Racial Identity Therapists in Portland, OR
I offer a nurturing and affirming space for clients of diverse backgrounds to explore their concerns. I believe therapy can be used as a tool to navigate life’s challenges. We all have an inner capacity to heal. It is not easy but it is possible. Your healing is worth the effort because you deserve peace and joy. I’m here to support you through your healing process. Together, we will embark on a journey of self-discovery, embracing both the triumphs and challenges that arise.
I offer a nurturing and affirming space for clients of diverse backgrounds to explore their concerns. I believe therapy can be used as a tool to navigate life’s challenges. We all have an inner capacity to heal. It is not easy but it is possible. Your healing is worth the effort because you deserve peace and joy. I’m here to support you through your healing process. Together, we will embark on a journey of self-discovery, embracing both the triumphs and challenges that arise.
I work with couples and individuals in Oregon who are seeking relational and personal transformation. While we all carry the weight of past experiences, I see my clients through a lens of possibility—through their deepest strengths and their innate wisdom. I believe that everyone already has the essential ingredients for positive change and healing. Clients who work with me will be compassionately challenged while also being supportively held and accepted. Because of my unique background, I am a great fit for multicultural and multiracial couples and individuals with complex intersections.
I work with couples and individuals in Oregon who are seeking relational and personal transformation. While we all carry the weight of past experiences, I see my clients through a lens of possibility—through their deepest strengths and their innate wisdom. I believe that everyone already has the essential ingredients for positive change and healing. Clients who work with me will be compassionately challenged while also being supportively held and accepted. Because of my unique background, I am a great fit for multicultural and multiracial couples and individuals with complex intersections.
As a therapist, I believe in equality between myself and my clients. This
means I believe you are the expert in your lived experience and can teach me as much as
I teach you. I have expertise that may help you learn and change in your own healing path.
Equality also means that I am open to sharing about my life if it is helpful to building your
attachment, empathy, healing
We are all in a mixed up place these days. What we thought we knew, about ourself and our systems, are no longer true, if they ever were. Many of us are learning we are neurodivergent, have autoimmune disorders, feel new spiritual insights, and are ever changing.
As a therapist, I believe in equality between myself and my clients. This
means I believe you are the expert in your lived experience and can teach me as much as
I teach you. I have expertise that may help you learn and change in your own healing path.
Equality also means that I am open to sharing about my life if it is helpful to building your
attachment, empathy, healing
We are all in a mixed up place these days. What we thought we knew, about ourself and our systems, are no longer true, if they ever were. Many of us are learning we are neurodivergent, have autoimmune disorders, feel new spiritual insights, and are ever changing.
Many of the people I work with are used to functioning at a high level — showing up for others, handling pressure, and staying in control. Over time, that can take a toll. Whether you’re in healthcare facing burnout, or you’re navigating the complexities of mixed race or cultural identity, therapy can offer space to reflect, reset, and reconnect with yourself. My specialties include working with healthcare workers as well as biracial and multiracial experiences that can sometimes be hard to name. I bring over 20 years of clinical experience with licenses in Oregon, Massachusetts, and Texas.
Many of the people I work with are used to functioning at a high level — showing up for others, handling pressure, and staying in control. Over time, that can take a toll. Whether you’re in healthcare facing burnout, or you’re navigating the complexities of mixed race or cultural identity, therapy can offer space to reflect, reset, and reconnect with yourself. My specialties include working with healthcare workers as well as biracial and multiracial experiences that can sometimes be hard to name. I bring over 20 years of clinical experience with licenses in Oregon, Massachusetts, and Texas.
Finding a therapist can feel like a big step, and I believe that finding a therapist you connect with is really important. With that in mind, I'd like to share little about me to help you decide if we might be a good fit.
I primarily work with individuals and couples who identify as BIPOC, multicultural, or LGBTQIA+, and those who are navigating identity development, communication challenges, navigating multiculturalism, migration and acculturation, and deepening connection within their relationships. As a relational therapist, I prioritize building a relationship with you that is founded on warmth, compassion, and collaboration.
Finding a therapist can feel like a big step, and I believe that finding a therapist you connect with is really important. With that in mind, I'd like to share little about me to help you decide if we might be a good fit.
I primarily work with individuals and couples who identify as BIPOC, multicultural, or LGBTQIA+, and those who are navigating identity development, communication challenges, navigating multiculturalism, migration and acculturation, and deepening connection within their relationships. As a relational therapist, I prioritize building a relationship with you that is founded on warmth, compassion, and collaboration.
