Sonya Strickland, LCSW

In-Network with Kaiser, First Choice Health, Oregon Health Plan, Pacific Source and Providence, and self-pay.

I am an experienced psychotherapist who is passionate about supporting adult clients experiencing anxiety, cultural/racial inequities, depression, and traumatic experiences. I work from a strengths-based perspective and prioritize working with individuals from underserved and underrepresented communities.

I’ve always known that I would have a career as helper of people. My interest in individuals and groups of people led me to major in sociology and minor in urban studies and planning at Portland State University. I went on to complete the Master of Social Work graduate program in 1998.
I began my career as a social worker in child protective services. I was grateful to have the opportunity to work with parents and children during one of their most difficult life experiences. Unfortunately, I felt that my hands were tied due to the bureaucratic nature of government organizations. I wanted to help people on a deeper level so I began the two-year process to obtain clinical licensure and become an Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). I've been working as an LCSW since 2005.

Mental Health
90% of people living in the U.S. are coping with one or a combination of anxiety, depression, and trauma. Symptoms vary, but all have one thing in common: a negative impact on healthy functioning, including:

Social functioning - Mental health symptoms can make it difficult to relate to others, understand their feelings, or cope with daily problems. People may withdraw from friends and activities, or avoid social situations.

Cognitive functioning - Mental health symptoms can make it difficult to concentrate, learn, or complete tasks. People may also experience confused thinking, delusions, paranoia, or hallucinations.

Emotional functioning - Mental health symptoms can cause extreme mood swings, feelings of sadness or isolation, or intense irritability or anger. People may also experience excessive fears or worries, or extreme feelings of guilt.

Physical functioning - Mental health symptoms can cause low energy, fatigue, or sleep problems. People may also adopt unhealthy eating habits or smoke or abuse substances.

Work functioning - Mental health symptoms can reduce productivity and increase absenteeism, which can affect job satisfaction and earning potential.

If you are suffering or struggling and have the ‘Courage to Heal’, I’m here to meet you where you are in your life. You deserve to feel better. In our work together, we will explore and process your life experiences and the impact they have on your well-being. We will identify your strengths; you will learn skills to identify and manage your symptoms effectively; increase your practice of healthy self-care and coping strategies, including healthy boundary-setting; and improve your ability to function in your day-to-day life. I look forward to getting to know you and helping you reach your goals.