Nico Aguilar Shank (they/them)

Hi, I’m Nico! I’m a queer, nonbinary, mixed-race therapist based in Portland, OR, originally from the Bay Area, California.

I’m a registered CSWA with a Master’s in Social Work from the University of Washington. Before becoming a therapist, I spent nearly 20 years as a social justice organizer and campaigner. As your therapist, I aim to offer a spacious, non-judgmental environment where you can bring your hurts, fears, longings, and questions. When we gently turn toward our discomfort, we often discover it holds the key to deep power and joy.

Who I Serve

I believe that marginalized people—BIPOC, first- and second-generation immigrants, trans people, queers, mixed-race folks, and disabled people—deserve joy, connection, lineage, belonging, and dignity. My practice is dedicated to supporting your journey toward this aliveness. I especially enjoy working with QTBIPOC, Central Americans, and activists, organizers, and changemakers. I offer services in both English and Spanish.

My Approach to Therapy

I’m a lifelong learner, always exploring new research and therapeutic approaches. My foundation is in somatic therapy, and I’m especially passionate about supporting healing from complex trauma. I currently draw from somatic therapy, parts work, narrative therapy, CBT, DBT, and I also offer EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing).

I strive to offer more than “maintenance” therapy—my goal is transformation: shifting your baseline mood, self-beliefs, automatic responses, and expanding the choices available to you.

We can work together on:

Deepening the quality of your relationships
Strengthening your sense of purpose
Healing personal and generational trauma
Navigating anxiety, depression, and emotional suffering
Connecting with your inner wisdom
Exploring queer and trans identity
Understanding your racial and/or immigrant identity and lineage