Now booking new clients across Oregon via telehealth, with sessions beginning in December 2026. In-person sessions expected in 2027.

reclaim your light

 · Culturally responsive + sex-positive relationship therapy in Portland, Oregon · 

“Love takes off masks that we fear we cannot live without and know we cannot live within.”
— James Baldwin

Welcome

Your arguments go in circles for hours, and somehow no one feels heard. Or your relationship structure doesn't have a road map. Maybe you avoid hard conversations or you're simply feeling lonely and disconnected from your partner. You're looking for a therapist who you don't have to explain non-monogamy to or what it feels like to move through the world as a person of color.


This is therapy for the big feelers, the overthinkers, the lovers, the tender, the questioning, the untamed. For those who don't fit into a neat little box and the ones who keep trying, even when it's hard. I help couples find their way back to each other, especially when their love is complicated, pushes against the norm, or just feels stuck. Go from having the same fight on repeat to truly hearing one another, and from feeling like roommates to reconnecting through honest, emotionally open conversations.


The amber hour is that warm, unhurried moment at the edge of the day when the world pauses between what was and what is to come. This space is intended to be a place where you can slow down, bring your full self, and build skills to have deeper connections with the ones you love.


For anyone who has had the world try to dim your light, this is your hour.

Keidi Ravdin-Teng

Meet your therapist

Hi, I'm Keidi

(pronounced KAY-dee)

I'm so glad you're here. I support folks in doing the complicated, sometimes painful, and deeply worthwhile work of being in relationship. I work with couples navigating cyclical arguments, sex and intimacy issues, ethical non-monogamy, cultural differences, parenting, life transitions, and more. I also work with individuals on identity development, issues related to sexuality, recovery from people-pleasing and/or religious trauma, as well as adult families, including blended and chosen families. I especially love working with Asian American and BIPOC clients, children of immigrants, queer and trans folks, people practicing non-monogamy, as well as anyone who has felt like they live on the margins.


I use systemic and feminist frameworks in my work—meaning I pay attention to the power dynamics, cultural forces, and larger systems that shape how you interact with the world and how you view yourself. My therapeutic style is collaborative, warm, active, and direct.


Click below to learn more about me and my approach. I look forward to meeting you.

Let's See If We're a Fit

How I Can Help

I work with couples navigating...

  • disconnection + intimacy
  • the same argument on repeat
  • ethical non-monogamy + polyamory
  • cultural differences + family expectations
  • sexual desire differences
  • big life transitions + new parenthood
  • healing after infidelity or broken trust
  • conscious uncoupling
  • and everything in between
See all the ways I can help
Couple cuddling and laughing

What's Possible

Where you are, and where you could be

From fighting all the time, recycling the same argument and getting nowhere

To communicating in a loving and respectful way and actually hearing one another

From feeling like roommates

To reconnecting through honest, emotionally open conversations

From self-abandonment and being unable to name your needs

To clearly and securely asking for what you need

From reacting and spiraling

To slowing down and responding intentionally

From battling like adversaries

To feeling like you're on the same team

rediscover closeness.
revive intimacy.
return to yourself.

Not sure where to start?

I offer a complimentary 20-minute consultation to see how we vibe.

Let's talk

REACH OUT

Schedule a free 20-minute
consultation to see if we are a good fit.

Book a Free Consultation

Choose a time that works for you. No account needed.

Prefer to ask a question first? Send me a message below and I'll get back to you.

Meet Keidi

Who I Am

Keidi Ravdin-Teng

About Me

Hi, I'm Keidi

(pronounced KAY-dee)

Reaching out to a therapist can feel like a lot, especially if you've had to explain yourself or have felt judged in previous therapy spaces. I try to make this process easier by being upfront about who I am, what I believe, and who I do my best work with. If it feels like a fit, reach out. I offer a free 20-minute video consultation with no commitment so we can find out together.

My Journey

As a second-generation Chinese-American, I grew up in a household where two cultures collided into two sets of expectations about what emotions are allowed and how much of yourself you're allowed to show. I learned that being the good, quiet, capable one was how you stayed acceptable. Breaking free from that expectation taught me something I carry into every session: muting who you are doesn't save you. It just means you slowly lose yourself. It's become my mission to help others reconnect with themselves so they can live more fully and love more freely.

My Values

Breast cancer at 39 and loving someone through addiction clarified to me that relationships are what hold us steady when the ground falls out from below your feet. They can also be where our deepest pain lives. I believe that when we intentionally nurture our relationships, we deepen our understanding of ourselves.

We are all embedded within complex social systems where those in power benefit when we hide our full selves. I carry a commitment to socially responsible practice, where I pay attention to how power shapes how you move through the world, relate to others, and view yourself.

I believe that therapy isn't about changing who you are. It's about uncovering and loving who you already are and building a life that feels meaningful to you.

Who I Work With

I work with adult individuals, couples, and families, including adult children and their parents, and non-traditional structures, like polycules, co-parents who live apart or together, chosen family, and friendships. I'm especially drawn to Asian American and BIPOC clients, children of immigrants, queer clients, and those exploring their identity, navigating sexual issues, and healing from religious trauma and people-pleasing. I also love working with parents finding their footing in the tender perinatal period and beyond.

A Note on Fit

I work best with people who are curious about getting to the roots of their problems: the disowned emotions, the patterns, the long-carried wounds. This work asks you to take an active role and to stay with hard moments.

If you're hoping for quick fixes or someone to tell you what to do, I may not be the right fit, and that's okay. I'd rather help you find the right person than have you spend your time and money in the wrong room.

On a Personal Note

I'm a big feeler myself—in session I flow between humor and depth, holding space and gentle challenges, and asking a lot of questions and sitting in the silence. We'll laugh, we'll cry, and go places that feel too big to go alone.

When I'm not in session, you can find me floating in a river or frolicking at a farm with my family, tending to an ever-growing plant collection, or cuddling at home with my two cats, who will almost certainly make an appearance during our sessions. I love being in nature, exploring new restaurants, psychological horror movies, and time with close friends.

My Approach

Education + Additional Training

Master of Arts, Marriage, Couples, + Family Therapy, Lewis + Clark College, (2025)
Bachelor of Arts, Psychology + Communication Studies, UCLA (2007)

Working Systemically with Mixed-Orientation Relationships (2024)
Externship in Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy®, ICEEFT (2024)
Relational Justice in Couples Therapy: Linking Emotion, Power + Societal Context (2024)

Credentials + Licensure

Marriage and Family Therapist Associate
Oregon Board of Licensed Professional Counselors and Therapists
Registration: #R11888

Under the clinical supervision of:
Carly Rubin, LMFT, #T1838

Ready to take the next step?

Reach out to see if we'd be a good fit.

Let's Do It

Approach

How I Work

Opening up to someone you've just met takes courage, and I don't take that lightly. I've learned that the relationship between therapist and client matters more than any technique or intervention. There is no vulnerability without safety. So before anything else, we build trust, at whatever pace feels right for you.

I take a person-centered, humanistic, trauma-informed, and collaborative approach, which means I believe that you are the expert of your life and carry an innate capacity for growth. We'll work together to determine your goals and what direction you want therapy to go. I believe it is important to have a consistent, open dialogue about how you feel therapy is going, what is or isn't working for you, and how I can better support you. My therapeutic style is active, direct, warm, steady, experiential, and curious. This means I work with what you're bringing into the room, share with you what dynamics or patterns I'm observing, and will pause, interrupt, and slow you down so we can notice the emotions and thoughts that show up.

My work is rooted in systemic, feminist, and anti-oppressive frameworks, which means I view people within layers of complex social structures rather than in isolation. I consider how power, culture, and social messaging may impact how you move through the world, how you love, and what you believe.

My approach is primarily grounded in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and Socio-Emotional Relationship Therapy (SERT), woven together with Narrative Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Solution-Focused Therapy. This means we'll examine the patterns keeping you stuck, the unhelpful stories that may be worth challenging, unearth the emotions underneath it all, and confront what you've been avoiding. In practice, I tailor the work to best support the unique and nuanced complexity each person or couple holds.

