LGBTQ Archives - Vista Counseling & Wellness Center

Naomi Smits, MA

July 1, 2026

Julie Liszka

Professional Counselor Associate

Current clients can book a therapy session here

I work with:

I specialize in:

Does this sound familiar?

Are you experiencing big emotions, racing thoughts, and a brain that feels impossible to manage?
Does loneliness, identity confusion, or the feeling of never quite fitting in or being truly understood permeate your thinking?
Do you struggle with family or relationship tension, friendships, or the quiet ache of trying to figure out who you are and whether that person is okay?
Do you experience symptoms of ADHD, anxiety, or rejection sensitivity?

I Can Help.

I believe it’s important to meet young people where they are, not where the world expects them to be.
I understand the unique challenges that come with a brain that works differently and an identity still taking shape.
I approach clients with warmth and curiosity and like to use different approaches like ACT, CBT & DBT.
I hope to help you understand the stories your mind tells you, find steadiness in overwhelming emotions, and begin moving toward a life that actually reflects who you are and what matters most to you.

What can you expect?

Move from feeling overwhelmed and misunderstood to having real tools that help you manage your emotions, your relationships, and your everyday life.
You will gain tools and self understanding for your ADHD symptoms.
You will develop a clearer, more confident sense of who you are, what you value, and the confidence to live a life in your authenticity.

Kayte Brock, MSW

June 30, 2026

Julie Liszka

Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Current clients can book a therapy session here

I work with:

I Specialize In:

Does this sound familiar?

You are a neurodivergent child, teen, and young adult experiencing frustration, overwhelm, and anxiety
You are a teen or young adult who wants support building self-confidence or navigating identity development
You are a new parent or caregiver seeking to better understand, connect with, and support your young children through developmental phases

I Can Help.

My work bridges education, mental health, and family support, offering a broad understanding of child, adolescent, and young adult development informed by both professional training as a former teacher and my lived experience as a caregiver to young people.
I use my experience as a yoga and mindfulness instructor along with evidence-informed therapeutic approaches to support children, teens, and young adults in developing emotional regulation, self-awareness, resilience, and practical skills for navigating life’s challenges.
I believe meaningful growth happens through connection. I create a warm, collaborative, and nonjudgmental space where children, teens, young adults, and their caregivers feel respected, understood, and empowered to build on their strengths.

What can you expect?

An inclusive and welcoming space to explore challenges from a place of curiosity and compassion.
A collaborative person-centered approach for setting meaningful goals and building skills to meet them.
Evidence-based practices (such as CBT) that integrate movement, play, and creativity making our work together feel accessible, engaging and enjoyable.

Chris Barker, LCSW

May 5, 2026

Julie Liszka

Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Current clients can book a therapy session here

I work with:

I specialize in:

Does this sound familiar?

Being neurodivergent in a neurotypical world? Perhaps it feels like you are measuring life in meters while everyone else is measuring in feet?
Maybe you are a veteran who feels like they never left the battlefield and aren’t sure how to be a civilian? I have not served, but for some folks having a civilian therapist can make therapy more effective.
Feeling like you have left no stone unturned as you try to be the best version of yourself, but all that turns up is self-blame?

I Can Help

I believe everything the brain does it does for a reason. Your brain wants what’s best for you and those you love, but sometimes too much anxiety, too little self-esteem, or just the right amount of doubt can get in the way.
I treat everyone as the expert of their own life. I find the greatest strides in therapy occur when the therapist is just holding the flashlight.
I will always treat you with dignity, respect, and kindness no matter your skin color, culture, ability level, ethnicity, national origin, gender identity, race, religion (or absence of religion), sexual orientation, marital status, biological sex, political beliefs, socioeconomic status, or any other aspects of your identity and circumstances.

What can you expect?

I will walk with you as you identify how trauma has impacted you, where it came from, and what you want for yourself instead.
At no point will I tell you who you “should” be or what you “should” do. Your thoughts, feelings, and values are yours to determine, and yours alone.
When you get out of bed each morning you can expect your thoughts and feelings to serve you, and you can feel safe knowing that you have what it takes to handle the day if they don’t.

Amy Watson, LPC

January 21, 2026

Julie Liszka

Licensed Professional Counselor

Current clients can book a therapy session here

I work with:

I specialize in:

Does this sound familiar?

