🖤 About Me

I’m Nateesh Noakes (she/her) — a Professional Counselor Associate (PCA) and Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) with over 12 years of experience in the field and a private practice since 2022.

I hold a Master of Science in Counselor Education from Portland State University, specializing in rehabilitation counseling. My background is grounded in supporting people living with disability and chronic illness helping them adapt to change, rebuild autonomy, and redefine purpose in ways that feel authentic and sustainable. That foundation deeply informs my work today as I support clients navigating mental health challenges, identity exploration, and major life transitions.

My therapy style is vibrant, relational, and intuitive. I love working with creatives, artists, punks, and anyone who’s ever felt out of place in conventional therapy spaces.

I specialize in helping people navigate anxious feelings, depressive thoughts, traumatic experiences, major life transitions, relational stress, chronic illness, and disability. I use a mix of talk therapy and experiential work to create a space where every part of your experience matters—therapy that is affirming and welcomes all parts of you.

I grew up in the Las Vegas punk scene and carried that energy north to Portland in 2001. Before becoming a therapist, I spent years bartending in Portland’s punk venues — learning more about humanity than any textbook could teach. Those years radicalized my understanding of care and continue to shape how I hold space today: with honesty, humanity, and respect for every kind of story.

Outside the therapy room, I love road trips, camping with my partner, rollerskating, thrifting, photography, and live music. I’m fueled by desserts, good conversation, community care, and lifelong learning.

Curiosity, connection, and creativity shape just about everything I do.

And for the record — the only Boss I listen to is Bruce Springsteen.