A steaming cup in warm light

Emotionally Focused Therapy

EFT is an evidence- and attachment-based model designed for couples, built on the idea that underneath most relationship conflict is an unmet need for connection. We work to identify the cycles you and your partner find yourselves in, work through the surface-level anger or annoyance that is often rooted in fear or loneliness, and access vulnerable emotion, so you each can feel safe to open up and hear one another. In individual work, we'll examine how your attachment wounds impact you today, deepen your relationship with your emotions, and build a stronger, more empowered sense of self.

Narrative Therapy

The stories we internalize about who we are, how we should live, and what we deserve shape everything. Narrative therapy helps us examine those stories—where they came from, whose voices you're hearing, and whether they're serving you. Then we get to rewrite your story together to better reflect your truth.

Acceptance + Commitment Therapy

ACT is built on the premise that attempts to avoid suffering only leads to more suffering. It's about increasing flexibility in how you think, making space for the full range of human experience, including the painful parts, while staying connected to the person you are, your values, and taking action toward living a life that is meaningful to you.

Solution-Focused Therapy

Solution-focused therapy is a future-oriented, strengths-based approach. Instead of focusing only on what's wrong, we get curious about what's already working, the moments when things feel even a little better, and what you want your life or relationship to look like. We use those small shifts to build momentum toward the change you're looking for.

Socio-Emotional Relationship Therapy

SERT is a lens I work through, rather than a structured model. It recognizes that your relationships don't exist in a vacuum. The systems around you—culture, family, race, gender, religion—shape how you experience emotion and show up in relationship. We consider how power and your position in society influences the way you feel, behave, and connect with others.

Curious if this is the right fit?

A free 20-minute consultation is the way to find out.

Let's Talk

Services

Individual Therapy

How I Can Help

I work with individuals who are...

  • feeling stuck between who they were raised to be and who they want to be
  • processing cultural identity, intergenerational trauma, or religious trauma
  • questioning their identity, sexuality, or relationship structures
  • caught in patterns of people-pleasing, over-functioning, or perfectionism
  • going through a major life transition, including new parenthood or relationship changes
  • struggling with self-worth or a sense of feeling lost
  • dealing with minority stress and its impact on their mental health and relationships
  • trying to understand their relationship patterns and where they come from
  • exploring or navigating ethical non-monogamy
  • learning to set boundaries and ask for what they need
  • ready to take accountability and do something different

If you see yourself here, reach out.

Individual therapy

What we work on

Areas of Focus

My work with individuals is done through a systemic lens, rooted in knowing and loving your many layers within the ecosystems you live.

People-Pleasing +

Pleasing others protected you. It feels safe. But at what cost? We'll work to identify your needs, your worth, and your right to take up space.

Identity + Self-Discovery +

Discovering who you are, underneath everything you were told to be can feel like a relief and a reckoning at the same time. Whether you're questioning your gender or sexuality, piecing together a cultural identity that is multi-dimensional, or just know something doesn't fit but can't quite name it yet, we can figure it out together.

Relationship Challenges +

Maybe you always seem to date a certain type of person, or have a go-to defense in arguments that goes nowhere. We'll take a look at your attachment history and how old wounds may be impacting your relationships.

Life Transitions +

Change is scary. Making big decisions can be intimidating. You don't have to figure it all out on your own. We'll explore your fears and emotions emerging with these big changes, as well as identify your resources, strengths, and support systems to get you through.

Religious Trauma +

Walking away from a faith that isn't serving you takes strength and courage. Even if you might have left, the fear and shame may still remain--not to mention the grief of losing community and a sense of who you were. We'll attend to the wounds and clarify what values you wish to take with you and which you wish to leave behind.

Sexuality +

Whether you're single or partnered, sexual or asexual, I can support you toward clarifying your needs, desires, and sexual relationship with yourself and others, to invite the pleasure you deserve into your life.

Self-Worth + Self-Esteem +

The way you see yourself didn't spring from nowhere. It was shaped by the people around you, the cultures you grew up in, and the messages you absorbed before you were old enough to question them. We'll trace those threads together and figure out which you want to hold onto and which are no longer serving you.

Postpartum + Parenting +

The transition to parenthood is one of many joys, and also can be one of grief, isolation, and massive shifts in identity. Society doesn't encourage new parents to share their vulnerabilities and complex emotions, especially ones that don't align with the ideal picture-perfect image of a happy parent. This is a space where you can show up fully and make space for all of the emotions that come with this huge change.