Do stress, anxiety, depression, and unhealthy coping strategies impact your life negatively?
Are you navigating loss or grief in your life that you are having trouble processing?
Are you impacted in the present by past traumatic and/or overwhelming feelings and experiences that you want to better understand and process?
Are you wanting a change in your professional life and/or career choice?

I Can Help.

I believe we are all fellow travelers on this journey through life and sometimes we need help reminding us of our inner resources and capacity for healing.
The counseling relationship is a unique opportunity to shine light upon the habits and patterns in our lives that are no longer serving us and learn new habits that connect to that inner wisdom.
I integrate a present-centered, person-centered, psychodynamic approach. I am trained in EMDR therapy for trauma processing and also lean heavily on somatic (body-centered), mindfulness and compassion-based therapies as well.
Previously, I was a high school teacher for almost 20 years and am enjoying my career change. I am honored to walk with you on this journey towards better mental and emotional health.

What can you expect?

My intention is to create a safe, caring, and supportive environment for you to explore what might be getting in the way of you reaching your goals and helping your life journey be lighter and more joyful.
You will learn new ways of experiencing difficult feelings/emotions and thoughts by building on your innate abilities and strengths and tapping into your innate resources.
You will gain opportunities to experience mindfulness and compassion for helping you regulate and process difficult feelings and thoughts.

Noah Stuart, LPC

September 11, 2025

Julie Liszka

Licensed Professional Counselor

Current clients can book a therapy session here

I work with:

I Specialize in:

Does this sound familiar?

Are you experiencing anxiety, depression, overwhelming emotions, isolation, or daily stress?
Are major life changes—such as grief, loss, trauma, or other significant stressors—affecting you?
Are you struggling with challenges in relationships or identity, such as communication, boundaries, self-esteem, or confidence?

I Can Help.

I strive to create a warm, safe, and collaborative environment where you feel truly heard and supported.
With experience in both mental health and substance use concerns, I meet you where you are and tailor treatment to your readiness for change in a holistic way.
My approach is client-centered, evidence-based, and rooted in compassion, offering a non-judgmental space providing a nonjudgmental space for healing, growth, and connection.

What can you expect?

Develop a deeper sense of self-awareness and self-compassion.
Begin to feel more grounded, resilient, and empowered in your daily life and relationships.
Build practical skills that help you navigate challenges and move toward your goals.

Ry Smith, MA

September 11, 2025

Julie Liszka

Professional Counselor Associate

Current clients can book a therapy session here

I work with:

I Specialize in:

Helping People Understand the Roots of Their Patterns and Create Lasting Change.

Does this sound familiar?

Do you feel stuck in patterns that keep repeating no matter how hard you try to change them?
Do stress, overwhelm, or burnout make it hard to feel present in your life?
Do anger, shame, or perfectionism get in the way of your relationships or your own peace of mind?
Are you moving through a transition or identity shift and wondering who you are on the other side?
Are you wanting to heal from unresolved childhood wounds, trauma, or grief?
Are you wanting more connection and meaning in relationships and daily life?

Whether your symptoms show up as exhaustion, conflict, or just that quiet sense that “something has to change,” therapy offers a path forward.

I Can Help.

I work with adults who are ready to look beneath the surface and create lasting change. Together, we’ll uncover the roots of what keeps you stuck, explore the needs that have gone unmet, and build new ways of responding with clarity and intention.

You’ll learn how to:

Slow down and notice your emotional triggers
Break cycles of anger, shame, or disconnection
Manage stress and burnout with tools that actually work
Build deeper, more authentic relationships
Move toward a life that feels freer, more grounded, and aligned with who you truly are

What can you expect?

A warm, collaborative space where you’ll feel supported but also challenged to grow.
A balance of insight and practical skills you can carry into your daily life.
A chance to laugh, reflect, and reconnect with parts of yourself that may have felt hidden or stuck.

Before becoming a therapist, I worked as a career counselor in higher education, where I helped students and professionals navigate transitions, clarify their goals, and find meaningful next steps. I also spent time in the military and environmental science fields, experiences that deepened my perspective on resilience, identity, and change.

In therapy, I draw from Schema Therapy, Internal Family Systems, Emotionally Focused Individual Therapy, Solution Focused, Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Relational Life Therapy, and attachment-based approaches to help you not just cope, but transform the way you understand and live your story.

When I’m not working with clients, I’m often at the forge shaping steel into useful tools. The process requires patience, attention, and care — qualities I also bring into my work as a therapist.

