My Story

Mental Health Therapist

I am a licensed clinical social worker with several years of experience working with families, children, teens and adults in New York City as a School Social Worker before moving to Portland in 2001.  In Portland, I’ve worked with children, parents and families who are struggling to regain control of their life and custody of their children in the foster care system. Through this experience I have learned the value of genuine empathy as a pathway to connecting with my clients regardless of our differences. Helping clients to accept who and where they are in life and moving forward with courage has been a joy to witness and fuels my passion to help more clients along their journey through life.  

One of my passions in life has been the privilege of being a parent to my two children. I understand firsthand the enormous pressures our children are under and how easily one can fall into self-destructive ways. I see depression and anxiety in the faces of many of our teens and its damaging effects on the family or the effects of unhealthy parental boundaries on their children. I can understand the struggles that families go through and help guide them to health from an empirical and empathic viewpoint. 

One of my other passions in life is cultivating my relationship with God and being a part of a church community. As a Christian, I gain strength and insight from the Word and am eager to walk alongside others with similar orientations overcome fears and find their true hope. I strongly believe my calling to love everyone as myself and would show my utmost care, support and compassion to my clients regardless of his/her background or beliefs. 

I grew up in South Korea until the age of 12 and immigrated to the US and lived in various cities before settling in New York City at the age of 16.  Living and working as a social worker in New York City helped me to gain a special appreciation for the struggles first generation immigrants go through as I went through in my years of assimilation. I have also become comfortable working with peoples of many ethnic and economic backgrounds. I understand the unique challenges that families of immigrants or individuals within bi or multi-cultural homes undergo. I can help sort through the adverse cultural, familial and societal voices in our heads and help you arrive at a healthful, differentiated self.

I utilize CBT, solution-focused brief therapy and mindfulness, among others, to help clients reach their goals. I consider each client a privilege to meet and look forward to being a cheerleader in their journey through life.

Contact Sunha

Phone: 503-305-5064

Email: hello@senuacounseling.com