Intergenerational Trauma + Family-of-Origin Issues +

Maybe you find yourself dreading the thought of going home for the holidays. Or you can't quite seem to connect fully with that one (or several) family member. We'll unpack wounds that may have been passed down through the generations and maybe even grieve the family you longed for, while also developing empathy and forgiveness for loved ones that might have caused you pain.

Book a Free Consultation

Not sure if individual therapy is right for you?

Let's chat about it during a free 20-minute consultation.

Let's Talk

Services

Relationship Therapy

I work with couples who are...

  • feeling more like roommates than partners
  • stuck in the same argument on repeat
  • healing from infidelity or a breach of trust
  • navigating desire differences or sexual disconnection
  • exploring or practicing ethical non-monogamy or polyamory
  • thinking about opening their relationship and not sure where to start
  • from different cultural backgrounds navigating different family expectations
  • expecting or new parents
  • co-parenting, blending families, or empty nesting
  • getting married or moving in together and wanting to start on solid ground
  • exploring their identities or sexualities
  • navigating attachment wounds that keep showing up in the relationship
  • trying to uncouple with care and intention
  • dealing with minority stress and its weight on the relationship
  • going through a major transition and struggling to stay connected through it
  • wanting to improve their relationships with their families

Couples Therapy

The everyday work of relationships: the friction, the miscommunication, the trust-building, and the repair.

Connection + Intimacy +

Somewhere along the way, you stopped reaching for each other. Maybe it happened gradually through many micro-moments, or maybe there was a rupture that changed things. We'll explore what is getting in the way of connection and rebuild the pathways back to one another.

Rebuilding Trust After Infidelity or Rupture +

Betrayal can feel like a gut punch to the heart. It can rewrite the story you thought you were living and make you question everything. We'll make space for both the grief and the complexity, and figure out a path forward.

Division of Labor +

Who does what, and why do partners often feel unseen for their efforts? We'll shine a light on the invisible labor, the resentment it can build, how power and identity influence each of your roles, and how to have conversations about it to get to a good balance.

Blended Families +

Merging two families means merging two sets of rules, routines, and loyalties, and it rarely happens smoothly. We'll work through the loyalty binds, boundary questions, and growing pains of building a family that may look different than what you initially thought you would have.

Co-Parenting +

Anyone who has parented together knows that it can be challenging to be on the same page. We'll work through differences in parenting style, beliefs and values, and the mental load so you're building a united front instead of competing ones.

Empty Nesters +

When the house gets quiet, what's left between the two of you? We'll help you rediscover each other outside of the roles you've played for years, and figure out what this next chapter looks like.

Separation + Divorce +

Endings can be devastating. They can be even more painful and complicated when you have children or very intertwined lives. There is a way to uncouple with care, we'll walk through this difficult time together.

Nesting +

Taking the next step to building a life together is exciting, comes with lots of fun moments of learning more about one another, and some difficult moments...of learning more about one another. We'll navigate the transition into a shared home with less friction and more ease.

Intercultural + BIPOC Couples

For couples who come from different worlds: managing family expectations, navigating cultural difference, feel like they're speaking difference languages (literally, and in love), and the particular stress that comes from moving through the world as a person/people of color.

Navigating Cultural Difference +

Different cultures often mean different expectations around communication, conflict, and even what love is supposed to look like. We'll get curious about where your worlds differ and build a shared language that honors both.

Family of Origin Expectations +

Your families of origin taught you what relationships, roles, and obligation are supposed to look like, and those lessons don't always agree with each other, or with what you actually want. We'll untangle whose voices you're hearing and help you amplify yours.

Identity Within Partnership +

Being in a relationship shouldn't mean losing the parts of yourself that make you, you. We'll explore how to stay rooted in your own identity, and see how the relationship can simultaneously appreciate your differences and weave your cultures into a unique story.

Gender, Race + Culture in Relationship Dynamics +

Culture and identity shape how you fight, how you show love, and how you're perceived as a couple in the world, sometimes in ways that are hard to name. We'll attune to power dynamics at play and bring language to what's often left unspoken.

