Identity

  • Four people stand together outdoors, laughing and talking, with a bright sky and sunlight in the background.

    Making New Friends: Tips for Queer Adults in Portland

    For many queer adults in a vibrant city like Portland, forming new friendships can be both rewarding and challenging. The LGBTQ+ community has a rich tradition of connecting through bars, clubs, and social gatherings, creating spaces for individuals to bond. However, as life changes—whether from moving to a new area, starting a new job, or…

    Read More

  • Three people sit at an outdoor café table, engaged with a laptop. Two men face each other, with a woman between them, smiling. Coffee cups and books are on the table.

    Managing Metamour Relationships: How to Build Harmony in Polyamorous Partnerships

    In polyamorous relationships, building and maintaining healthy connections is key to long-term success. One of the unique dynamics in polyamory is the metamour relationship—the connection between your partner’s partners. Managing metamour relationships can often feel overwhelming, but with open communication and intentional boundaries, you can foster a sense of harmony. Whether you’re new to polyamory…

    Read More

  • poly relationship with compersion on stone ledge outdoors, smiling and laughing together. Trees and a foggy background can be seen behind them.

    Cultivating Compersion in Polyamorous Relationships

    Cultivating Compersion in Polyamorous Relationships Polyamorous relationships offer a unique and fulfilling way to experience love, connection, and intimacy with multiple partners. However, managing emotions like jealousy can be challenging. One powerful way to counter jealousy and strengthen emotional bonds in polyamorous relationships is by cultivating compersion. Compersion in poly relationships is the feeling of…

    Read More

  • Two gay bears with positive body image enjoying a healthy relationship.

    Navigating Body Image in the Gay Bear Community

    Introduction Body image significantly impacts our self-esteem, mental health, and relationships, particularly within the gay bear community. While this community embraces body positivity and diverse expressions of masculinity, many bears still grapple with body image issues that can affect their mental health and relationships. In my couples therapy practice, I’ve seen how these challenges manifest…

    Read More

  • Person with a beard wears a colorful sombrero and a rainbow-patterned garment, looking to the side. Mountains and an open road are in the background.

    Exploring Your Identity in a Heteronormative World

    Growing up in a world that mostly assumes everyone is cis-gendered and heterosexual can feel isolating. For those who are asking important questions like “Who am I?” or “How do I express my gender?” this journey of exploring your identity can feel even harder. Questions like these are deeply personal, and without support, they can…

    Read More