Grace Bonilla
Associate
Pronouns: She/Her
Identities: Biracial, Mexican-American, Bisexual
Therapeutic Style: Creative, Funny and Authentic
Works with:
- Individuals
- Couples
- Child/Family
- Adult/Family
- Teens
Who I am as a Therapist
As a therapist, I believe that change occurs through creating a deeper understanding of who we are as people and how that self interacts with the world around us. While there are many paths to healing and no ‘one right way,’ I believe that therapy can be a space where we take a deeper dive to understand who we are at our core. As your therapist, my role is to walk alongside you in therapy to collaborate with you on the challenges you may be facing and how we can work together to achieve your goals. In my work, I rely heavily on Internal Family Systems (IFS) and Satir while also sprinkling in concepts like attachment theory and other evidence-based strategies.
From my experiences of working with children, teens, and families, I believe that one of the most important aspects of the therapy space is the balance of humanity and humor that we can create together to be our most authentic selves. In order to be our most authentic selves, I believe that this also means being real and transparent about the oppressive systems that we live in. From my own lived experiences as a biracial woman, one of my top priorities as a therapist is to provide a space where you are welcome to explore all parts of yourself and support those with marginalized identities including LGTBQIA+ and BIPOC communities.
“You alone are enough. You have nothing to prove to anybody.” – Maya Angelou
Specialty Areas
Mental Health Challenges
- Activism & Burnout
- ADHD
- Anxiety
- Biracial Couples/Families
- Dissociation
- Identity Development
- LGBTQIA+
- Life Transitions
- Managing Stress
- Parenting
- School Issues
- Sexual Abuse
- Sexual Health
- Trauma Recovery (PTSD & Abuse)
- Women’s Issues
Therapeutic Approaches
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
- Emotionally Focused Therapy
- Feminist Therapy
- Gestalt Method
- Gottman Method
- Internal Family Systems Therapy (IFS)
- Mind-Body / Somatic
- Mindfulness
- Motivational Interviewing (MI)
- Satir
Who I am when I’m not a Therapist
When I am not a therapist, I enjoy thrifting and antiquing. I also like to find myself in nature, trying new food spots, and hanging out with my friends in the PNW.
Education
- Masters in Couples and Family Therapy from University of Oregon, OR
- BS in Psychology, Family and Human Services with a Minor in Disability Studies from University of Oregon, OR
Training & Experience
- Experience in child abuse prevention, working for a nonprofit organization