and contributions
Building a solid sense of self that can withstand external criticism
Creating a perspective that honors personal growth and resilience
Executive Function Support and Daily Life Management
Many of my clients struggle with aspects of executive function, which impacts daily life management. These challenges are particularly common for neurodiverse individuals.
Understanding Executive Function Challenges
Executive function includes cognitive processes like planning, organizing, initiating tasks, managing time, and regulating attention. Difficulties in these areas are neurologically based, not character flaws.
My therapeutic approach helps clients:
Identify their specific executive function strengths and challenges
Understand how these challenges impact daily life
Reduce shame around executive function difficulties
Recognize how stress affects executive function
Develop self-compassion for executive function struggles
Create a realistic perspective about their cognitive profile
Developing Personalized Systems and Strategies
Rather than expecting clients to use one-size-fits-all productivity systems, I help develop personalized approaches that work with their unique brain wiring.
Through therapy, clients learn to:
Create external supports that compensate for executive function challenges
Develop routines and habits that reduce cognitive load
Identify environmental modifications that support focus
Implement tools and technology that enhance executive function
Design systems aligned with their natural tendencies
Build resources that support daily functioning
Bodily Awareness and Nervous System Regulation
Many of my clients benefit from developing greater bodily awareness and nervous system regulation skills.
Understanding the Mind-Body Connection
The connection between mind and body is bidirectional—mental states affect physical sensations, and physical sensations influence mental states.
My therapeutic approach helps clients:
Recognize how emotions manifest physically in their bodies
Understand the relationship between thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations
Identify patterns of tension or disconnection in the body
Use bodily awareness as a source of information about needs
Develop a more integrated relationship between mind and body
Create healing through improved mind-body connection
Learning to Recognize Bodily Cues
Many individuals may struggle to recognize and respond to basic bodily cues like hunger, thirst, fatigue, or the need for movement.
Through therapy, clients learn to:
Identify their unique bodily signals for various needs
Create routines that support regular attention to bodily needs
Develop strategies for checking in with their body throughout the day
Honor bodily needs rather than overriding them
Understand how meeting physical needs supports emotional regulation
Build a foundation for self-care based on bodily wisdom
Regulating the Nervous System
The autonomic nervous system governs our stress response and recovery. Learning to influence this system can significantly improve emotional regulation.
My specialized therapy helps clients:
Understand their personal nervous system patterns
Recognize signs of sympathetic activation (fight/flight) and parasympathetic activation (rest/digest)
Develop personalized regulation strategies for different states
Create environments that support nervous system regulation
Build daily practices that promote nervous system resilience
Respond effectively to anxiety and stress signals
What to Expect When Working With Me
Beginning therapy is a significant step, and knowing what to expect can ease uncertainty. As a licensed professional counselor in Oregon, I strive to make the process clear and comfortable.
Collaborative Goal Setting
Rather than imposing standardized treatment plans, I work collaboratively with clients to establish meaningful goals that reflect their unique needs and values.
This collaborative process involves:
Identifying what matters most to you in your life
Defining what success in therapy looks like for you
Establishing both short-term and long-term objectives
Creating measurable markers to track progress
Regularly revisiting and adjusting goals as needed
Ensuring that therapy aligns with what truly matters to you
The Ongoing Therapeutic Process
Therapy is an evolving process that adapts to your changing needs and growth over time.
Throughout your therapeutic journey, you can expect:
Regular sessions via secure telehealth platform
A balance of emotional processing and practical skill-building
Flexibility to address emerging issues as they arise
Adjustments to therapeutic approaches based on what's most effective for you
Opportunities to integrate insights between sessions
Ongoing evaluation of progress toward your goals
Initial Consultation and Assessment
The therapeutic relationship begins with an initial consultation designed to:
Discuss what brings you to therapy and your goals
Learn about your specific needs and preferences
Answer any questions you have about the therapeutic process
Determine if my approach is a good fit for your needs
Explore practical details like scheduling and telehealth logistics
Begin building rapport and trust
Accessing My Telehealth Services in Oregon
As a licensed professional counselor, I provide telehealth services throughout Oregon, making specialized therapy accessible regardless of your location within the state.
Getting Started
Beginning your therapeutic journey with me is straightforward. The first step is reaching out to schedule an initial consultation.
