When Dan* arrived in Portland as an asylum seeker in his 40s, the weight of starting fresh in a new country was overwhelming. He came to our Portland-based Multicultural Services District (MCS) in May 2024, carrying the emotional toll of displacement, unemployment, and uncertainty. Diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder, Dan was navigating deep sadness and isolation.
Clinician Sarana Pallebage recalls their early sessions vividly: “Dan was sad and cried during the sessions. But he came in with clear goals and a hope that therapy could help.”
Sarana brought more than clinical training to their work together; he also brought the perspective of someone who has practiced compassion for decades.
“I am a Buddhist monk, and I have been a monk for more than 20 years. That inspired me to become a therapist,” Sarana shared. “I need to spread my lovingkindness and compassion toward people who are struggling. I practice mindfulness meditation and breathing skills as part of my life as a monk, and that has impacted [my approach] as a mental health clinician.”
Sarana used a combination of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), mindfulness practices, and culturally sensitive approaches to help Dan identify and challenge the thoughts that held him back. A breakthrough came when Dan recognized how catastrophizing — a form of irrational thinking — was fueling his despair.
“Once he understood that, he was able to focus more on his strengths,” Sarana shared. “His motivation to learn, his faith, and his willingness to engage in therapy made a big difference.”
Over time, Dan’s outlook shifted. He rebuilt confidence, embraced coping strategies like prayer and grounding exercises, and eventually achieved a major milestone — securing a job.
“That gave him confidence and a more positive view of his future,” Sarana said.
Dan’s journey shows how mental health care that honors culture and identity can ignite real healing and lasting change. We’re honored to be part of his journey and proud to offer hope and healing to newcomers rebuilding their lives, through gifted clinicians like Sarana.
*Dan is not the client’s real name.