I am passionate about empowering folks to gain awareness into their own lives so that they can learn to support themselves while navigating life’s challenges. I strive to help people live in a way that invites deeper fulfillment and balance by harnessing their natural ability to cope with stress, emotional pain, and trauma. My therapeutic style incorporates warmth, humor, honest feedback, and values respect and creativity. I prioritize creating a space to safely experiment with sincere ways of being. My goal is to help people create meaningful and positive changes to their lives.
I am passionate about empowering folks to gain awareness into their own lives so that they can learn to support themselves while navigating life’s challenges. I strive to help people live in a way that invites deeper fulfillment and balance by harnessing their natural ability to cope with stress, emotional pain, and trauma. My therapeutic style incorporates warmth, humor, honest feedback, and values respect and creativity. I prioritize creating a space to safely experiment with sincere ways of being. My goal is to help people create meaningful and positive changes to their lives.
May be you are wondering if therapy is really for you, especially if you are a person of color? As a South Asian who was once skeptical of therapy, I get it. Clients I work with are often dealing with anxiety or depression, grief and loss, parenting, exploring or navigating racial and cultural identities, exploring gender identity or preparing for gender affirming surgery, or working on their romantic relationship. Some clients aren't "working" on anything, but looking to create time each week to process, slow down, and have a regular space to check in with themselves. Where ever you are starting, I bring my curiosity and humor.
May be you are wondering if therapy is really for you, especially if you are a person of color? As a South Asian who was once skeptical of therapy, I get it. Clients I work with are often dealing with anxiety or depression, grief and loss, parenting, exploring or navigating racial and cultural identities, exploring gender identity or preparing for gender affirming surgery, or working on their romantic relationship. Some clients aren't "working" on anything, but looking to create time each week to process, slow down, and have a regular space to check in with themselves. Where ever you are starting, I bring my curiosity and humor.
As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I offer culturally responsive therapy that honors your identity, history, and lived experience. I specialize in working with individuals navigating life transitions, anxiety, trauma, relationship stress, and intergenerational patterns. My approach is grounded, relational, and client-centered—rooted in trust, collaboration, and deep respect for your autonomy. I believe therapy is a space for authentic connection where we can slow down, gain perspective, and uncover strengths you may not yet recognize in yourself.
As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I offer culturally responsive therapy that honors your identity, history, and lived experience. I specialize in working with individuals navigating life transitions, anxiety, trauma, relationship stress, and intergenerational patterns. My approach is grounded, relational, and client-centered—rooted in trust, collaboration, and deep respect for your autonomy. I believe therapy is a space for authentic connection where we can slow down, gain perspective, and uncover strengths you may not yet recognize in yourself.
I believe the source of our problems is from a lack of connection, whether to ourselves, our histories, our cultures, and/or to each other. My goal is to help bring awareness to these parts and move you toward a whole sense of self. With this awareness, my hope is you’ll be able to advocate for and make decisions that are aligned with your needs, as well as identify and develop mutually satisfying relationships with others and with yourself. My role as a counselor is to create and maintain the space for this work to happen.
I believe the source of our problems is from a lack of connection, whether to ourselves, our histories, our cultures, and/or to each other. My goal is to help bring awareness to these parts and move you toward a whole sense of self. With this awareness, my hope is you’ll be able to advocate for and make decisions that are aligned with your needs, as well as identify and develop mutually satisfying relationships with others and with yourself. My role as a counselor is to create and maintain the space for this work to happen.
You're motivated to make a change. You may be confused about where to start, or if the change is even possible. You're seeking support as you transition through a difficult moment in life. Or perhaps, you've already made the difficult transition and you can't figure out how to return to "normal". I specialize in helping people overcome anxiety, improve self esteem and decrease symptoms of depression, process simple and complex trauma, and to change their thoughts and feelings in order to live a more happy and fulfilled life. You want to come to therapy because you want to live a more fulfilled life.
You're motivated to make a change. You may be confused about where to start, or if the change is even possible. You're seeking support as you transition through a difficult moment in life. Or perhaps, you've already made the difficult transition and you can't figure out how to return to "normal". I specialize in helping people overcome anxiety, improve self esteem and decrease symptoms of depression, process simple and complex trauma, and to change their thoughts and feelings in order to live a more happy and fulfilled life. You want to come to therapy because you want to live a more fulfilled life.
