If you're navigating the messy aftermath of religious trauma, couples conflict, or body image struggles, these five Oregon therapists offer specialized, relational care that goes beyond surface-level fixes.
The Landscape of Religious Trauma Therapy in Oregon
Oregon has become a hub for therapists addressing religious trauma, faith deconstruction, and high-control religion recovery. The demand has grown as more people seek to untangle the shame, guilt, and identity confusion tied to their spiritual upbringing. Many practitioners blend attachment-based, somatic, and cognitive approaches to help clients rebuild self-trust and healthier relationships. In the Portland metro area and beyond, you'll find a mix of solo practitioners and group practices, each with unique specialties. Whether you're looking for individual counseling, couples work, or support for eating disorder recovery, the options are expanding. This roundup highlights five therapists who stand out for their focus on relational healing and trauma-informed care.
How We Evaluated These Therapists
We looked at each practice's service scope, including whether they offer individual, couples, and family therapy. We considered their stated specialties, particularly around religious trauma, attachment, and body image. We also assessed how clearly they communicate their approach and fees, and whether they offer virtual sessions for Oregon residents. Local fit mattered too—how well they understand the cultural and spiritual landscape of the Pacific Northwest. Finally, we weighed the depth of their relational focus, since long-term healing often requires more than quick fixes.
Here's a quick snapshot of each therapist's focus and what they're best known for.
| Provider | Best For |
|---|---|
| Health Allies Counseling | Comprehensive group practice with insurance options |
| Dawn Myers | Individual, Couples & Family Therapy in Lake Oswego, OR | Attachment-focused therapy for individuals and couples |
| Kindred Holistic Therapy | Specialized purity culture recovery and EMDR |
| Krispin Mayfield, LPC | Neurodivergent-affirming religious trauma therapy |
| Brian Jones, IFS Therapist | IFS-focused therapy for spiritual abuse recovery |
The Therapists Making a Difference
#1 Health Allies Counseling
A screenshot of the Health Allies Counseling website.
Health Allies Counseling is a large group practice in Portland with a dedicated page for religious trauma therapy. They offer a wide range of therapeutic modalities, including EMDR, IFS, and somatic therapy, which can be particularly helpful for trauma processing. Their team includes many therapists with diverse specialties, so you can find someone who fits your specific needs. They also accept a variety of insurances, including Oregon Health Plan, which makes care more accessible. If you're looking for a one-stop shop with multiple options, this practice is a solid choice. Their focus on religious trauma is explicit, and they provide compassionate support for reclaiming your sense of self.
#2 Dawn Myers | Individual, Couples & Family Therapy in Lake Oswego, OR
A screenshot of the Dawn Myers website.
Dawn Myers is a marriage and family therapist associate in Lake Oswego who takes a long-term, relational approach to therapy. She specializes in religious and spiritual trauma, helping clients make sense of guilt, fear, and shame tied to high-control environments. Her practice also focuses on body image and eating disorder recovery, especially for athletes and high-achievers. She offers both in-person sessions in Lake Oswego and virtual therapy for Oregon residents. Dawn emphasizes building a strong therapeutic alliance, where you can drop the filter and say the hard things out loud. Her style is direct, kind, and infused with humor, making the healing process feel more human.
#3 Kindred Holistic Therapy
A screenshot of the Kindred Holistic Therapy website.
Kindred Holistic Therapy, led by Julie Bloom, focuses on religious trauma and purity culture recovery, with services available in Portland, Seattle, Denver, and Boise. Julie's approach is deeply relational, believing that connection is a key facilitator for healing past trauma. She offers EMDR therapy, which can be effective for processing traumatic memories. The practice also provides specialized groups for high-control religion and religious trauma, as well as workshops on purity culture. If you're looking for a therapist who understands the nuances of purity culture and its impact on your sexuality and self-worth, this is a strong option. Their website is clear about their values and fees, making it easy to get started.
#4 Krispin Mayfield, LPC
A screenshot of the Krispin Mayfield website.
Krispin Mayfield is a neurodivergent-affirming therapist in Portland who specializes in religious trauma and ADHD. He brings personal experience of growing up in a high-control religion, which gives him unique insight into your struggles. His approach focuses on helping you find your way back to yourself, trusting your own voice, and setting boundaries that honor your needs. He works with individuals and couples, often exploring how religious conditioning affects your relationships. Krispin's style is curious and collaborative, emphasizing strengths-based strategies. If you're neurodivergent and dealing with religious trauma, he's a particularly good fit.
#5 Brian Jones, IFS Therapist
A screenshot of the Brian Jones website.
Brian Jones is an IFS (Internal Family Systems) therapist offering religious trauma therapy in Portland, Seattle, and Houston. His approach helps you heal from the shame and spiritual abuse that often accompany religious upbringing. He addresses how religious trauma can lead to coping behaviors like disordered eating, and he works to help you trust others again. Brian offers a complimentary consultation, making it easy to see if he's the right fit. His focus on IFS is particularly effective for understanding the different parts of yourself that developed in response to religious conditioning. If you're looking for a therapist who directly tackles spiritual PTSD, Brian is a strong choice.
How to Choose the Right Therapist for You
Start by identifying your primary concerns—whether it's religious trauma, couples conflict, or body image issues. Consider whether you prefer a solo practitioner or a larger group practice, as that can affect availability and insurance options. Think about the therapeutic approach that resonates with you, such as attachment-based, IFS, or EMDR. Check if they offer virtual sessions if you're not near their office. Finally, schedule a consultation to see if you feel a connection—therapy is most effective when you feel safe and understood.
Streamlining Your Search for a Therapist
To make your search easier, you can use online directories like Psychology Today to filter by specialty and location. Many therapists offer free 15-minute consultations, so you can quickly gauge fit. You can also set up alerts for new therapists who match your criteria. If you're looking for a specific approach like IFS or EMDR, use those keywords in your search. And don't forget to check if they accept your insurance or offer sliding scale fees.
Finding Your Path to Healing
Each of these therapists brings a unique blend of expertise and compassion to the table. Whether you're drawn to Dawn Myers' relational approach in Lake Oswego or the specialized purity culture recovery at Kindred Holistic Therapy, there's a professional ready to support you. The key is to find someone who makes you feel heard and helps you untangle the patterns that no longer serve you. Take the first step by reaching out for a consultation—your healing journey starts now.