Hannah Wahl, CSWA

June 26, 2025

Julie Liszka

Clinical Social Worker Associate

Current clients can book a therapy session here

I work with:

I specialize in:

Does this sound familiar?

Do you identify as neurodivergent and are looking for a therapist who truly gets them and offers support without judgment?
Are you struggling with anxiety or panic, especially when big life changes feel overwhelming?
Do you feel scattered or “all over the place” and want help slowing down and feeling more grounded?

I Can Help.

I believe the heart of therapy is the relationship we build. I show up as a real person and we create a space where you feel seen and supported.
My style is warm and collaborative—we’ll explore what’s working in your life and gently challenge what’s not, always with curiosity and care.
Clients often tell me they feel both supported and pushed in the right ways. I don’t just listen—I help you move forward.

What can you expect?

You’ll feel more confident making choices that align with who you are.
You’ll feel more present and connected to your daily life, instead of stuck in your head.
You’ll notice more joy, more calm moments—even in the middle of stress.
You’ll build tools to handle life’s curveballs without feeling like you’re unraveling.

I help teens and adults who feel overwhelmed, scattered, or stuck start to feel more grounded and empowered. Many of my clients identify as neurodivergent or anxious and are looking for a therapist who understands their experience and offers warm, affirming support. I bring honesty, care, and a collaborative spirit to our work—creating a space where real growth can happen.

Michael Dressman, LCSW

June 3, 2025

Julie Liszka

Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Current clients can book a therapy session here

I work with:

I Specialize In:

Does this sound familiar?

Do you feel stuck or overwhelmed due to current/past stress or trauma?
Are you struggling with transition or change, including questions or inner conflict about your identity or role in life?
Do you have a vision for how you want your life to be, but keep coming across barriers you can’t seem to cross?

I Can Help.

Most importantly, I strive to make a space where you feel supported in what you want to work on, even if that is figuring out where to start. No one is a better expert about your life than you.
From experience with individual and relationship counseling to big-picture systems and culture, I work to understand the whole picture of you. All parts of us have wisdom.
In sessions, I tend to combine listening and empathy with a level of structure, information, and practice at a pace that works for you. Our nervous systems often already know what they need to heal.

What can you expect?
A nonjudgmental space that helps you feel seen and heard, empowering you towards the directions you want to move.
An increased ability to cope with stress or discomfort via greater self-compassion with the ways your body works to keep you safe.
More feelings of hope and possibility about the values you want to embody, the relationships you want to have, and the life you want to live.

I work with a wide range of clients in individual and relationship counseling, especially those dealing with aspects of change or transition in their life including (but not limited to) identity, faith or spirituality, sexuality, gender identity, career or education, and relationships. As a queer person raised in Utah, I have personal and professional experience in these topics. I hold a Master of Social Work from Portland State University, and my theoretical approaches include Internal Family SystemsTherapy (IFS), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT), Interpersonal Neurobiology, Narrative Therapy, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).

Brianna Recklies, MCoun

March 27, 2025

Julie Liszka

Professional Counselor Associate

Current clients can book a therapy session here

I work with:

I specialize in:

Does this sound familiar?

Are you experiencing anxiety, depression, stress, or other issues that are interfering with your day-to-day life?
Are you looking for support in navigating major life transitions, past or present trauma, relationships, or other stressors?
Are you ready to explore questions around identity, gender, or sexuality?

I Can Help…

No person is the same, so why would I work with each client the same way? I have experience working with a variety of issues and will develop an individualized approach that meets you where you currently are so that we can work towards your goals as a team.
I provide a space of unconditional and non-judgmental support that builds self-worth and self-empowerment. I am queer-affirming, sex- and kink-positive, and social justice-oriented. My hopes are always to create a space where clients feel safe to show up authentically and fully be themselves.
Sitting and talking alone does not work for most people, so I enjoy using creative and somatic interventions in my work. You are the expert of your own life, so we will work towards your goals in a way that best suits your needs, interests, and values.

What can you expect?

My goal is to support and empower you so that you can navigate challenges, stressors, and difficult life situations with more confidence and greater ease.
I see connection as one of the most important aspects of our lives and the foundation for effective therapy. We will build a strong and genuine therapeutic relationship together that strengthens your ability to connect with not only others in your life, but with yourself as well.
Through our work together, you will increase self-awareness, self-acceptance, and feel more confident so that you can be more present and authentic in other relationships and aspects of your life.