Do you wish to make changes in your life? People team with me to live more fully: with enthusiasm, passion and greater satisfaction. As your therapist, I offer you presence that is non-judgmental, caring and compassionate. Everyone deserves to have someone who is fully present with them. I am an insightful listener, and will meet you where you are at, in whatever moment you are in. As we partner together, we can unlock the key to achieving your personal goals and the aspirations you wish to accomplish. The Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Model, ACT, is my primary approach.
Do you wish to make changes in your life? People team with me to live more fully: with enthusiasm, passion and greater satisfaction. As your therapist, I offer you presence that is non-judgmental, caring and compassionate. Everyone deserves to have someone who is fully present with them. I am an insightful listener, and will meet you where you are at, in whatever moment you are in. As we partner together, we can unlock the key to achieving your personal goals and the aspirations you wish to accomplish. The Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Model, ACT, is my primary approach.
You were raised to be grateful, to work hard, and to not complain. You translated for your parents, kept the peace, and made yourself smaller so your family could survive. The guilt, the pressure, never feeling enough in either world, that's real.
I work with BIPOC, LGBTQ+, neurodivergent, and multicultural clients, children of immigrants, and refugees, supporting cultural stress, life transitions, and burnout. Therapy with me is collaborative, culturally informed, and focused on helping you feel seen and grounded while building skills to thrive on your own terms.
You were raised to be grateful, to work hard, and to not complain. You translated for your parents, kept the peace, and made yourself smaller so your family could survive. The guilt, the pressure, never feeling enough in either world, that's real.
I work with BIPOC, LGBTQ+, neurodivergent, and multicultural clients, children of immigrants, and refugees, supporting cultural stress, life transitions, and burnout. Therapy with me is collaborative, culturally informed, and focused on helping you feel seen and grounded while building skills to thrive on your own terms.
Maybe you feel stuck in the same arguments, missing the closeness you used to share, or unsure how to talk without it turning into conflict. I work with couples who want to feel more connected, even if they don’t know where to start. You don’t need to have all the answers—just a willingness to show up and be honest. Together, we’ll navigate the hard stuff and create space for more understanding, ease, and closeness in your relationship.
Maybe you feel stuck in the same arguments, missing the closeness you used to share, or unsure how to talk without it turning into conflict. I work with couples who want to feel more connected, even if they don’t know where to start. You don’t need to have all the answers—just a willingness to show up and be honest. Together, we’ll navigate the hard stuff and create space for more understanding, ease, and closeness in your relationship.
Dayna Leslie Sanders
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, SEP
Portland, OR 97232
Waitlist for new clients
Therapy is an invitation to return home to yourself — to the body’s wisdom, to tender parts of yourself, and to your innate sense of vitality and aliveness.
I support individuals healing from developmental (childhood) and intergenerational trauma, drawing from Somatic Experiencing, parts work, and relational approaches that honor both mind and body. Together, we create a space where all parts of you are welcome — where you can move toward safety, connection, and self-compassion at a pace that feels right for you.
Therapy is an invitation to return home to yourself — to the body’s wisdom, to tender parts of yourself, and to your innate sense of vitality and aliveness.
I support individuals healing from developmental (childhood) and intergenerational trauma, drawing from Somatic Experiencing, parts work, and relational approaches that honor both mind and body. Together, we create a space where all parts of you are welcome — where you can move toward safety, connection, and self-compassion at a pace that feels right for you.
Whether you are struggling with stress, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, or any other concerns, you deserve a therapist who will be open and supportive yet willing to challenge you gently when needed. With an approach that combines connection and boundaries, we can work together to help you find the agency you need to move through life with pleasure. I specialize in working with BIPOC, LGTBQIA, Polyamory/Non-Monogamous, and Kink/BDSM communities to provide comprehensive, evidence based, trauma informed, sex positive therapy, that meets the needs of sexual marginalized populations.
Whether you are struggling with stress, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, or any other concerns, you deserve a therapist who will be open and supportive yet willing to challenge you gently when needed. With an approach that combines connection and boundaries, we can work together to help you find the agency you need to move through life with pleasure. I specialize in working with BIPOC, LGTBQIA, Polyamory/Non-Monogamous, and Kink/BDSM communities to provide comprehensive, evidence based, trauma informed, sex positive therapy, that meets the needs of sexual marginalized populations.