Minority Stress +

Carrying the weight of discrimination, microaggressions, or feeling othered takes a toll, on you individually and on the relationship. We'll make space to process that stress and protect your connection from absorbing all of it.

Intergenerational Patterns +

Patterns of conflict, communication, or care get passed down and are difficult to change without bringing awareness and intention to them. We'll trace where yours came from and decide together what you want to carry forward and what you're ready to leave behind.

Ethical Non-Monogamy (ENM) + Polyamory

For relationships that defy the status quo: I have personal and professional experience that will support our work in navigating non-monogamy, though I will honor your unique experience. Whether you're just thinking about opening up your relationship or have been in it for awhile, we can work through the complex beauty of ENM together.

Poly-curious? +

You've always been in monogamous partnerships but are wondering what goes into the decision to open up your relationship. We talk through all the factors you may consider so you can make an informed decision at a pace you're comfortable with.

Restructuring Agreements +

You might be disagreeing on how to adjust your agreements, or perhaps you know something wasn't working before but aren't sure exactly how to tweak things. We'll talk through what each of you wants and come to a place that works for everyone.

Multi-Partner Dynamics +

More people = more feelings. ENM is more complex by nature (that's what some people love about it)! But it can be a lot to navigate. Even if there are only two people in the therapy room, we'll look at the dynamics that are going on with other partners in your system.

Jealousy + Attachment Work +

Your partner is getting ready for their date and then suddenly, your nervous system is ringing the alarm. No, you are not "bad" at non-monogamy. What you're feeling makes sense. We'll work through feelings of jealousy and insecurity together.

Staying Connected through ENM +

New relationship energy is real. Even if you feel solid that ENM is for you, it can be really difficult (and sometimes destabilizing) to see your partner excited and giddy about someone new. We'll explore rituals or opportunities for reconnection when your partner has less time for you, and how to bridge the time away from one another.

Polycule Navigation +

Your polycule is its own ecosystem, and what happens with one connection ripples through the rest. We'll help you navigate the dynamics between metamours, nested partners, and everyone in between. We can make space for more than two people in the therapy room. Head to the Rates page for details on fees.

Sex Therapy

Whether you're struggling with shame, mismatched desire, a rut, or simply wanting to deepen intimacy, we can work through your sexual concerns.

Desire Discrepancies +

Perhaps you want to have more sex, or you're the partner who is okay with less. This is one of the most common issues couples face in the bedroom. There are many factors that go into these differences in desire. We'll talk through them together and figure out what's standing in the way of having the sex life you want.

Sexual Shame +

Shame is a socially enforced emotion that is instilled in us early on and often paralyzes us. Sexual shame is particularly tough to shake, especially if you grew up in an environment where it wasn't safe or the norm to ask questions about sex. We'll look at the role of shame in your life and examine the unhelpful parts so you can release yourself from them.

Religious Trauma +

Purity culture and religious messaging can leave a lasting imprint on how you experience your body and sexuality, long after you've left the belief system behind. We'll work through the shame and reclaim a sexual connection to yourself and others.

Kink + BDSM +

While I am not an expert on kink, I am kink-affirming. We'll talk openly about BDSM and kink, aspects you're curious about, power dynamics, and pleasure without judgment.

Mixed Orientation Relationships +

When partners don't share the same orientation, it can raise questions about desire, identity, and what the relationship can look like. We'll navigate those questions together, with honesty and care for both of you.

Non-Sexual Relationships +

Not every meaningful partnership includes sex, and that's not a problem to fix. We'll help you build on the strengths and gifts of your relationship, and figure out a way of being in relationship that supports everyone involved.

Hopeful, Expecting + New Parents

The transition into parenthood reshapes everything: identity, intimacy, division of labor, and connection. I'm here to support you during this tender time.

Division of Labor +

A new baby usually means a new, and often unequal, division of labor. We'll take an honest look at who's carrying what, physically and mentally, and rebalance so resentment doesn't take root.

Intimacy After Baby +

So much changes after baby: hormone shifts, sleepless nights, the birthing partner's relationship to their body, limited attention and energy, feeling "touched out"...the list goes on. Sex and intimacy can feel foreign and unfamiliar, even if it's something you both are yearning for.

