Renata Austin (she/her)

My Approach to Helping

In our counseling relationship I provide a safe place to be fully yourself, focus on challenges you are experiencing, and consider making changes that might be helpful to you. I help you look at things differently by making connections you may not be aware of and shining a light on things that are in the background of your experience. I practice counseling with a non-judgmental, validating, empathic and strengths-based approach focused on building trust so that you feel safe in sharing what you need to. I work collaboratively with you to discover unmet needs, underlying feelings, important values, and practical solutions in collaboration with you. I believe that individual issues don’t exist in a vacuum and have to be understood within the context of their relationships, family, and community. I seek to understand you through the intersection of your many identities (race, gender, sexuality, ability, class) and broach conversations about systems of oppression in my work.

My Personal Beliefs and Interests

I identify as a biracial 3rd gen filipina/white, able-bodied, neurodivergent cisgender woman. As a person who exists in the in-between, I have first hand experience navigating the challenges of not “making sense” to others and of feeling like I don’t belong, and bring this understanding into my work with clients. I’m also familiar with the mental health stigma present in AAPI communities, in particular the Filipino/a/x community. I grew up in Berkeley, CA and moved to Portland, OR in 2011. I completed my M.S in Marriage Couple and Family Counseling from Portland State University in 2020 and spent two years working as a counselor serving refugees, immigrants and other low income individuals at a local community agency. Before I became a counselor I engaged in supporting individuals and families around reproductive health, pregnancy options, early childhood, and parent engagement. Outside of my work I enjoy spending quality time with friends, gardening, camping, and playing music.