crystal’s story

Hello! I’m Crystal (she/they) and I’m so looking forward to working with you.

I became a therapist because I’ve experienced first-hand, as a client, the healing and growth that can happen in a warm therapeutic relationship. I believe strongly that we each have our own unique ways of being in this world, and as such, we each hold the answers for what’s best for us. Sometimes we need support in accessing that inner knowing, and I absolutely love supporting folks in discovering and accessing the tools that work best for them as they work towards their goals.  

I do not believe in a one-size-fits-all approach to therapy. I am person-centered, meaning I want to support you in the ways that work best for you. Ultimately, I believe you know yourself best, and I’m here to support and accompany you in finding the answers that best align with your values and strengths. I believe therapy works best when there is mutual respect and care between therapist and client. I aim to offer a warm, affirming, and accepting space where you feel safe to explore and get curious about new and/or difficult emotions, ideas, and experiences on your healing journey. I feel honored to accompany you on that journey. 

I am a white, fat, queer, woman-adjacent individual who is passionate about anti-oppressive, trauma-informed, and grief-informed care. Both lived and professional experiences have guided me to specialize in Grief and Loss, LGBTQIA+ identities and issues, Existential crisis, and Religious and Spiritual Trauma and Abuse. I am also currently enrolled in the year-long certification program through The Center for Body Trust to become a certified Body Trust provider - all body sizes deserve respect and care, and I operate from a weight-inclusive, Health at Every Size, fat liberationist approach. In addition to my other specialties, I enjoy working with folks on their relationship with their bodies. Primary modalities that inform my practice are Narrative Therapy, Feminist Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Queer Theory, Emotionally Focused Therapy, and Parts Work.

I believe whole-heartedly that we can seek and access pleasure, even amidst the most difficult times. Some things that bring me pleasure include, but are definitely not limited to: hiking in the rain, swimming naked in natural bodies of water, searching for agates on the Oregon coast, taking pictures of nature, cuddling my cat Yuzu, cooking and eating yummy food, singing, and spending quality time with my friends and family. 

Now for the professional stuff:

I attained my undergraduate degree from BYU-Idaho with a Bachelor of Science in Communication, and I attained both my Master’s of Science in Communication and my Master’s of Social Work from Portland State University. 

Prior to joining Sprout, I gained experience as a mental health therapist at a comprehensive health clinic for LGBTQIA+ folks. I have previous experience in multiple nonprofit and community care organizations centering LGBTQIA+ identities and the topic of Grief and Loss. I am a Clinical Social Work Associate (CSWA) in the state of Oregon (A14428) under the supervision of Katya Ludwig.

See our fees and insurance page to determine if Crystal is in network with your insurance plan.

You can reach Crystal directly at
crystal@sprouttherapypdx.com