Co-Parenting Alignment +

Maybe you agree on everything, but you want to be on the same team. We'll work through differences in parenting philosophy so you're making decisions together instead of in conflict.

Postpartum Relationship Support +

Nobody tells you how much having a baby changes the relationship. The exhaustion, the resentment, the loneliness, the love that's still there underneath it all. We'll work on expressing the emotions that often get lost in the hustle and bustle of parenthood.

Identity Shift Into Parenthood +

Rarely do parents talk about the grief of saying goodbye to the person and couple you were before having a child. When your focus is all on this new tiny human, it can be easy to lose that sense of who you are. We'll process the emotions that come with shifting your identity, explore how you've changed, and who you want to be.

Prenatal Preparation +

Preparing for a baby is about more than the nursery, it's about preparing your relationship for the shift ahead. We'll talk through expectations, fears, and how you want to show up for each other once the baby arrives.

Queer Relationships

For couples in LGBTQIA+ + queer relationships navigating a world that wasn't built for them.

Gender Transition in Relationships +

When one or both partners are transitioning, the relationship transitions too, physically, emotionally, and in how you're seen by the world. We'll support you both through the changes, together.

Mixed Orientations +

Not every queer relationship shares the same orientation, and figuring out what that means for desire, identity, and commitment takes honesty and intentional conversation. We'll work through the complexity of it all.

Family-of-Origin Issues +

Coming out, being out, or simply existing as who you are can complicate relationships with the families you grew up in. We'll help you navigate the grief and help you set healthy boundaries with those you wish to remain connected to.

Leaving Faith Communities +

Leaving a faith that once held your identity can bring relief and grief in the same breath, especially when it also cost you community. We'll process the mix of emotions you may be feeling and identify what values you want to keep and which you wish to leave behind.

Sexual Fluidity in Partnership +

Desire and identity aren't always fixed, and when they shift within a relationship, it can bring up big questions for both partners. We'll navigate those questions together.

Adult Family Therapy

For adult children and their parents navigating estrangement, difficult dynamics, or a relationship they want to repair. Family relationships are some of the most loaded we carry, and also can be some of the most meaningful relationships to repair.

Estrangement + Repair +

Maybe you're a parent who doesn't hear from your adult child anymore. Or you're a grown child who longs a relationship with someone who caused you pain. When distance has grown between you and a parent or adult child, and you want to understand what happened and find a way forward.

Navigating Major Transitions Together +

Illness, death, divorce, a new partner, a grandchild—moving through big life changes have a way of surfacing everything that's unresolved.

Cultural + Intergenerational Conflict +

When generational or cultural gaps create distance between you and your family, it can feel like you're worlds apart. We'll work toward bridging the understanding between you.

Chosen Family or Friendship +

Therapy isn't reserved just for couples or families-of-origin/-creation. Rifts between chosen family or friendships can be just as painful and difficult to navigate. We'll create a space where you can express your emotions and reconnect with dear friends that are like family to you.

Book a Free Consultation

Common Questions

Couples Therapy FAQ

Do both partners need to attend every session? +

Generally, yes—couples work is most effective when both of you are in the room. That said, there are times it makes sense for one partner to be seen individually within the larger arc of our work together. We'll figure out what's needed as we go.

What if we're not on the same page about starting therapy? +

It's really common for one partner to feel more ready than the other. We can explore that hesitation, or the partner who is more ready can seek individual therapy.

Can we do couples therapy if we each have our own individual therapist? +

Yes—I actually recommend that partners either start with individual therapy before coming to couples therapy, or engage in both individual and couples therapy concurrently. Not a requirement, but individual therapy can support the process of what we're working on in couples.

Do you work with more than two people in a relationship? +

Yes. I work with polycules, adult families (18+), and relationships of three or more. Visit the Rates page for session pricing for groups of three or more.

Do we need to be in crisis to start couples therapy? +

Not at all. I actually recommend that couples start couples therapy before things reach a breaking point. You don't need a rupture to justify showing up.

