Presenting Concerns – Ages 6-85: Anxiety, Culturally Sensitive Work, Depression, Grief/Loss, Life Transitions, PTSD/Trauma, Self Esteem
As a compassionate and skilled postdoctoral psychologist, my practice is built on the belief that you are the expert of your own life, and I view therapy as a collaborative process to help you achieve your goals. My goal is to create a safe space for children, teens, and adults to embark on their healing journey. I have a deep understanding of the impact of intergenerational trauma and systemic oppression, and I integrate therapeutic techniques to honor your unique background and experiences.
I have clinical experience working with individuals who have experienced difficulties related to incarceration, sexual violence, domestic violence, immigration, substance abuse, homicide, gang violence, first responder vicarious trauma, and intergenerational trauma. I use a holistic lens to understand how your life experiences contribute to a wide range of symptoms. Recognizing that healing looks different for everyone, I thoughtfully integrate traditional folk healing practices, such as curanderismo, into psychotherapy when appropriate. I aim to create a therapeutic relationship that honors the rituals and tools that have been passed down through generations within your family.
My therapeutic approach is an integrative and tailored process, rooted in a psychodynamic framework with a specific focus on the relational model. From this perspective, I help clients understand how problematic patterns may play out in our therapeutic space, which in turn strengthens our alliance and fosters meaningful change. I work to connect a client’s trauma to a larger narrative, recognizing that challenges are not solely from childhood but are also influenced by adversities across their lifespan. I also utilize Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to help clients process distressing memories and overcome their emotional impact. Additionally, I offer psychological testing for diagnostic clarification to inform a more targeted treatment plan and educational accommodations.