Saren Craig M.A. L.P.C.
LGBTQ+ Affirming & Transgender Therapist
Licensed Professional Counselor, Oregon
I’m a therapist based in Oregon, living in Portland. I work with a lot of LGBTQ+ folks. A lot of us grew up in cis-het families that didn’t really see us, and a big part of what I offer is simple: someone who actually gets you. So much of what brings people to therapy is just needing somewhere to say the hard stuff out loud and have it land. Sessions are 55 minutes, talk therapy, me asking actual questions and being straightforward with my feedback about what’s happening in the room, said in a way you can hear it. I do Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and parts work (IFS), which mostly means we slow down and listen to what different parts of you are carrying. I also care about what’s outside the room, and the system that affect us all.
If that sounds like your kind of therapy, you can schedule a free consultation on Google Meet below, or email me at saren@resonanceportland.com.
My fax number is 503-296-2833
My phone number is (503) 489-8188, but the quickest way to reach me is by email—or by scheduling a consultation below.
Out of pocket fee: Message me for information about a reduced rate.
Insurances Accepted: Moda, Providence
Surgery letters: $130 for gender-affirming surgery support letters, with updates free as long as you need letters of support for your transition.
Request a consultation by checking my availability on the calendar below.
I am deeply committed to advocacy around social justice issues, particularly focusing on the experiences of oppression faced by LGBTQ+ and BIPOC communities in the context of mental health. I love the empowering and collaborative work I do with clients.
My commitment to social justice involves actively seeking ways to engage in reducing oppression through systemic change and increased awareness, which I believe fosters healthier communities.
With experience in various settings such as inpatient psychiatric hospitals, community mental health, case management, and supported housing, I have acquired a diverse set of skills and resources. These experiences have taught me how external systemic factors can influence internal struggles.
Understanding the power dynamics within the counseling relationship, I strive to empower my clients. I often explore the parts of ourselves that needed something along our life journey but may not have received affirmation. These younger parts require compassion and understanding to heal.
I treat each person with warmth, dignity, and respect, while maintaining the professional boundaries essential to the counseling relationship. My approach in sessions is both interactive and direct.
I draw from a broad theoretical background and approach care with a systemic lens. Recognizing that each individual’s growth process is unique, I encourage clients to explore and express their experiences learning new approaches to manage their mental health.
Most routes to gender-affirming care in the U.S. run through a DSM diagnosis of Gender Dysphoria (F64.0). That diagnosis documents the harm created by incongruence and by social conditions that fail to recognize someone’s gender. Being transgender is an identity, not a pathology, and access to medically necessary care shouldn’t require treating it as one. And yet: we live in this system. When a Gender Dysphoria diagnosis is required for insurance authorization or surgical access, we use it—because that pathway is what it takes to access care that improves quality of life.
Confidentiality
What you say stays between us, with legal exceptions you should know about before we start: if you pose a serious risk to yourself or someone else with a specific plan. If there is abuse or neglect of a child or a dependent or elderly adult. If I receive a court subpoena, or if I have to respond to a licensing board complaint against me. Ask me about any of these.
I am outraged by the immense harm being inflicted on minoritized communities in this moment in history—particularly immigrant communities and the transgender community, which I am part of. I refuse to treat this as normal, acceptable, or debatable when people’s safety, dignity, and basic rights are being deliberately targeted. During this time, I will do everything in my power to protect my clients, safeguard their confidentiality, and uphold my moral duty to help prevent harm.
Image artist: Daniel Quasar, Portland Oregon
If you are currently in a crisis call 988
Text ‘START’ to 678-678 for help from the Trevor Project or Call them at 1-866-488-7386
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