Katie Harding

My name is Katie (They/Them). I believe therapy is a powerful tool for self-discovery, empowerment, bravery, and healing. Our connections with others are a way to bring individual, generational, and collective healing. You deserve kindness, peace, and affirmation in who you are. 

Finding a therapist, you feel connected to is the first step toward healing. My approach is rooted in my own experiences of religious deconstruction and coming out as queer later in life. I spent most of my early life in the Southeast, where the rigid beliefs of Christian doctrines made it difficult for me to fully acknowledge and embrace the deeper parts of myself, often leaving me questioning my own identity. Most of my mid-twenties were spent exploring my sexuality, gender, and deconstructing from Christianity. Through the final steps of my deconstruction and queer exploration, I was drawn toward Portland so that I would be able to live fully in my identity as a queer, non-binary, leftist, and hopeful agnostic. With compassion and affirmation, I strive to create a space where you feel safe to explore your authentic self and empowered on your unique path to wholeness. 

I recognize that our shared and different challenges don’t exist in a vacuum but are shaped by similar oppressive systems. As a therapist, I aim to provide trauma-informed care that acknowledges the impact of these systems, often through discussing generational family trauma, racism, ablism, religious oppression, and navigating LGBTQ+ identities. My work focuses on helping clients find strength within themselves while also acknowledging the barriers created by these systems. My clinical experience and training have centered on boundaries, attachment, inner child work, and identity exploration. We often explore how systemic issues play a role in shaping your identity and well-being, while identifying the inner power that helps you navigate life both within and outside these systems. 

A significant part of my practice is gender-affirming care, where I follow the WPATH standards of care to support gender-expansive individuals. Whether you’re beginning your journey or navigating surgeries and social transitions, I am committed to walking alongside you. My focus is on utilizing existing systems for your care while also finding ways to challenge and work past them. Together, we can work toward goals like managing gender dysphoria, accessing healthcare, and obtaining the gender-affirming surgeries and support you deserve. 

I utilize a range of therapy modalities focused on both the mind and body, including Internal Family Systems, Emotion Focused Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Relational-Cultural Theory, and Mindfulness. These approaches help you build coping strategies in and out of session, supporting your holistic well-being. 

Connection is key to healing, and I look forward to being part of your journey toward the life you hope to build. In and outside of my clinical work, my favorite things to discuss are videogames, D&D, pottery, and similar means of “nerd” culture. I love to help bridge the gap of your favorite interests and utilize them to create meaningful metaphors that suit your life.