Jimmy Boyda, LPC

March 4, 2025

Julie Liszka

Licensed Professional Counselor

Current clients can book a therapy session here

I work with:

I Specialize In:

Heal, grow, and create the life that aligns with your values.

Does this sound familiar?

Experiencing conflict or stress in relationships?
Ready to heal from past trauma?
Exploring questions about gender or sexuality?
Looking for greater meaning and direction in life?

I Can Help.

With a background in family therapy and education, I support children, teens, adults, and couples navigating family conflict, mood disorders, relationships, trauma, and gender/sexuality concerns. I provide compassionate, evidence-based guidance, helping you understand yourself, recognize your strengths, and build a life aligned with your values.

What can you expect?

Greater confidence, self-awareness, and self-acceptance
Practical tools for healthy relationships and conflict resolution
Increased resilience to handle life’s challenges and stressors

Let’s work together to create the life you want.

August Smith, MS

December 18, 2024

Julie Liszka

Marriage and Family Therapist Associate

Current clients can book a therapy session here

I work with:

I Specialize In:

Does this sound familiar?

Struggling with your or a loved one’s gender identity, sexuality, or level of self-acceptance?
Experiencing difficulty in discussing, exploring, or engaging with intimacy, pleasure, or sex tied to shame, trauma, or relational distress?
Grappling with current, past, or generational trauma, seeking a safe space to process and utilize coping tools to expand your emotional capacity?

I Can Help.

I utilize integrative trauma-informed Narrative Therapy, DBT, and Polyvagal Theory to guide clients through understanding their internal beliefs shaped by early life experiences and how those foundations impact tolerance, behavior, and relational dynamics in adulthood.
I believe therapy can assist clients in unlocking their internal resources needed to promote individual and systemic growth, leading to meaningful change.
I implore a liberatory approach by analyzing the client’s context within the systems theory framework and the effects of interpersonal interactions on the client.

What can you expect?

I work on an individual and relational level to build clients’ innate resources, fortify distress tolerance, promote understanding of behavioral functionality, and fine-tune awareness of interacting communicative patterns.
My notable clinical interests include sex therapy, trauma processing, and identity exploration involving gender & sexuality, collectively framed by liberatory practices and systemic thinking.
As a queer and transgender therapist, I have experienced facets of systemic oppression and witnessed its impact on other marginalized communities, driving my own goal to expand the accessibility of mental health services and aim to provide a safe and inclusive therapeutic environment to support client’s mental health regardless of cultural or personal identities.

Wyatt Yurkovich, LPC

November 20, 2024

Julie Liszka

Licensed Professional Counselor

Current clients can book a therapy session here

I work with:

I specialize in:

Does this sound familiar?

Are you feeling worried, anxious, or depressed about major life changes or transitions?
Do you feel like you are stuck or struggling in your relationships with family, friends and loved ones?
Wanting to build a stronger sense of self and identity?

I Can Help.

I’m here to help clients learn and develop skills to better manage their emotions, life stressors, and deepen their relationships with themselves and others.
I create a safe and welcoming space for clients to explore their concerns and experiences through a humanistic and psychodynamic approach.
I help clients identify and work toward their therapeutic goals in a collaborative way, as I believe each client is the expert in their own life.

What can you expect?

A safe and non-judgemental space to freely express your thoughts and emotions.
An increased ability to manage and process your emotions and life stressors.
The opportunity to strengthen and grow your relationships with others and with yourself.

LGBTQ

Does this sound familiar?

I Can Help.

What can you expect?

Does this sound familiar?

I Can Help.

What can you expect?

I work with:

I specialize in:

Does this sound familiar?

I Can Help

What can you expect?

Does this sound familiar?

I Can Help.

What can you expect?

I work with:

I Specialize in:

Does this sound familiar?

I Can Help.

What can you expect?

Helping People Understand the Roots of Their Patterns and Create Lasting Change.

Does this sound familiar?

I Can Help.

What can you expect?

Does this sound familiar?

I Can Help.

What can you expect?

Does this sound familiar?

I Can Help.

What can you expect?

Does this sound familiar?

I Can Help…

What can you expect?

Heal, grow, and create the life that aligns with your values.

Does this sound familiar?

I Can Help.

What can you expect?

Does this sound familiar?

I Can Help.

What can you expect?

Does this sound familiar?

I Can Help.

What can you expect?

Eugene

Portland

Bend

Wellness Center

Video Therapy Oregon

Contact Us

Join Our Newsletter