I’m Rachel Toback, MSW, MAT, QMHP, CHt
The path forward can be vibrant.
Sometimes the confusing maze of life is too much to navigate alone.
Welcome. There’s no need to navigate this path alone.
So many people have learned to hide or discard parts of themselves just to make it through a rigid world. Through mindfulness-based, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive care, we’ll create space to gently move from where you are now toward healing, connection, and wholeness.
I’m here to support you in finding your own Vibrant Path.
In our work together, you can expect collaborative, grounded support as you navigate attachment and belonging wounds, free yourself from oppressive cultural messaging, and/or explore your spirituality, values, and identities.
Together, we will explore ways to help you feel more present, connected, and at home in yourself in an increasingly disconnected and disorienting world. You can expand self-acceptance, deepen relationships, and develop a clearer sense of purpose.
With a focus on belonging and attunement, somatic understanding and assisted self-study, this work unfolds as a deeply relational process rooted in each person’s innate wisdom.
All aspects are welcome: head, heart, body, spirit, dreams, and beyond.
The Methods I Use to support our work
Hakomi
Using body sensations, gestures and postures, we slow down and become mindful of what the body needs to communicate. Together, we learn how to offer nourishment to those stuck spots from a place of slowness, curiosity and gentle attunement. Discover what it’s like to be listened to on a deeper level of consciousness and the transformation that arises naturally from this simple yet profound presence.
Learn more about Hakomi here
More about me, less about work
I’m a white, non-binary, middle-class, straight-passing human with Russian Jewish and Western European ancestral lineages, living with neurodivergence & otherwise able-bodied.
I moved to Portland in 2009 and have worked to build deep roots in our community as an educator, author & aspiring therapist. When I’m not working, I love to hike, cook, read, and explore a constantly rotating roster interests.
I endeavor always to be a small part of the universe simply observing itself.
Acronyms:
MSW= Master of Social Work
MAT= Master of Arts in Teaching
QMHP= Qualified Mental Health Professional
CHt= Certified Hypnotherapist
I’m certified through the Sexual Health Alliance to provide therapeutic coaching that is sex and kink positive that also respects the spectrum of gender and relationship structures.
I’m a Registered Yoga Teacher, having trained in Portland, Oregon and providing trauma-informed yoga classes to high school students in North Portland and the Saint John’s area.
I’m a licensed teacher in Oregon, with a passion for psycho-education and continued learning. I am credentialed to teach secondary Health and PE and I also taught mindfulness, yoga and life skills at the high school level.
Homework available upon request!
I’m an organized program manager with ample experience in programmatic design, implementation and evaluation. I specialize in needs assessment and stakeholder-informed data collection, with expertise in budgeting, contracting, and timeline management.
I’m inspired by the natural world, friendship, music & exploring the vast unknown.
Credentials, Training, Education and Experience
2024-2026 Masters in Social Work, PSU. Summa Cum Laude
2025-2026 Pulse Wellness Cooperative. 1 year therapy internship
2025-2025 Disability Recourse Center, Portland State University. 1 year case management internship
2024-2026 Hakomi, Mindfulness Based Somatic Psychotherapy. Comprehensive Skills
With Lead teachers Gregory Gaiser & Rupesh Chhagan
2023 Center For Body Trust Certification
Quarterly Supervision with Dana Sturtevant, RD & Hilary Kinavey, LPC
2022 Northwest Hypnosis Institute, National Guild of Hypnotists Certified
Ongoing mentorship by Jillian Brown, LPC
2022-2026 Portland Public Schools. Mental Health Program Manager.
2019 Yoga Union. 200 hour Teacher Training
2018 Trained Vipassasa Meditator. 10-day Silent Vipassana Meditation Training
2018 Street Yoga. Trauma-Informed Yoga for Youth Certification
2018-2022 Portland Public Schools. Roosevelt High School, Health Teacher.
2017-2018 Masters in Arts and Teaching, Concordia University. Cum Laude
Hypnosis
Using guided imagery and deepened relaxation, hypnosis allows you to explore your subconscious patterning with support and safety. In a state of trance or deep calm, similar to a guided meditation or savassana (the stillness at the end of a yoga class), letting the conscious mind rest via hypnosis allows deeper access to the core material that brought you to session, such as ingrained patterns, old stuck memories, trauma and curiosity.
Learn More About Hypnotherapy Here
Inspiration and Influences
The Center For Body Trust
I’m certified through the Center for Body Trust® to provide weight-inclusive, liberatory care divested from diet culture. Greater access to body awareness can be supported through acceptance and peace with the body’s shape, appearance and size. Greater embodiment is not only possible, it’s your birthright.