Sarahí Serrano
Grad Student Intern
Pronouns: She/They
Identities: First-generation, Latinx and Indigenous (Mayan), Queer, Bilingual (Spanish and English)
Therapeutic Style: Grounded, Insightful, and Affirming
Works with:
- Individuals
- Couples
- Child/Family
- Teens
- Adult Families
Who I am as a Therapist
I believe part of our life narratives happen relationally and our personal lived experiences are shaped by how we relate to and personally experience systems, community, friends, family, and the outside world. Seeking therapy is an act of strength, courage, and commitment that we take to further our personal and relational wellbeing. As a therapist, I will encourage you and walk that path with you.
Oftentimes, navigating relationships, cultural beliefs, social systems, world events, and norms can be immensely challenging. As an individual with multiple intersecting identities, I have experienced and hold recognition of the oppressive systems within which we live. As a therapist, I strive to help you navigate these systems in a manner that is safe, supportive, and comfortable. My therapeutic approach relies on empathy, insight, humility, curiosity, transparency, and humor. It is my goal to help you feel seen, heard, understood, and empowered while simultaneously guiding and challenging you on your journey of reclamation and growth.
My passion is to work with BIPOC individuals, couples, and families experiencing issues regarding identity, racial trauma, relationships struggles, and immigration/acculturation. I lean on Emotionally Focused Therapy, Socio-Emotional Relational Therapy, Intergenerational Family Therapy, mindfulness techniques, and an anti-oppressive framework. My goal is to provide trauma-informed, client-centered, and culturally sensitive care and acclimate each session to align with your personal goals and what works for you. I would feel deeply honored to support and serve you in your healing process and journey.
Specialty Areas
Mental Health Challenges
- Anxiety (General, Panic, Phobias)
- Behavioral Challenges in Children
- Biracial Couples/Families
- Cultural & Systemic Oppression
- Depression
- Disability
- Dissociation
- End of Life
- Grief & Loss
- Identity Development
- Immigration & Acculturation
- LGBTQIA+
- Managing Stress
- Neurodiversity
- Women’s Issues
Therapeutic Approaches
- Anti-Racist Trauma-Informed Care (ARTIC)
- Emotionally Focused Therapy
- Intergenerational Family Therapy
- Mindfulness
- Play Therapy
- Socio-Emotional Relationship Therapy
Who I am when I’m not a Therapist
When I’m not being a therapist, I enjoy surrounding myself with community! I thoroughly enjoy nature walks, catching up on TV shows, eating great food, reading, doing dancing classes, water coloring, or connecting with friends and family! As a California native, I love the sunshine and dry hot weather, but moving to Portland has given me an opportunity to connect with nature and rain in a truly transcending way. Growing up Latina and Indigenous, moving my body through music and drums has always been a way to get in touch with myself, my roots, and self-expression.
Education
- Pursuing Masters in Marriage, Couple, and Family Therapy Student from Lewis and Clark College, OR
-
BA in Psychology from California State University of Northridge
Training & Experience
- Four years experience working with neurodiverse individuals
- Provided support for clients in residential care settings
- Past work in the funeral industry