During this process, we'll:
Discuss your specific needs and how my services might address them
Explain how telehealth works and answer any technical questions
Provide information about session frequency and scheduling options
Address any concerns about telehealth therapy
Determine if my specialized approach is the right fit for your needs
Provide accurate information about the therapy process
Telehealth Technical Considerations
Effective telehealth therapy requires some basic technical setup. Don't worry if you're not tech-savvy—I provide clear instructions and support.
For successful telehealth sessions, you'll need:
A device with a camera and microphone (computer, tablet, or smartphone)
A stable internet connection
A private, quiet space for your sessions
Basic familiarity with video conferencing (I'll help with this)
A backup plan in case of technical difficulties
Insurance and Payment Information
Understanding the financial aspects of therapy is an important part of the process. While I don't accept direct insurance payments, I can provide documentation for out-of-network benefits.
If you're interested in using insurance:
Check with your insurance provider about out-of-network mental health benefits
Ask about reimbursement rates and any required documentation
Inquire about deductibles and session limits
Discuss how licensed professional counselors are covered under your plan
Understand what mental health services your insurance supports
For more specific information about session rates, please reach out directly. I'm committed to being transparent about costs and helping you understand your payment options.
Ready to Begin Your Therapeutic Journey?
Finding the right therapist in Oregon who truly understands your unique needs as a neurodiverse adult, highly sensitive person, or LGBTQ+ individual can make all the difference in your therapeutic journey. As a licensed professional counselor and the sole therapist at Solace in Self Therapy, I specialize in these areas and provide tailored support that honors your specific experiences and challenges.
Through my telehealth services across Oregon, I offer accessible, specialized therapy that combines evidence-based approaches with a deep understanding of neurodiversity, sensory sensitivity, and LGBTQ+ experiences. My eclectic approach draws from Internal Family Systems, Somatic Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to address your unique needs.
I understand that every person's experience is different, and I strive to provide mental health services that honor your whole person. Whether you're struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship concerns, or life transitions, my practice is designed to provide support for your unique journey.
The journey toward authentic well-being begins with reaching out. Contact me today to schedule an initial consultation and take the first step toward a therapeutic experience designed specifically for you. Together, we can work toward greater self-understanding, emotional resilience, and a life aligned with your authentic self.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
My telehealth services are available to clients throughout Oregon, from Portland to Bend, Eugene to Medford, and everywhere in between. Regardless of where you live in Oregon, if you have internet access and a private space, you can access my specialized therapy services.
-
Many adults realize they may be neurodiverse or highly sensitive after years of feeling different but not understanding why. While formal diagnosis can be helpful for some, I focus on addressing your specific challenges regardless of labels. During our initial consultation, we can explore these questions together and determine if my specialized approach would benefit you.
-
You don't need to know which therapeutic approach will work best for you—that's my expertise. During your therapy, I'll integrate different modalities based on your unique needs and responses. I continuously adapt my approach based on what proves most effective for you as an individual.
-
The duration of therapy varies widely depending on your goals, challenges, and personal progress. Some clients benefit from short-term work focused on specific issues, while others prefer longer-term support. We'll regularly discuss your progress and collaboratively decide on the appropriate duration for your therapy.
-
Telehealth sessions provide the same quality of therapeutic interaction as in-person sessions but with added convenience and comfort. Many clients, particularly those with sensory sensitivities or social anxiety, find telehealth less stressful and more accessible. Research consistently shows that telehealth therapy is equally effective for most mental health concerns.
-
While I understand the importance of family systems in a person's life, my practice is specifically focused on providing therapy to adults. I do not offer family therapy, licensed marriage counseling, or services for children. However, I can provide referrals to qualified clinicians and counselors who specialize in these areas if needed.
-
To prepare for your first session, find a private, comfortable space where you won't be interrupted. Test your technology beforehand, and consider keeping water and tissues nearby. It's also helpful to spend a few minutes before the session reflecting on what you hope to discuss. Remember, feeling nervous before your first session is completely normal.
-
As a licensed professional counselor (LPC) in Oregon, I've completed extensive graduate-level training and supervised clinical practice before licensure. While psychologists and psychiatrists may offer different services (such as psychological testing or medication management), licensed professional counselors specialize in talk therapy approaches and often take a holistic, wellness-oriented perspective. My professional counseling services focus on your current concerns while providing tools and strategies for long-term well-being.