I’m Rebeca (she/her), a Brazilian-born, multiethnic cisgender woman and immigrant. I’m an LCSW with an MSW and a PhD in Clinical Psychology and Culture, with experience providing culturally responsive, compassionate care across a range of clinical settings.
Life’s transitions can bring pain, loss, and trauma, often leaving us feeling isolated. While these experiences can sometimes create connection, they can also feel deeply lonely. Reaching out to a supportive therapist is a brave first step toward healing, and I strive to provide that kind of presence.
I’m Rebeca (she/her), a Brazilian-born, multiethnic cisgender woman and immigrant. I’m an LCSW with an MSW and a PhD in Clinical Psychology and Culture, with experience providing culturally responsive, compassionate care across a range of clinical settings.
Life’s transitions can bring pain, loss, and trauma, often leaving us feeling isolated. While these experiences can sometimes create connection, they can also feel deeply lonely. Reaching out to a supportive therapist is a brave first step toward healing, and I strive to provide that kind of presence.
I think of my role as a therapist to be a “bridge person,” someone who helps bridge gaps between people, cultures, and generations through integrative Narrative Therapy. I think of the therapy space to be a place to experiment new ways of thinking, new ways of communicating, and new ways of doing things. And experimenting isn’t always successful the first time, so it is important for the therapy space to be safe enough for mistakes and failures. It should be a place where you can come to have difficult conversations.
I think of my role as a therapist to be a “bridge person,” someone who helps bridge gaps between people, cultures, and generations through integrative Narrative Therapy. I think of the therapy space to be a place to experiment new ways of thinking, new ways of communicating, and new ways of doing things. And experimenting isn’t always successful the first time, so it is important for the therapy space to be safe enough for mistakes and failures. It should be a place where you can come to have difficult conversations.
Cristina works with individuals navigating anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, life transitions, and the lasting impact of stress or trauma. Many clients come to therapy feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or disconnected from themselves or others, and want greater clarity, emotional balance, and stronger relationships. Cristina supports clients in exploring how past experiences, identity, culture, and family dynamics shape present patterns while building resilience and a deeper sense of self.
Cristina works with individuals navigating anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, life transitions, and the lasting impact of stress or trauma. Many clients come to therapy feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or disconnected from themselves or others, and want greater clarity, emotional balance, and stronger relationships. Cristina supports clients in exploring how past experiences, identity, culture, and family dynamics shape present patterns while building resilience and a deeper sense of self.
My focus includes gender and gender transition, sexuality, racial identity, trauma, and personal growth.
I approach our work from a narrative therapy perspective. As its name implies, we will work on your story and how we define our lives through our learned history. Narrative therapy begins with the understanding that you are the expert on your life; my job is to help you look at that story. Life is hard and blame and shame are not a solution.
My focus includes gender and gender transition, sexuality, racial identity, trauma, and personal growth.
I approach our work from a narrative therapy perspective. As its name implies, we will work on your story and how we define our lives through our learned history. Narrative therapy begins with the understanding that you are the expert on your life; my job is to help you look at that story. Life is hard and blame and shame are not a solution.
I specialize in working with BIPOC communities and individuals navigating anxiety, depression, trauma and substance use. As a Brown man who grew up in Texas, I understand how racism and oppressive systems impact the nervous system and shape the ways we cope, relate, and survive. These experiences can show up as stress, overwhelm, feeling disconnected, or patterns that are hard to shift.
You might be trying to understand why behaviors keep resurfacing or why you feel stuck despite efforts to change. Whether you’re dealing with your own mental health challenges or supporting someone you care about, you don't have to do it alone.
I specialize in working with BIPOC communities and individuals navigating anxiety, depression, trauma and substance use. As a Brown man who grew up in Texas, I understand how racism and oppressive systems impact the nervous system and shape the ways we cope, relate, and survive. These experiences can show up as stress, overwhelm, feeling disconnected, or patterns that are hard to shift.
You might be trying to understand why behaviors keep resurfacing or why you feel stuck despite efforts to change. Whether you’re dealing with your own mental health challenges or supporting someone you care about, you don't have to do it alone.
See more therapy options for Portland
Nearby Racial Identity Therapists Searches for Portland
- Beaverton
- Clackamas
- Gladstone
- Gresham
- Happy Valley
- Hillsboro
- Lake Oswego
- Milwaukie
- Oregon City
- Tigard
- Tualatin
- West Linn