Therapy for belonging can be life-changing—especially when you’re navigating the world as a neurodivergent, queer, or chronically ill adult. At some point in life, many people ask themselves: “Where do I fit in?” For queer, neurodivergent, or chronically ill adults navigating life in Portland, this question can feel especially heavy. When your days are filled with juggling a demanding job, managing chronic health, and trying to find community in a city that’s progressive—but not always inclusive— the sense of disconnection can be overwhelming. Belonging isn’t just a “nice to have”—it’s a lifeline for mental health and daily resilience.
Therapy can provide a supportive, affirming space to explore identity, build confidence, and develop the skills to connect with others in authentic and meaningful ways.
How Therapy for Belonging Works: The Role of Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapy goes beyond traditional talk therapy. Instead of only discussing challenges, occupational therapists help you practice real-world skills that make connection feel natural, not forced—especially in everyday Portland life.
Some areas of focus may include:
- Social connection skills – practicing conversations in everyday places like a farmers market, coffee shop, or queer dance event; learning to set boundaries at work or in dating
- Community participation – exploring BIPOC or LGBTQIA2S+ affinity groups, wellness collectives, or arts spaces in Portland; or finding safe online groups across Oregon
- Identity-affirming care – support that embraces neurodivergence, queerness, and diverse lived experiences
- Daily structure for connection – co-creating sustainable routines that leave space for rest, insulin pump checks, meals, social time, and quiet recharge time
Belonging for Neurodivergent and Queer Adults
For many clients, past experiences with rejection or misunderstanding can make reaching out feel risky. Therapy for belonging, especially in an affirming OT setting, offers a judgment-free space where you can try new approaches, practice communication strategies, and discover ways to connect without masking, code-switching, or shrinking yourself to fit in.
In Portland, this may include practicing community-based activities like trying a queer yoga class, attending a meetup through Wild Diversity, or exploring arts-based events in Alberta or SE Hawthorne. For Oregon-wide clients, virtual therapy offers tools for navigating Discord communities, virtual coworking spaces, or connecting with others who share similar lived experience.
Small Steps Toward Connection
Belonging doesn’t happen overnight. Therapy for belonging is built through small, consistent steps. It’s built through small, consistent steps. With the support of occupational therapy, you can:
- Strengthen confidence in social settings
- Discover affirming communities
- Create realistic routines that support connection, chronic illness care, and mental rest
- Learn practical tools for navigating conversations and building trust
Over time, these small steps can help transform “feeling out of place” into feeling grounded, seen, and at home—in your body, in your city, and in your community.
FAQs
- Can therapy really help me feel like I belong?
Yes. Therapy provides both emotional support and practical tools to help you connect with others while honoring your authentic self. - What makes occupational therapy different from traditional counseling?
OT focuses on action and practice—helping you apply skills in daily life, not just talk about challenges. You’ll leave each session with strategies you can try at your favorite café, on a group hike, or during a virtual check-in with friends. - Is this therapy LGBTQIA2S+ and neurodiversity-affirming?
Absolutely. Our care is explicitly affirming of queer, poly, neurodivergent, and disabled communities. - Can I do this type of therapy virtually?
Yes. Virtual sessions are available Oregon-wide, offering tools and strategies you can apply in your local community. - What if socializing feels overwhelming?
Occupational therapy helps you move at your own pace, breaking connection into small, manageable steps that fit your energy and comfort. This includes recognizing burnout patterns and adjusting routines to match your unique neurotype.
Belonging Is a Basic Need
If you’ve ever felt out of place, you’re not alone. Belonging is a basic human need. And in a city like Portland—where it’s easy to feel invisible in a crowd—it’s possible to cultivate connection in ways that honor who you are. With therapy for belonging, you’ll gain the tools, support, and confidence to create real-life connections that last—without having to hide parts of yourself to do it.
