Aiya Staller, LPC, LAC, ATR-BC

Aiya Staller(she/they) is a queer identified therapist who loves supporting clients as they learn how to thrive in their authentic and embodied selves. Aiya believes each person holds a unique power and gift that is much needed in the world today. Unfortunately, many people have been wounded or oppressed in ways that keep them small, anxious, confused, or second-guessing themselves in a world that doesn’t accurately reflect them (or even harms them at times). Aiya created True Essence Therapy to provide a space that can affirm LGBTQ+ identities and support diverse adults in both healing & aligning with their gifts, purpose, vitality, and truth. The experience of being accurately seen and known is so important for the health of human beings, especially those who don’t fit societies traditional boxes. She believes that when we align with our true selves, we also free others to do the same.

Aiya is certified in Sensorimotor Psychotherapy (Somatic Therapy focusing on trauma & attachment healing) as an advanced practitioner, received her Master’s from Naropa University in Transpersonal Counseling & Art Therapy, is a Board Certified Art Therapist, and is trained in EMDR. She has worked with several LGBTQ+ focused non-profits, including Southern Oregon Queer Resource Center, Jefferson Center for Mental Health LGBTQ+ Focused Group, and Lotus Rising Project serving queer and questioning youth & adults. She has also worked in community mental health with diverse adult clients, in transitional living programs, internationally with survivors of sex trafficking, at a local rape crisis center, and within her own private practice. She is also committed to intersectional approaches to counseling relationships, understanding the way culture & societal pressures influence our sense of self in the world.

In addition to being a therapist, Aiya is committed to living life fully- engaging in art, dance, travel, continued education, meditation practices, getting outside to experience the beautiful planet we live on, and not shying away from the full experience of life (including the depth, challenges, and beauty).

After working for over 15 years in the mental health field in various roles, she opened her own thriving private practice in 2017. She is passionate about continuing to expand reach and availability of quality, LGBTQ+ informed, trauma & attachment informed therapeutic services. True Essence Therapy was created as an avenue of doing just this.