anika’s story

Hi there, I’m Anika! I was born and raised in Bangladesh and moved to the US for college when I was 19 years old. I grew up in a conservative south Asian culture where traditional beliefs and values were deeply embedded within family dynamics and talking about mental health was highly stigmatized. My interest in exploring human psychology stemmed from witnessing people I cared about struggle with their mental health and suffer in silence in fear of being judged. 

Initially, I chose to pursue a career in mental health in hopes of educating and raising awareness within my community. However, through various work experiences and internship opportunities in working with individuals from different racial, ethnic and cultural backgrounds, I realized that there was a deeper need for representation and mental health awareness among other communities as well. Utilizing my personal and professional experiences, I aim to foster an environment where my clients can fully express themselves, whoever they are or want to be, without any fear of judgment or shame.  

In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my pup Frodo, trying different cuisines, exploring waterfalls and hikes, and taking care of my house plants.

The professional stuff: 

It can feel scary to take the first step and reach out for help, but it doesn't have to be. If you are struggling with anxiety, depression, grief and loss, life transitions, trauma, family systems, difficulty with work/life balance or other mental health concerns and need help figuring it out, you are not alone. Our trauma can create complex feelings of guilt and shame and can become overwhelming to navigate on our own. 

My therapeutic approach centers on exploring our beliefs and intersectionality that make us unique and finding our authentic self through understanding our values. I have experienced the stigmatization of seeking therapy and feeling overwhelmed. It can be difficult to navigate values and beliefs and cultural norms and expectations. Together, we can explore how our individual experiences shape our lives and develop skills and tools to foster compassion, healing, and self-acceptance.       

In our sessions, I will hold space for you to discuss your challenges and collaboratively work with you in your therapeutic journey and empower you to live the life you desire. In developing a deeper understanding of our emotions and ourselves, we will foster a safe therapeutic environment that is free from judgment, shame and fear.  

See our fees and insurance page to determine if Anika is in network with your insurance plan.

You can reach Anika directly at
anika@sprouttherapypdx.com