Ángela Vásquez Vásquez

 

MS, Professional Counselor Associate

Self-discovery is a process that can be both beautiful and difficult. my commitment is to walk with you every step of the way.

I believe that therapy can help you flourish, find meaning and become the best version of yourself. I foster a welcoming space, full of compassion, genuine curiosity and free of judgment.

My early experiences in therapy as a teenager made me realize that despite past painful moments, I have autonomy over my life and who I chose to become. I genuinely wished for my family to feel the same way, however, I quickly noticed that there were cultural and language barriers that prevented us from fully benefiting from therapy.

Throughout the years, I’ve questioned how social norms, gender and racial experiences dictate how I am being perceived. Understanding my existence and embracing who I am took self-awareness, introspection and it awoke in me a deep commitment to social justice. My motivation to be in this field came from a sincere dedication and conviction to make therapy accessible for everyone regardless of who they are or where they come from so they can also have an equal opportunity to achieve their well-being. As a woman of color, I welcome everyone equally regardless of their unique identities, experiences, backgrounds and walks of life.

Outside of counseling, I love traveling, working out, journaling, and dancing. Whether it's sunny or rainy (more than likely), I enjoy running, going on hiking adventures and driving to the beach for a long walk. I deeply value having spiritual practice and spending quality time with my loved ones who mean the world to me. I also find joy in watching an engaging show, savoring dark chocolate and trying new foods from around the world.

I assist children, adolescents and adults who are experiencing a wide variety of concerns, including but not limited to: trauma/PTSD, depression, anxiety, grief and loss, life transitions, racial identity and trauma, cultural and gender dynamics, women’s Issues, machismo and spirituality. I provide culturally responsive therapy in both English and Spanish and tailor to each client individually.

AREAS OF FOCUS

Who I Work With: Adults, children 3-11, adolescents

While I work with a wide range of people and presenting problems, some of my most common topics of focus include:

  • Trauma/PTSD

  • Depression

  • EMDR

  • Anxiety

  • Grief and loss

  • Life transitions

  • Racial identity and trauma

  • Cultural and gender dynamics

  • LGBTQIA+

  • Women’s Issues

  • Machismo

  • Spirituality

  • Career exploration

  • Body image issues

  • Attachment Issues

  • Self-Esteem

  • Stress

Counseling Technique

My approach to therapy is mainly centered in a social justice framework. I draw from Relational Cultural Therapy, Person Centered Therapy, Existential Therapy, Art Therapy and Child-Centered Play Therapy. I am a native Spanish speaker, bicultural and tailor my approach according to the client’s specific needs. I foster an egalitarian relationship during the therapeutic process, meaning that client’s voices and insights are equally valuable in the therapeutic process. My objective is that together we can identify what clients hope to gain from therapy and how I can assist them in their journey towards well-being.

Professional Background

I hold a Master’s Degree in Marriage, Couple and Family Counseling and a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and Spanish from Portland State University. I also completed a 50-hour training in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) through the EMDR International Association (EMDRIA).

My professional experience has included working with adolescents, young adults and adults from various socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds. Additionally, I’ve provided bilingual, monolingual and culturally focused therapy services. During graduate school, I was trained as a play therapist and worked with children and their families. I gained experience providing affordable and accessible therapy to adults and couples from the community. I was also awarded the Minority Fellowship Award through the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC).

Education Credentials

  • Master’s Degree in Marriage, Couple and Family Counseling, Portland State University

  • Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and Spanish, Portland State University

I am currently a Registered Professional Counselor Associate with the State of Oregon Board of Licensed Professional Counselors and Therapists.

 
TherapyDani ChambersInsight Northwest CounselingTelehealth, Portland, Children, Teens, Trauma, PTSD, Depression, EMDR, Anxiety, Grief & Loss, Life Transitions, Race & Identity, Gender Identity, LGBTQIA, Women's Issues, Spirituality, Career Counseling, Body Image, Attachment Issues, Self-Esteem, Stress Management, Therapy