I am a therapist and school counselor focusing on work with children, teens, and adults of color. My passions include supporting those of marginalized populations using cultural specific strategies and techniques. I believe we have a natural desire to heal and the ability to build resilience. My goal as your counselor is to provide support as you garner skills to face difficult roadblocks that might otherwise seem too overwhelming to tackle or unconsciously hidden. Some of these obstacles can cause stress, anxiety, anger, depression, shame, insecurities, and conflicts with relationships. I strongly believe that each individual can reveal their own past to create their better future, essentially to move toward putting their mental health first and thrive. As your counselor, I use specific styles and techniques to help you create a path of wellness. Depending on your needs, my methods may include person-centered therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, reality therapy, existential, and emotion-focused techniques. I also use culturally relevant techniques to cater to those of black, indigenous, and ethnic decent.
I am of Ethiopian decent but was born in Khartoum, Sudan. My family and I emigrated to Portland, Oregon when I was about four years old. I’ve traveled quite a bit but Portland still remains home to me. I studied Psychology at Portland State University for my undergraduate. After a few years working in my community, I sought out my Master’s in Counselor Education from California University of Pennsylvania. I hold a Spiritual, Ethical, and Religious Counseling certificate from Cal U of PA and I am also a National Board Certified Counselor. Since moving back to Portland, I’ve held my teaching license and have been an elementary school counselor as well as a clinical mental health therapist.