DesiraeStites – True Heart Therapy

Hi, it's nice to meet you!

I'm Desirae Stites and I'm glad you're here.

What is a fun fact about myself?

Before counseling, I was an assistant language teacher in Tateyama Town, Toyama Prefecture, Japan for three years, where I played language games with kids, danced yosakoi, practiced kyūdō (Japanese archery), and fell in love with the Alps, the people, and the seasons that change in ways you can feel—snow-muffled winters, cherry-blossom springs, shrine bells in summer, maples on fire in autumn. I also formed strong opinions about convenience-store snacks (hello, onigiri aisle).

Pronouns: She/Her

What can you expect as my client?

I strive to build a steady, human relationship where every part of you is welcomed—the bold parts, the quiet parts, the unsure parts. I show up authentically and genuinely, and I work hard to really listen so you feel seen and understood, not analyzed from afar.

I’m warm, compassionate, and collaborative. We’ll move at your pace, check in about what’s working, and adjust together. I believe the relationship is part of the healing—we pay attention to the here-and-now between us, practice honesty with kindness, and use our connection to support change. I’m trauma-informed, practice cultural humility, am LGBTQIA+ affirming, sex-positive and kink-friendly, ENM/CNM-friendly, and neurodivergent-affirming.

Who am I outside of therapy?

I crochet coasters, scarves, and stuffed animals—like Toothless the dragon or bunnies. I play video games like Pokémon, Animal Crossing, Baldur’s Gate 3, Fire Emblem, and FFXIV. I watch anime (a lot of rom-coms and action; Sailor Moon was my childhood hero). Nature is an immense love of mine; I take long walks to admire flowers, critters, and the shifting seasons. Some foods I love the most are curry, sushi, and lots of coffee and tea. I’ve gotten into reading romantasy books with my cuddle buddy–my black cat Runa.

How did I become a therapist?

For a long time, I didn’t feel fully seen, and sometimes didn’t even have words for what I felt. Starting my own personal therapy in 2021 changed that. With a thoughtful therapist, I reflected on the impact of my environment, learned skills to identify my feelings, and began living more authentically and with deeper attunement in my relationships. Being truly understood—and accompanied—was transformational.
I also realized during my years teaching that I wanted to do more than teach language and culture. I noticed when students and staff were struggling, and I wished I had more to offer. Therapy became the path where I could pair that care with meaningful tools.

M.A. (in progress): Professional Mental Health Counseling, Lewis & Clark College (completion in May 2026)
B.A.: Psychology, Florida Gulf Coast University, 2023
B.S.: Asian Studies, Florida State University, 2017

My studies and ongoing training focus on acceptance and commitment therapy, parts work, mindfulness, attachment and emotion, trauma-informed care, mind-body connection, systemic and cultural influences, pleasure activism, family-of-origin work, and support for LGBTQIA+, poly/ENM, and kink communities.

I mainly have worked with adults navigating depression, anxiety, self-worth, family dynamics, leaving religion/deconstruction, relationship struggles, clarifying values and needs, parenthood/identity shifts, cross-cultural experiences, LGBTQIA+ experiences, neurodivergence (ADHD & Autism), trauma, overwhelm, and stress.
Before counseling, I worked as an executive assistant in Florida and as an assistant English teacher in Japanese schools.

If what you’ve read so far resonates, we’ll likely work well together. My ideal client is an individual who is intentional, open to exploring new possibilities, curious about their inner world, and willing to show up as their real self. We’ll collaborate to foster compassion, support, and make steady, values-aligned shifts toward a life that feels like yours.