cara’s story

Hey there! I’m Cara (she/her). Welcome to Sprout! My journey to becoming a therapist was not directly intentional but I am so happy to be here and to connect with anyone who is feeling the weight of oppressive systems we are forced to navigate, expectations of social norms, and general confusion about the purpose of it all. I started my journey in the social work field hoping to find a career in the macro world. I am passionate about learning about the needs of a community and advocating for policy that serves the people. 

When I obtained a Masters of Social Work degree, I realized that in order to make good policy, I needed to work with people one on one to better understand common needs that aren’t being met, barriers to accessing those needs, and the strengths we have individually and collectively that can push ourselves forward through advocacy and community care. In that pursuit, I found my way to Sprout. I value the connections I have made with all of my clients and colleagues and found myself surprisingly drawn towards one on one work more than I could have imagined. 

I am passionate about psychoeducation because I know that knowledge is power. I am thrilled when I see my clients step into their own power with a greater understanding of the science behind why they may be experiencing different mental health symptoms. It is my hope that they share this knowledge with their community to create healthier environments and build depth within their relationships. 

My approach to therapy can be described as collaborative, supportive, and client driven. During sessions, I prioritize empowerment and the understanding of the various systems that play a role in my clients’ lives. It is important to me that clients feel like they are in the driver’s seat, while also feeling the support of a co-pilot. I understand that doing the work to nourish ourselves mentally and emotionally can be difficult; my clients can rely on me to be a source of encouragement, honesty, and knowledge as they explore what mental health wellness looks like for them. 

It is also important to note that I work with a trauma-informed and anti-oppressive lens. Clients should know that I am constantly engaging in critical reflection of myself, my role as a social worker, and biases based on my experience of privilege as a white person in a society built on racism. I also strive to comprehensively understand the diversity and multiplicity of oppression in my clients’ lives by critically analyzing the intersectionality of oppression associated with age, gender, class, race, religion, sexual orientation, and relationship orientation. With this lens, it is my hope to empower clients interpersonally, by externalizing their experiences of oppression, highlighting the ways in which systemic oppression may be the barrier they cannot control, and working collaboratively to come up with creative solutions to address unmet needs. On a broader scale, I push myself to advocate for greater change through policy and empower clients to do the same when they have the bandwidth to do so.

I love working with people who may be experiencing symptoms of PTSD, depression, anxiety, difficulties with handling intense emotions, chronic interpersonal conflict, and attachment wounds. I am passionate about helping clients identify their strengths and values so they may find fulfillment in their life and the confidence to be their authentic selves.

When I am not at Sprout you can probably find me singing in my queer community choir, snuggling with my doggo (German Shepherd / Black Lab mix), learning the ropes of the PC gaming world (recommendations welcomed), trying all sorts of different crafts (mastering none of them), and trying all the crab rangoons from every restaurant that has them (can anyone else relate?). If I sound like a good fit, please indicate this in your request for intake. I’d love to work with you! 

Now for the professional stuff:

I graduated with my Masters of Social Work (MSW)  from Portland State University, where I focused on practice and leadership with communities and organizations. I am a registered LCSW in the state of Oregon and I’m supervised by Sam Mandel, LPC. My experience as a counselor has ranged from working with survivors of domestic violence, suicide prevention, severe and persistent mental health diagnoses, and adapting to life with a disability.

Before becoming a therapist, the majority of my work has focused on supporting young adults transitioning out of higher levels of care/foster homes and into adulthood, as well as residential settings for adults with disabilities and children with DHS involvement.

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

You can reach Cara directly at

cara@sprouttherapypdx.com