Are there any types of couples you do not work with? +

I do not work with couples where there is active abuse or emotional/physical violence, or active substance abuse/addiction occurring in the relationship. It is important that these issues are attended to through individual therapy or community supports and stabilized before engaging in couples therapy, as couples therapy can be very activating and can exacerbate these issues. If you are currently experiencing violence or abuse in your relationship, click here for resources.

What can I expect in couples therapy sessions? +

Sessions usually start with a check-in on what's been happening since we last met, or with what you want to focus on. If nothing urgent is on the table, we pick up the thread from last session.

Each of you will share your perspective and what came up for you as you listened to your partner. Talking time won't split 50/50 in every session. Some sessions focus on one partner, and the next may focus on the other.

I may interrupt you, not because your point doesn't matter, but because I don't want to skip past something important I noticed. I'll also interrupt if the session starts heading somewhere unproductive or harmful. At times I'll ask you to slow down and sit with what's in the room, including silence and discomfort.

Early on, partners usually speak to me about what they're feeling. As safety grows, I'll ask you to speak directly to your partner and then reflect on the process.

I'm uncomfortable talking about sex. Will I have to talk about it in couples therapy? +

Talking to someone you just met about your sex life can be uncomfortable! I will never pressure you to talk about anything you don't want to talk about. That said, sex can play a big role in relationships, so I will ask you whether you have sexual concerns you'd like to address, but go at the pace that feels comfortable to you both.

Not sure where you fit?

Most concerns weave across more than one area. Let's talk it through.

Connect

Investment

Rates

Individual Therapy

50 minutes
Individual Therapy Session
$150
Per session

Couples Therapy

50 minutes
Couples Therapy Session
$175
Recommended for established clients
75 minutes
Extended Couples Therapy Session
$240
Recommended for new clients and for couples who want more time to go deep

90-minute sessions are available at $290 per session for couples or adult family members who would like more time to work through big ruptures or more complex issues. For sessions with three or more people, add an additional $40 per person to the couples rate. I recommend 90-minute sessions for groups, however groups can select 75 minutes if that works better for your schedule.

Why don't you take insurance? +

As a Marriage and Family Therapist Associate, I am not yet eligible for insurance panels. As a private practice, I'm able to offer longer sessions, sessions more than once a week (if needed), and a level of individualized care that insurance-based practices often can't, without limits on number or length of sessions, required diagnoses, and pressure to terminate once treatment goals are "met". I believe that your care shouldn't depend on whether the insurance company thinks you meet the requirements of "medical necessity". This means our work can be guided by your goals and needs. I know out-of-pocket therapy is an investment. I'm happy to provide a monthly superbill that you may submit to your insurance for potential out-of-network reimbursement. Please verify your benefits before we begin. I also offer a few reduced-fee sliding scale spots (see below).

Should we choose 50-minute or extended 75-minute sessions? +

When there's more than one person in the room, there are more emotions to express, more perspectives to hold, and more ground to cover. In my experience, 50 minutes is often just enough time to open something up, but not enough to meaningfully work through it. I recommend weekly 75 minute sessions for the first month or so, to establish goals and build some momentum (this is a recommendation, not a requirement). We'll check in along the way, and I'm always open to adjusting session length and frequency as things progress. If we're noticing that we consistently run out of time doing 50-minute sessions, I might suggest we move up to 75-minutes, but ultimately it is up to you.

Do you have sliding scale spots? +

I offer a limited number of reduced-fee spots for clients who would find the full fee a barrier to care. Sliding scale fees are calculated based on your total household income and reviewed every six months or when there is a change in financial circumstances. These spots fill quickly, so please contact me and mention "sliding scale" in your note to inquire.

Do you accept HSA or FSA? +

Yes. You can pay for sessions with an HSA or FSA card, and I’m happy to provide a superbill or receipt if your plan asks for documentation.

Whether therapy is covered depends on your plan administrator. Many plans reimburse therapy that treats a diagnosed mental health condition. Some may ask for a letter of medical necessity, and some don’t cover relationship-focused work without a diagnosis. If you’re unsure, a quick call to your plan before our first session can save you a surprise later.

If a diagnosis or letter would be part of your reimbursement, let me know. We can talk through what that would mean for your record and decide together whether it makes sense for you.

