Jessica Riaño

About Jessica

I am a passionate advocate for people and communities working to heal from oppression, violence, and trauma. I care about helping to build a safer and more just world through both working towards social change and supporting people in the here and now. I believe that everyone deserves to have peace and safety in their lives, and I hope to support you in finding it.

In addition to my graduate studies in social work, I’ve worked for eight years as an advocate for survivors of domestic and sexual violence. I’m also trained in CPT, an evidence-based treatment for PTSD. Supporting people in healing from past harm is the heart of my work.

I also work with people navigating depression, insomnia, stress, and life transitions, drawing on evidence-based approaches tailored to what you need. If you're looking to nurture healthier relationships with yourself and others, rediscover joy, or grow closer to what matters most to you, I'd be honored to help you build a life you're proud and excited to lead.

I will receive my Master of Social Work from Portland State University in June 2027, and currently practice under supervision of Joey Tomlinson, MSW and Daniel Ryu, Psy.D.

Areas of Focus

Mental Health Conditions & Diagnoses: Anxiety, Depression, Panic, Social Phobia, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Trauma, Executive Functioning Challenges, Emotional Regulation Difficulties

Trauma, Abuse, & Safety: Sexual Abuse, Emotional Abuse, Physical Abuse

Life Transitions & Adjustments: Life Transitions, Adjustment Issues, Chronic Illness

Identity, Culture & Community: Identity Issues, Gender Identity, LGBTQ+ Issues

Relationships & Interpersonal Dynamics: Romantic Relationship Conflicts, Family Relationship Conflicts, Intimacy Issues, Polyamorous and Open Relationships, Dating Challenges, Divorce or Separation, Communication Skills, Boundaries

Personal Growth & Emotional Wellness: Self-Esteem, Personal Growth, Creativity, Stress, Motivation and Procrastination, Perfectionism

Substance Use & Addiction: Harm Reduction

My Approach

My approach to therapy is collaborative, liberation-focused, and evidence-based. Most of us grow up absorbing messages we never agreed to: that what happened to us was our fault, that we're too much or not enough, that we should be able to handle it on our own. These messages come from the world around us, from oppressive institutions and systems, and it's impossible not to take them in. Together, we'll get curious about the beliefs you carry and where they come from. I’ll follow your lead – and bring the tools – as we work to figure out which are really yours and which you want to let go of. The goal is to make room for a life that feels more free, more connected, and more centered on what matters to you.

I’m an advocate at heart: I believe in self-determination and empowerment, so you’ll always have someone rooting for you. You set the goals and bring the strengths you already have, and I'll bring the training and techniques to help you get where you want to be. My advocacy experience also means I can concretely help you navigate systems that can often feel overwhelming and set up to fail us. People who’ve worked with me in the past have described my approach as warm and empathetic, and as creating a very safe, “soft” space where people feel comfortable, seen, and heard. My hope is that through our work together, you feel more in charge of your life, empowered, and in touch with joy and connection.

Outside of Work

Full time, I am a queer woman living with chronic illness. When I’m not at work or studying, I like to spend time making art or out in nature, exploring the beautiful Pacific Northwest with my dog. Fun fact: before I went into advocacy and mental health work, I was a geologist!

Jessica is a student intern providing therapy under clinical supervision (Daniel Ryu, PsyD & Joey Tomlinson, CSWA) as part of a graduate program.