I’m Urysaray “Sara” Sánchez (she/ella)—a daughter, sister, tía, friend, advocate, therapist, and my ancestors’ wildest dream.

I am a registered associate therapist with two years of experience, primarily working with K–12 students. My journey into this work began with my own story. In my family and culture, talking about feelings wasn’t something we did. I often heard, “más calladita te ves más bonita”—“you look prettier when you’re quiet.”

Now I understand those messages came from love, but also from unspoken and unhealed pain. They showed me how easy it is to lose connection with our feelings—and how powerful it is when we find our way back.

This is why I am passionate about holding space for others. For anyone who has ever felt silenced, dismissed, or unseen: you don’t have to carry those feelings alone. My work is rooted in community care and the belief that healing doesn’t just happen within us—it happens between us, in the ways we show up for one another.

---

Therapeutic Approach

My therapeutic style is person-centered and trauma-informed, grounded in humanistic values. I draw from:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

• Mindfulness-based strategies

• Play therapy and creative interventions with children

• Multicultural and intersectional frameworks

I also integrate strengths-based practices to help clients recognize their resilience and inner resources.

As both a Latina therapist and human, I am committed to ongoing self-reflection, growth, and learning. This includes:

• Decolonizing therapy and honoring healing as a collective, community practice

• Using somatic and body-based practices to support whole-person healing

• Meeting clients where they are and walking alongside them in their journey

At the heart of my work is a commitment to fostering resilience, affirming identities, and creating empowering spaces for healing—especially within QT-BIPOC communities.

---

Credentials and Experience

• Master’s in Counselor Education – Portland State University (2024)

• B.A. in Psychology

My professional experience includes:

• School-Based Therapist – Portland Public Schools

• School Counselor – De La Salle High School (North Portland)

• Supporting students from Pre-K through 12th grade in practicum and internship settings

• Supporting children and adults with developmental disabilities in home and camp settings

• Facilitating substance prevention programs in East Portland

Across all of these roles, I’ve focused on creating environments where people feel safe, valued, and empowered to express themselves—guided by flexibility, cultural humility, and care.

---

Fun Facts / Outside of Work

When I’m not in session, you’ll find me:

• Spending time with my family and two nephews

• Exploring Portland’s art shows and museums

• Trying new foods and restaurants

• Practicing Pilates

• Working on puzzles or getting lost in a good book

• Enjoying the beauty of the Pacific Northwest outdoors

I am passionate about building communities, celebrating cultures, and joining spaces that uplift connection and joy.