Molly Young, PsyD
Licensed Psychologist
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I earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Western Washington University in 2013, a Master of Arts degree in Clinical Psychology from Pacific University in 2018, and a Doctor of Psychology degree in Clinical Psychology from Pacific University in 2021.
My doctoral research consisted of evaluating the self-perceived cultural competence of psychologists in working with BDSM practitioners in Portland, Oregon, proposing a positive model for submissive identity development, and identifying the overlapping and distinct features of BDSM and abuse. I also have experience in teaching and providing workshops for mental health providers on how to work clinically with clients who are non-monogamous and kinky.
I am currently receiving advanced training in Holistic Sex Therapy as a student in the Holistic Sex Therapy/Counseling Training Program through the Institute for Sex Education & Enlightenment.
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2SLGBTQIA+, Kink/BDSM, Consensual Non-monogamy, Sexual Concerns, Relational Trauma, and Fat Liberation
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Individual Therapy, Sex Therapy, Relational Therapy, and Group Therapy.
Hello! I’m Dr. Molly Young (they/them) and I am a licensed psychologist in both Oregon and Washington. I see individuals and partners (ages 21+) virtually for sex and relationship therapy as well as run a virtual relational trauma process group. I specialize in working with queer, gender expansive, non-monogamous, and kinky folks. I am sex-worker allied and affirming.
Are you a good clinical fit?
Many clients may feel they want to work with me because I am non-binary and queer and they would like to work with someone who shares identities and potentially lived experiences with them. This makes sense – you want someone who gets it; however, I may not be the right therapist for you if your presenting concerns are outside of my competency areas and current scope of practice. With that in mind, we may be a good clinical fit if you are seeking support with the following:
Exploration of orientations and identities: gender, sexuality, and relationship
Exploration of kink and BDSM
Identifying curiosities, boundaries, soft limits, and hard limits, understanding your risk profile and the risk profiles of others, vetting partners, scene negotiation, and consent, identifying unhealthy behaviors and/or coercive control and abuse within kink dynamics, etc.
Exploration of non-monogamous relationships
Opening an existing relationship, boundaries, negotiating relationship agreements, navigating new relationship energy, managing jealousy, deconstructing mono-normativity, etc.
Building communication skills and navigating chronic misattunement in relationships
Enhancing sexual desire, arousal, and pleasure
Healing from relational and sexual trauma
My Approach
I take a sex-positive approach to mental and sexual healthcare that is both trauma- and resiliency-informed. I embrace consensual sexual expression as a natural and healthy part of the human experience as well as recognize the validity of asexual and aromantic spectrums. I strive to create a non-judgmental and empowering environment for those I work with.
I strongly value curiosity and creativity as key components of moving toward relational connectedness and subsequent growth. I also incorporate humor in my sessions, as appropriate, to bring lightness to what can often be heavy work.
I integrate concepts from Relational-Cultural Therapy, Attachment Theory, Feminist Theory, Internal Family Systems, Psychodynamic Therapy, and Somatic Therapy.
I look forward to working with you!
Frequently Asked Questions
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Submit a prospective patient form, select sex or relationship therapy, and provide a brief description of why you are seeking these services. Our admin team will reach out to schedule a free 15-minute phone consultation with Dr. Young to better understand your presenting concerns and therapeutic needs, and to determine if you and Dr. Young are a good match for therapy.
If we are a good match, Dr. Young will schedule an intake evaluation with you (55-minutes) and will send you our new patient paperwork including a sex therapy specific intake packet.
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Regular sessions are 45-55 minutes, typically weekly or every other week, providing psychoeducation and specific suggestions and techniques in addition to therapeutic support to address your concerns.
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Yes! Sex therapy may be a primary therapy, or it may be a secondary service additional to another type of therapy that you attend.