Therapist Spotlight: Portland’s Lucas Judson on Narrative Therapy

Portland therapist Lucas Judson offers narrative therapy to help you loosen the stories that keep you stuck and build a life that feels authentic and free.

From Healing Bodies to Healing Stories

Lucas Judson, CWSA (he/them) didn’t begin as a clinical social worker—his path started in the wellness world as a massage therapist. That work sharpened an intuitive sense for how much people carry in their bodies and how often words can’t capture the weight.

Wanting to work with both mind and body, he pursued social work, a field that looks at the whole person in their environment—relationships, community, culture, and daily stressors. That perspective still guides every session today. Therapy with Lucas isn’t about reducing you to a list of symptoms. It’s about honoring your whole self.

“When a therapist brings their full presence, there’s a lot of possibility for sensing the subtleties a client may not even be aware of until they start getting into it in session.”

What If the Story Isn’t the Whole Truth?

At the center of his approach is narrative therapy—the belief that stories shape our lives, but no single story is the only truth.

If your inner script says, ‘This is just who I am’ or ‘Nothing will ever change,’ narrative therapy creates space to view yourself from a different angle. Instead of being defined by your problems, you begin to see yourself in relationship to them. That subtle shift can loosen the grip of anxiety, shame, and old patterns—opening room for hope and change.

“Through a narrative-based therapy style, we uncover that there are actually so many different ways to view a situation—and so many different ways to be gentler with ourselves.”

Your Unique “Therapeutic Recipe”

Every person responds differently in therapy. Some find humor and lightness healing. Others need direct, grounded feedback. Some feel most validated through reflective, philosophical conversations. Lucas adapts to what resonates for you, shaping a “therapeutic recipe” that balances reflection, skills, validation, and challenge.

“Humor and lightness are healing, just the same as deep trauma processing. Each person needs a unique ratio of ingredients for their path to healing.”

Progress often comes in small increments: one lighter step after a session, one clearer choice in your week, one kinder way of speaking to yourself. Over time, these small shifts build genuine relief and a life that feels more authentically yours.

Rooted in Portland, Serving the Queer Community

Living in Portland comes with unique stressors—economic uncertainty, political tension, climate dread, and constant information overload. Many people arrive in therapy not only with personal struggles but also with the heavy weight of the world.

“Most people here are struggling with something—economic stress, political dread, relationship turmoil. And yet, Portlanders are also driven to strengthen their communities and help those around them.”

What makes this work meaningful is the deep care Portlanders show. People here often want their lives to reflect their values and to show up fully for their families and communities.

As a member of the queer community, Lucas is especially committed to providing affirming, identity-safe therapy at a time when LGBTQ+ people face increasing cultural and political challenges. For queer clients, sessions become a refuge—a space to process fear and grief while reconnecting with joy, resilience, and a sense of belonging.

Portland itself adds another layer of support: the city is often more welcoming and inclusive of the queer community than many places, offering a sense of safety that clients deeply value.

What to Expect in A Therapy Session with Lucas

You can expect a steady presence, thoughtful questions, and clear reflections that help you name what’s hard. Sessions often focus on the next right step rather than pressuring individuals to identify a single “true purpose.”

Lucas believes we don’t have a single purpose—we have purposes that evolve. Therapy helps you notice what matters now and move toward it with clarity and intention.

“Our purpose is really purposes. We have many reasons to be here, and they change. Therapy is about discovering the right next step—and letting new areas of fulfillment emerge.”

A Guiding Phrase

One phrase guides Lucas’ work: “You have to go through it to get over it.” Avoidance is human. But real healing happens when you face what hurts—with support, compassion, and the right pace for your nervous system. On the other side is clarity, peace, and a stronger sense of self.

If you’re in Portland—or connected to the area and prefer online sessions—and you’re ready to feel lighter, kinder toward yourself, and more aligned with your values, Lucas would be honored to walk alongside you. Fill out the new client form to get started.