Q Porschatis, MSW, LCSW
Founder & Clinical Director, Salty Counseling
Salty Counseling was founded to provide trauma-informed, nervous-system-based therapy for adults who hold everything together on the outside but feel exhausted on the inside. As a trauma specialty clinic in Salt Lake City, our team focuses on EMDR, somatic therapy, and polyvagal approaches designed to help clients move beyond survival mode into lasting regulation and connection.
Hi, I’m Q Porschatis, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over a decade of experience in the mental health field, an EMDRIA Certified Therapist specializing in trauma treatment, and an EMDR Consultant-in-Training (CIT).
Through this advanced training, I’m deepening my work in EMDR consultation, case conceptualization, and mentorship—supporting both high-quality client care and the development of skilled trauma therapists. This means the work I bring into the therapy room is continually evolving, informed by advanced training and a commitment to helping both clients and clinicians grow.
My journey into this work is deeply personal. Coming out as a lesbian in a predominantly Mormon culture and feeling ostracized by my communities shaped many of my early struggles with identity and self-worth. I coped through perfectionism, trying to prove I was “good enough”, and endured years in toxic work environments as a chef, relationships that drained me, and the lasting effects of unresolved childhood trauma. This experience also informs my work with clients exploring religious trauma, identity, and spirituality on their own terms
For a long time, I felt stuck—caught in a cycle of fight-or-flight and depression. I didn’t have the language then, only the aching sense that something wasn’t right and that life was passing me by. I saw others moving through the world with more ease and wondered what was wrong with me. It took time to realize that what I felt wasn’t weakness, it was trauma, and I wasn't alone.
Fueled by that frustration and a deep curiosity, I pursued dual Bachelor’s degrees in Psychology and Gender Studies at the University of Utah. There, I discovered the power of understanding human behavior—how both nature and nurture shape us—and, more importantly, how we can change. Healing is possible. Growth is possible. We just need the right support and tools to get there.
I began working in the mental health field in 2013, and it quickly became clear that this work was my calling. I later earned my Master’s in Social Work from the University of Utah and completed one of the program’s most competitive internships at the University Counseling Center. That experience cemented my passion for helping others navigate healing and reclaim peace and their sense of self.
Over the years, I’ve focused my clinical work on women’s issues, LGBTQ+ identities, trauma, and the complexities of intersectional living. I specialize in working with people who are facing trauma, mood disorders, grief, or challenges in relationships. My work is rooted in authenticity, compassion, and the belief that everyone deserves to live in alignment with their true self.
When I’m not working, I’m probably reading, puzzling, cooking something delicious, lifting weights, or planning my next adventure. I love spending time with my partner, our two dogs—Elvis and Oakley—my friends, and my family. I am not a self-made woman and owe part of my success to my partner, friends, and mentors along the way.
If you’re feeling stuck, disconnected, or unsure of how to move forward, I want you to know there’s hope. I’ve been where you are. I would be honored to walk alongside you as you step into your most authentic self.
Self-Pay Rates
Individual Sessions (50 min): $225
Initial Evaluation Session: $225
90-Minute Intensive Session: $395
EMDR Intensives or Multiple Weekly Sessions: Please inquire about availability.
Mentaya is an optional third-party service that can help clients use their out-of-network benefits. With Mentaya, clients can:
Submit superbills for possible reimbursement
Track reimbursement status
Reduce the paperwork involved in using out-of-network benefits
Mentaya charges a 5% fee for this optional service.