EMDR therapist in Portland, Oregon
MEET CESHAUN HANKINS, LCSW
You deserve to experience connection, compassion and ease. I’m so glad you’re here.
My approach is informed by over 12 years of work in the fields of mental health and social work. With that, I remain critical of the oppressive origins of modern Western mental health and continue to work to decolonize my practice.
Even though I’ve been extensively trained in various therapeutic modalities considered evidence-based practices, today, I intentionally incorporate methods that are inclusive, flexible and/or are rooted in anti-oppression.
I primarily utilize trauma-responsive and whole-self (aka somatics or embodiment) practices such as mindfulness and EMDR. I orient my work in a Liberation-Focused healing framework that centers decolonial practice as well as the Black experience.
I’m Black, biracial, a mother (of person and pup), a partner, an oldest sister, daughter and friend. I’m originally from Southern California but genuinely enjoy the rain and seasons of Oregon.
My career has been multi-faceted but the thread through it all has been social justice, service, and creativity. I was even a director of a cosmetology and esthetics school for 4 years! My hobbies include reading, cooking, travel and being a novice gardener. I am wholeheartedly dedicated to my own restorative practices.
Oh! and I love to bring levity and laughter to my work. I find playfulness builds connection and a sense of ease in a process that can be uncomfortable at times.
My values
01
Connection
People need other people to survive and thrive. We’re wired for connection whether we consider ourselves introverted or extroverted. Our identities and sense of self come from interacting with others and being witnessed. Community is a source of healing for all especially those from marginalized communities.
02
Liberation
I orient my work and life in a way where freedom is true north. Although I am still part of a system of mental health with problematic roots - I actively work to be anti-oppressive and decolonial in my practice. I am informed and inspired by a lineage of others including Angela Davis, Adrienne Marie Brown, Prentis Hemphill, Shira Hassan, and Shawna Murray-Browne
03
Ease
I carry a personal value of living an easeful life. This isn’t easy coming from someone who has anxiety and ADHD. I believe humans are not here on Earth to work and produce but to be alive and experience the joy and ease that life can also offer. I strive to infuse our sessions with an easeful energy.
WORK WITH ME
Therapy
Individual therapy provides a collaborative opportunity to be heard and seen. You’ll be supported with exploratory conversation, the learning of new skills founded in research and ancestral knowledge.
Community
Trauma and healing aren’t solo work. Stay tuned for opportunities to engage in communal support and knowledge sharing.