PORTLAND, OREGON IN-PERSON and ONLINE THERAPY

Compassionate Therapy for Individuals & Couples

Trauma-informed counseling for anxiety, grief, depression, relationship challenges, and intimacy concerns.

Sex therapy and intimacy coaching with Deborah Johanson. Oregon in-person and online

Life can feel heavy when you’re carrying anxiety, grief, relationship pain, OR Going through a transition on your own.

Trauma-informed therapist Portland, OR

You might feel…

Emotionally exhausted
Disconnected
Overwhelmed by sadness, anxiety or emotional numbness
Something inside may feel unsettled or hard to name
Stuck in embedded patterns

Therapy can be a place to pause, breathe, and begin again—with care, clarity, and support.

IT’S TIME TO

START THRIVING IN YOUR LIFE + RELATIONSHIPS

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PROCESS TRAUMA

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RELIEVE ANXIETY

Couples therapy in Portland Oregon focused on communication intimacy and connection

FEEL DEEPLY CONNECTED

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Individual therapy Portland OR

individual therapy

A supportive space to focus on you—your experiences, emotions, and inner world.

Individual therapy offers a place to slow down and explore what you’re carrying, whether that’s anxiety that feels constant, grief that comes in waves, or past experiences that still shape how you see yourself and your relationships.

Individual therapy can support you with:

  • Anxiety and chronic stress

  • Depression and emotional overwhelm

  • Trauma and unresolved experiences

  • Grief and loss

  • Self-worth and emotional regulation

Sessions are collaborative, trauma-informed, and guided by your needs and pace.

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couples therapy

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Support for couples seeking greater understanding, connection, and emotional safety.

Relationships can be deeply meaningful—and deeply challenging. Couples counseling provides a space to explore patterns, improve communication, and rebuild trust and intimacy in a way that feels respectful and grounded.

Couples therapy can help with:

  • Communication challenges and recurring conflict

  • Emotional disconnection or distance

  • Intimacy and sexual concerns

  • Navigating life transitions or stressors

  • Healing after betrayal or relational ruptures

Whether you’re feeling stuck or simply wanting to strengthen your connection, therapy offers a place to work toward change together.

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AREAS OF SUPPORT

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INDIVIDUALS AND COUPLES THERAPY IN PORTLAND, OR

Trauma-informed therapy for individuals and couples in Portland and surrounding areas and virtually across Oregon.

anxiety


depression


grief & Loss


life transitions


trauma and ptsd


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intimacy issues


relationship issues


divorce


SKill building


family conflict


Eclectic approach


Compassion Focused


Culturally Sensitive


Person-Centered

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Emotionally Focused


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Stylized maroon flower with a round top and five petals arranged in a symmetrical pattern.
Stylized maroon flower with a circular top and five petal-like shapes
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Sex therapy and intimacy coaching with Deborah Johanson. Oregon in-person and online

meet DEBORAH JOHANSON

Portrait of Deborah Johanson, a dedicated sex therapist and intimacy coach based in Oregon

I’m a licensed therapist offering individual and relationship counseling to adults seeking greater understanding, healing, and connection. My work is rooted in compassion, curiosity, and evidence-based practices, while remaining deeply attuned to each client’s lived experience. In addition to my Master’s in Social Work, I have a 2 year certificate in sex therapy, am a Certified Tibetan 5 Element Tantra teacher, and a Master’s Reiki Practitioner.

Because of the uniqueness of each individual/couple, I use a variety of modalities including Internal Family Systems, polyvagal theory, Gottman Method, Emotionally Focused Therapy, somatic work, and others. Education & exercises designed to build connection, bonding, & intimacy are also incorporated into our work together. My focus is client centered.

I have created a comfortable, safe, and confidential space in which vulnerability can be expressed, trust built, and personal growth can occur.

THRIVE

HEAL

GROW

  • “Deborah was a safe place and trusted person. I appreciate her more than I could ever explain.”

  • “Thank you for all the work we’ve done together. You are so good at what you do. I feel safe and supported and you’ve helped me make so many strides. I really appreciate you.” 

  • The intentional practice in and outside of our sessions helped build connection in our relationship - it felt like a low-pressure, high reward intimacy course. We learned how to have more pleasure-centered sex AND how to communicate more effectively with each other about our wants and needs. We also expanded our views of intimacy and pleasure which has had a lasting impact on our whole relationship.

  • My beloved and I were the grateful recipients of Deborah’s time, attention, and training in an introduction to Buddhist Tantric practice. She explained things clearly and guided us deftly, helping us connect to ourselves, the practices, and one another.

  • “The things you said kept me thinking positive.  Obstacles were thrown at me, and I was able to meditate on what you taught me and well, good results came from it! I try my hardest to never put myself into anxiety situations, or things that will make me more depressed! Thank you so much again! You are the best!” 

Sex therapy and intimacy coaching with Deborah Johanson. Oregon in-person and online

HOW IT WORKS

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SEND ME A MESSAGE

Email me through my website here, or dial 503-510-2887 to schedule a consultation call with me directly.


CONSULTATION CALL

During our 20-minute, no-charge consultation, we’ll discuss some of your struggles and hopes and whether we are a good fit to work together.


FIRST SESSION

We'll do an initial assessment to help us understand where you are and where you'd like to be - establishing clear goals for your journey ahead.


CONTINUED TREATMENT

We’ll collaboratively work together, meeting once a week or every other week, until you decide you're ready to fly solo!

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Frequently asked questions

Do you accept insurance, and what are your fees?

1

I am an out-of-network provider and can provide a Superbill to you to submit if you have out-of-network benefits. A 50-55 minute session is $200. Payment is due at time of service.


How do I know if therapy is right for me?

2

If you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, emotionally disconnected, or curious about understanding yourself or your relationships more deeply, therapy may be a helpful next step.


Do you offer online therapy?

3

Yes. I offer online therapy for clients located in Oregon, including Portland. Virtual sessions provide flexibility while still offering meaningful, supportive care.


How long does therapy take, and how will I know when I’m done?

4

Therapy looks different for everyone. Some people come for short-term support around a specific concern, while others choose longer-term work. We’ll regularly check in about your goals and progress so therapy continues to feel supportive and purposeful.


What is your cancellation policy?

5

If you need to cancel or reschedule a session, I ask for at least a 24 hr notice. If a session is cancelled within the 24 hr window, or there is a no show, the full fee will be charged.

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You Don’t Have to Navigate This Alone

Beginning therapy can feel vulnerable—but it can also be the first step toward relief, clarity, and deeper connection.

If you’re ready to explore working together, I invite you to reach out and schedule a consultation.

FREE WORKBOOK

CREATING A SPACE FOR INTIMACY

Reimagine your bedroom not just as a space, but as a sanctuary for connection and intimacy.

Creating a Space for Intimacy Workbook by Sex Therapist Deborah Johanson

I do not share or sell your information.