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Questions about fees?

I'm happy to talk through what makes sense for your situation.

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Frequently Asked

Questions

Do you accept insurance? +

As a Marriage and Family Therapist Associate, I am not yet eligible for insurance panels. Head to the Rates page to learn more about self-pay.

How is working with a Registered Associate different from working with a licensed therapist? +

I’m a Marriage and Family Therapist Associate in Oregon. That means I’m completing the hours required to become a fully licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). My work is overseen by a licensed supervisor, who I meet with 2-3 times per month. She reviews my clinical work and guides me in making decisions about care.

I hold a master's degree in Marriage, Couple, and Family Therapy, have passed the Association of Marriage & Family Therapy Regulatory Boards (AMFTRB) National MFT Exam, and follow the same ethical and professional standards as a licensed therapist. What’s different is that I’m not yet fully licensed, and supervision is a required part of my practice.

I'm happy to answer any questions about my registration status or what it means for your treatment--feel free to reach out.

I've never seen a therapist or talked to someone about my problem before. How should I start? +

If you're reading this page, you've already started! I know it can be nerve-wracking to begin therapy for the first time. We can start with a 20-minute free consultation so we can get a feel for each other, without pressure or commitment. It'll be a low stakes conversation for me to get to know you, share with you how I work, and see how I can support you. I'm also happy to answer any questions you may have.

What can I expect when we begin therapy? +

Before we begin, you will need to sign some paperwork and fill out a questionnaire. Our first intake session will go over important practice policies and informed consent, and I will conduct a safety and risk assessment. Over the course of the next three sessions or so, we'll dive into gathering key information about your current concerns, background, relationships, and anything else that feels important to share. Then we'll collaborate on a treatment plan based on your goals.

What can I expect in a typical session? +

Although I do not follow any particular script, my sessions typically start with recapping our last session or checking in on how things have been since we saw each other last. I then usually ask you what you would like to focus on for the session. In the last ten minutes, I'll have you reflect on the session, and/or set an intention or collaborate on homework for the week. Head to the Couples Therapy page for more information on how relational sessions typically go.

How do I know if you're the right therapist for me? +

Many people know if a therapist is a good fit within the first few minutes of meeting. I offer a complimentary 20 minute video consultation to learn more about why you're seeking therapy, what goals you wish to work toward, share with you how I work, and answer any questions you may have. Read more about my approach and therapeutic style. I also mention a note on who I do my best work with on my bio page.

Are there any clients or issues you don't work with? +

At this time I work with adults age 18+. There are also some needs I'm not trained or equipped to support adequately, including active suicidality, self-harm, schizophrenia, active addiction, or eating or personality disorders. Not because hard things aren't welcome here, but because I want to make sure you get appropriate care from someone who specializes in what you need. If you're unsure, reach out. I'm happy to talk it through and point you in the right direction if I'm not the best fit.

Do you work on nights and weekends? +

I see clients Monday-Thursday between 9am and 3pm, with exceptions for intensive or extended sessions that may be scheduled in the evening or on a weekend. I realize this makes it difficult for some people to find time in their busy schedules for therapy. I'd be happy to recommend therapists who work nights and weekends.

What is your cancellation policy? +

I have a 48 hour cancellation policy. If you need to cancel or reschedule, please contact me at least 48 hours in advance. If you cancel or no-show with less than 48 hours notice, you will automatically be charged the full session fee without prior notice. This is necessary because your appointment is reserved exclusively for you and cannot typically be filled on short notice.

Are sessions in person or online? +

I currently only see clients through telehealth, but plan to see folks in-person in Portland eventually! If you're interested in in-person sessions, please indicate that in the contact form.

How often are we expected to meet? +

I work with clients who are interested in meeting on a weekly or biweekly basis. I understand that life is busy—I ask that when you're thinking about when you'd like to begin therapy, please consider whether you'll be able to attend consistently. If you think it will be difficult to maintain at least a 75% attendance rate, perhaps we wait until you have more availability. As we move further into the therapy process, we can reassess your session frequency.

How do we know if couples therapy is right for us? +

Head to the Couples Therapy page for FAQs on relationship therapy.

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