Jes Dimas

Therapy with Jes

I identify as a two-spirit, Mexican Indigenous person of color who is a member of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. I use he/they pronouns.

I understand very well the value of being able to sit across from someone who looks like you, shares some of your cultural experiences, and "gets" many of the everyday challenges that come with being "different" or "othered" in some way. I am here to welcome, assist, advocate for, and be a strength to those who decide to take the brave first step in doing the work to make changes in their lives.

I currently offer services via TeleHealth and in person.

MY SPECIALTIES: 

GENDER, GENDER IDENTITY, and TRANSGENDER SUPPORT

Finding a safe and affirming place to discuss gender and gender identity can be a challenge! When it comes to my work with individuals and couples exploring their identity, I often hear how isolated and unsupported people feel as they navigate how to be true to themselves and what they are feeling inside. 

I may be able to help you with:

ANXIETY & LIFESPAN TRANSITIONS

I specialize in helping people adjust to challenges like: 

... and COPE with situations and feelings like:

MARITAL, PRE-MARITAL, and COUPLES/RELATIONSHIP COUNSELING

Relationship dynamics evolve over time -- with career changes, financial stress, starting and raising a family, aging, and life transitions, to name a few. Sometimes a major disruption or break in trust, like, an affair, hidden financial transactions, or habitual lying can bring things to a crisis point. 


While many relationships can navigate problems on their own, others may feel stuck, overwhelmed, hopeless, and unsure of what to do. Counseling may be useful in that an experienced therapist can provide an outside perspective to help people hear and understand each other’s thoughts and feelings about the situation, even if it means a major transition or end to the relationship.


My approach in working with people is tailored to each individual relationship and circumstance, but typically includes a systemic and attachment-based perspective. Some of the work may include concepts from Gottman Method Couples Therapy and Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy. Over time, I have found these frameworks useful in addressing past experiences that have unintentionally been brought into relationships, improving communication, and setting a foundation for a successful relationship in future years.


I see clients who represent a spectrum of relationship types. 

My practice is a balanced mix of heterosexual couples and those in LGBTQIA2S+, mixed-orientation, polyamorous, and ethically non monogamous (ENM) relationships.

MY APPROACH

I STRIVE TO CULTIVATE A SAFE and WELCOMING SPACE
of COMPASSION and CONNECTION. 

As a mental health professional focused on how systems and the environment impact wellness, I am committed to equity, inclusion, and social justice. 

Part of my therapy approach includes unpacking culture and context with symptoms and diagnosis, along with exploring racial trauma as a potential area of traumatic experiences.

Our language and words are important. Sometimes, language has limitations that only cussing can resolve. I am a strong supporter of using foul language in therapy. I have found that cussing can allow clients to form a deeper connection with the process of therapy. As long as our language is not directed at each other, or is being used in a derogatory, demeaning, or abusive way, please feel free to cuss if that's what you need to do. I promise to do the same. 

My practice is rooted in values of Health at Every Size, sex-positivity, 2SLGBTQIA+ affirming, harm reduction, trauma-sensitivity, anti-oppression, and anti-racist practices. I affirm and support consensual non-monogamy, polyamory, and kink; and I am allied with those who are engaged in sex work.


I USE A PERSONALIZED, STRENGTHS-BASED APPROACH TO THERAPY
THAT'S TAILORED TO YOUR UNIQUE NEEDS. 

I work collaboratively and holistically with the individuals I serve to develop concrete measures of progress toward their identified goals.

I USE LIFE SKILLS TRAINING AS A KEY PRACTICE to HELP YOU BUILD RESILIENCE and CAPACITY  FOR:

METHODS AND THERAPEUTIC FRAMES OF REFERENCE I DRAW UPON INCLUDE: 

Attachment Theory

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Cultural Sensitivity

an Eclectic approach

Family / Marital therapies

Family Systems Therapy

Feminist Therapy

the Gottman Method

a Multicultural approach

Person-Centered Therapy

Play Therapy

Positive Psychology

Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT)

Strengths-Based perspective

Theraplay


MY TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE

EDUCATION

MSW, Portland State University 

BA, Human Development, Washington State University 

ADDITIONAL TRAINING

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)

Gottman Method Couples Therapy

Theraplay 

LICENSURE

EXPERIENCE

AFFILIATIONS

Clinical Social Work Association (CSWA)

World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH)


I am a licensee in good standing to practice clinical social work in the states of Oregon and Washington.
I uphold the ethical values and standards of the National Association of Social Workers. 

INSURANCE

I am an in-network provider for the following plans: