ramona’s story

Hi! I’m Ramona (she/they). At the heart of my work is a deep belief that healing happens in relationship – through honesty, connection, and the sense of being truly seen. I show up to therapy as a whole person, not a distant expert, because I’ve found that genuine presence creates the trust and spaciousness people need to grow. My own lived experiences, identities, and community roots shape the way I listen, the questions I ask, and the care I bring into the room. 

I’m especially passionate about working with people exploring queerness, gender identity and transition, ethical nonmonogamy, kink, nontraditional family structures and other experiences that exist outside dominant cultural narratives. I know firsthand how meaningful it can be to sit with a provider who “gets it” without needing an explanation, and I intentionally create a space where your identities are recognized as a source of wisdom rather than a hurdle to overcome. I am explicitly LGBTQIA+ affirming and committed to culturally humble, anti-oppressive practice.

I also enjoy working with children, teens, and families. Before becoming a therapist, I spent several years in early childhood education and youth programs, which strengthened my appreciation for play, creativity, and the many ways young people communicate their needs. Whether I’m supporting a teen through identity exploration or partnering with caregivers around patterns in the home, I aim to help families move toward more connection and clarity.

Now for the professional stuff....

I earned my graduate degree in Clinical Social Work from Portland State University. Much of my background is in community mental health and houseless services, where I’ve supported people navigating severe and persistent mental illness, trauma, substance use, chronic suicidality, and systemic barriers. These environments taught me the value of humor and adaptability, as well as the importance of honoring the resilience and survival strategies people carry with them. My method centers collaboration, curiosity, and building the kind of safety that makes deeper work possible. The approaches I draw from include trauma-informed practice, empowerment theory, motivational interviewing, narrative therapy, attachment theory, strengths-based counseling, collaborative problem solving, and mindfulness. I’m less focused on fitting clients into models and more interested in using tools flexibly – guided by your pace, values, and ways of knowing. If you choose to work with me, you can expect warmth, transparency, and a partnership centered on your truth, your agency, and your healing.

You can reach Ramona directly at
ramona@sprouttherapypdx.com