James Reling at a desk

I’m glad you asked…

I am James Reling, a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Oregon, a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC), and a Somatic Experiencing Practitioner (SEP). My path into this work grew from professional training, lived experience, and a lifelong curiosity about how people heal and grow. I believe healing begins in safety and relationship with self, others, and the environment. I bring a body-centered, mindfulness-based approach mixed with warmth, humor, and down-to-earth honesty. I hope that you feel both safe and seen, and that our work together leaves space for reflection, creativity, and even moments of lightness alongside the hard work of change.

Outside of therapy, you can usually find me making music, writing, reading, practicing yoga or meditation, hiking, or enjoying creative community with friends. A few of my special interests include neurodivergence, neuroscience, psychedelic healing, trauma, experimental music, and cats. 

My Identities

My identities shape how I connect with clients and the space I create.

  • Neurodivergent: I am late-diagnosed autistic and live with subclinical ADHD traits. Embracing my neurodivergence has been transformative, and it informs the way I meet clients with curiosity, respect, and openness.

  • Queer: I identify as queer and cis-male. While I often receive hetero passing privilege, I know how important it is to have therapy spaces where all gender and sexual identities are seen and celebrated.

  • White: As a white therapist, I am mindful of privilege and power. I am committed to ongoing learning around race, culture, and oppression because I support human rights and find all cultures interesting.

  • Invisible Disability: I live with Hashimoto’s thyroid condition. Learning to navigate an invisible disability in my mid-20s deepened my empathy for those whose struggles are not immediately visible. 

  • Trauma Survivor: My work in healing from developmental trauma gives me the perspective to meet clients as a companion on the path of healing. I continue to engage in therapy myself and self-care practices, which keeps me connected to the work from the inside. I enjoy helping others, and I have deep gratitude for the compassionate help I have received over the years. 

My Journey

Before becoming a therapist, I spent two decades immersed in San Francisco and Portland's punk and experimental music scenes. I wrote zines, sang in bands, toured the country in vans, and worked at an independent record label. At age 35, I shifted paths. I eventually earned my master’s degree in counseling from Portland State University, and I trained extensively in Hakomi, Somatic Experiencing, and psychedelic facilitation. My unconventional journey taught me the value of creativity, collaboration, and the wisdom of outsiders. I have always felt at home with misfits and rebels, as well as rule-followers, which helps me connect across differences. These experiences continue to shape my therapy practice today: I believe healing can be unconventional, adaptive, and deeply personal. I’m down to try things out and learn from my mistakes.

What This Means for You

Therapy with me is a collaboration where your perspective matters: my training, my extensive research, and my lived experience as a neurodivergent person shape my approach. 

You bring your story, wisdom, and lived experience. I bring my training, perspective, and presence. I see you as a whole person, not a list of symptoms or struggles.

In practice, some sessions may focus on coping with today’s stress or preparing for a tough conversation. Other sessions may invite deeper exploration of identity, trauma, or long-term patterns. You set the pace. We can move slowly or dive deeper depending on what seems right for you. I’m always open to feedback.

Together, we can create a space that honors your unique needs, identities, and hopes for growth. It is a space for honesty and reflection, creativity, humor, and the possibility of change. I hope therapy feels like an open, supportive conversation where you can bring your whole self, explore new insights, and take meaningful steps toward a more satisfying life.