brianna’s story

Hey there! My name is Brianna (she/her), though most people know me better as Bri. I grew up in Sacramento, California, and I moved to Portland towards the end of 2020, living in the Portland metro area since then. I grew up with two adopted siblings, which introduced and familiarized me with the impacts of intergenerational trauma and systemic oppression – complex trauma, attachment patterns, and relational healing along with a number of painful and beautiful realities present within the various systems of care for humans in the U.S. These experiences, along with a deep passion to advocate for radical systemic change alongside being a strengths-based mirror for others, has motivated me to enter into this field of work.

Nature has been one of the most consistent sources of peace, inspiration, comfort, and restoration throughout my life. I enjoy taking mindful walks through nature and have made this a daily habit. I additionally find rejuvenation when going on hikes and trips to new places, sights, and natural wonders. One of my goals and hopes is to incorporate nature into therapy, individually and with groups.

I also holistically enjoy writing – specifically short excerpts and poetry. I have been passionate about reading a variety of literature and writing since I was a child, and began taking writing more seriously for myself when I was in middle school. Most of my writing explores and reflects upon myself, others, our relationship with the earth, each other, and the life we’re living – often incorporating simile, metaphor, and at times allegories. Subsequently, I often bring various aspects of metaphor into my day-to-day life and practice as well, through mindfulness and presence in each moment.

Now for the professional stuff:

I am currently a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the State of Oregon. I initially attended college in Redding, CA by the name of Simpson University. There, I majored in Psychology and minored in Theology to reflect my concurrent interests in human services and spirituality. I then began working in the non-profit human services field within a few months of graduating, eventually returning to California State University, Sacramento for a Master of Social Work Degree. Overall, I have been working in the human services field since 2014, and have been providing therapy since 2017 - partnering with individuals, couples, families, and groups. 

Throughout my years working in the human services field, I have gained experience in every agency level (individuals/couples/families, larger groups, agencies/governments) which informs my unique multilevel-informed lens as a therapist. I have provided administrative support, leadership and supervision, case management, individual, couples, and family therapy through a strengths-based, anti-oppressive, intersectional, HAES-informed, and trauma-informed lens. I have additionally led a number of skills-based and processing groups utilizing DBT, CBT, and RO-DBT-informed skills as well as Narrative Therapy and Emotion-Focused Therapy techniques. 

In my therapeutic practice, I prioritize meeting each person, couple, and/or family exactly where you are and as you are, bringing in a blend of approaches and techniques, readily and appropriately adapting them based on your unique needs and preferences. I see each person, couple, and family system with empathy and through a lens of their strengths, and genuinely believe that people are trying their best with the accessible resources they are holistically aware of. I pull from Health At Every Size, Narrative Therapy, Queer Theory, Feminist Theory, DBT, RO-DBT, Motivational Interviewing, Emotion-Focused, Solution-Focused, and CBT techniques to support you with processing, skills building, and navigating life decisions and transitions. I additionally prioritize humility and collaboration in my approach to each individual, couple, family, or group I work with - I highly appreciate and encourage feedback to ensure that my approach is effective, and value the opportunity to repair any missteps to ensure that this experience is corrective, healing, and meaningful for you.

In addition to keeping a caseload of my own, I supervise many of our associate clinicians as a Clinical Supervisor.

Currently, I am not taking on new clients or supervisees. To be connected with a clinician, please book a screener with our Intake Coordinator.

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

You can reach Brianna directly at brianna@sprouttherapypdx.com