
Healing minds, one conversation at a time
Get to know more about me

Dr. David Ixtlahuac, LMFT
Hey there!
As a licensed marriage and family therapist (OR #T2429) and EMDR practitioner, I bring more than a decade of clinical experience working in treatment programs, hospitals, and private practice.
My clinical work focuses on diverse populations with unique needs. I specialize in treating adults experiencing trauma or complex trauma. My practice extends to entrepreneurs running small businesses, as well as professionals in the creative industry, and executives navigating high-pressure environments. I also work with healthcare professionals, supporting them through the challenges of their demanding field. Additionally, I guide fathers and parents as they navigate the complexities of parenthood. A significant part of my practice involves working with Latinx Americans as they explore and integrate various aspects of their identities, including racial, ethnic, sexual, professional, and spiritual dimensions. I enjoy collaborating with individuals who are prepared to invest in themselves and commit to personal growth.
As a neurodivergent therapist, I bring a unique perspective to my practice, embracing diversity in all its forms. My approach is firmly rooted in anti-racism, LGBTQ+ affirmation, and gender inclusivity, while actively promoting neurodiversity acceptance. My spiritually open mindset allows me to respect and explore various belief systems. Drawing from extensive clinical experience, I empower clients to navigate and challenge oppressive systems that often underlie emotional distress. My commitment to inclusive practices ensures that each individual's intersecting identities are acknowledged and valued throughout our work together. I create a safe space for clients of all body types and sexual expressions, maintaining a sex-positive and kink-friendly stance.
In my therapeutic practice, I bring my whole, authentic self to every session. As an intuitive feeler (INFJ), I approach my work with a deep sense of empathy and insight. My core values significantly shape my therapeutic style, with a strong emphasis on fostering creativity, ensuring safety, upholding integrity, and embracing new experiences that catalyze positive change. I particularly value the development of relational depth in therapy, believing that a strong, genuine connection between therapist and client is fundamental to the healing process. This authentic approach allows me to create a space where clients feel truly seen, understood, and supported as they navigate their personal growth journey.
My diverse lived experiences profoundly shape my approach to therapy and enable me to connect deeply with my clients. As a child of Mexican American parents, a married cisgender man with two children, and the partner of an entrepreneur and fellow therapist, I bring a unique perspective to our sessions. My roles as a working father and wellness entrepreneur, coupled with my strong faith and commitment to personal growth, all influence how I support my clients. I intimately understand the complexities of immigrant family dynamics, the challenges of experiencing invisibility and microaggressions as a Latinx individual, and the stressors of balancing work and life as an entrepreneur.
I actively nurture my own well-being through meaningful friendships, guilt-free rest, culinary adventures with my wife, gaming with my son, and engaging in science and pretend play with my daughter. I also prioritize my creativity through activities like fishing, hiking, travel, and photography. Crucially, I maintain my own therapy practice, recognizing that my personal growth directly impacts my ability to support you in your journey. This commitment to self-care and continuous improvement allows me to bring my best self to our therapeutic relationship, offering you authentic, empathetic, and effective support.
-Dr. David

Lessons learned, wisdom earned
Education and training
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Azusa Pacific University, Azusa, CA
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Azusa Pacific University, Azusa, CA
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California Southern University, Costa Mesa, CA
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EMDR Institute, Portland, OR
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Dr. Kate Hixon, Portland, OR