Gitanjali Sterling

Hello! My name is Gita and I’m a Marriage and Family Therapy Associate. I received my Masters in Marriage Couples and Family Therapy from Lewis and Clark College in 2022. I work with couples/partnerships, individuals, and families who come from a range of backgrounds and experiences. I work with LGBTQIA+ folks, all ethnicities, all body sizes, all abilities, and all relationship styles such as monogamy, polyamory, and relationship anarchy. I use a variety of therapeutic modalities rooted in Systems Theory and Intersectional/Feminist perspectives, such as Emotion Focused Therapy and Internal Family Systems, as well as Narrative and Collaborative theories.

I am queer, South Asian, and white and grew up in rural Alaska. These identities only begin to touch on who I am. As a person with many intersecting identities and complexities, some that are valued more than others, I know firsthand what it is like to feel like I have to hide my whole self. I also know how good it can feel to have a space to exist with contentment and authenticity. Because of that, my goal is to help you find the value in existing as your whole self and provide a place where you can begin to explore who you truly are. You can expect therapy with me to explore your emotions and felt sense, your families of origin, the important people in your life, your belief systems, your interests and hobbies, and your journey into the present moment. You can expect me to sit in complexity with you, to gently challenge you, and to validate your strengths and what makes you unique.

As an individual, this can look like honoring the strength in the ways you've coped, finally doing that thing you've always wanted to do, exploring how to set boundaries, or learning to feel the emotions you've pushed away. It can also look like feeling angry about capitalism, talking about your pets, or discussing your favorite book. Just know my goal is to create a space where you can exist exactly as you are.

As a couple or partnerships, this can look like learning to communicate with honesty and without fear. It can look like learning to value each other’s strengths, reconnecting with what makes each of you unique, connecting with your emotional selves and learning to name what you are needing from your partner(s). While my work is with individuals, couples/partnerships, and families, I have a special love of working with couples/partnerships who are taking the first steps to learn and grow.