(he/him)
Seeking help for mental health can often feel overwhelming. My goal is to make your counseling experience a comfortable one. I am a bilingual, Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with a Masters degree from Ottawa University and 7 years of experience working with youth and adults. I bring a unique perspective to my practice as I live successfully with ADHD, have 17 years of recovery from substance abuse, and am a proud member of the LGBTQ+ family. Beyond my professional life, I am a father, a brother, a mentor to many youth, and a humble servant to my community. Buscar ayuda para la salud mental puede resultar abrumador. Mi objetivo es que su experiencia de terapia sea cómoda. Soy consejero profesional licenciado (LPC), con una maestría de la Universidad de Ottawa y 7 años de experiencia trabajando con jóvenes y adultos. Aporto una perspectiva única a mi práctica, ya que convivo con el TDAH, tengo 17 años de recuperación de la adicción a las drogas y soy un orgulloso miembro de la comunidad LGBTQ+. Además de mi vida profesional, soy padre, hermano, mentor de muchos jóvenes y un humilde servidor de mi comunidad.
Your first session establishes a secure therapeutic foundation. We'll begin with introductions to build rapport. Next, we'll discuss the therapy journey, including a comprehensive review of expectations and informed consent, covering confidentiality, its limits, and policies. Then, we'll focus on the presenting issue—the primary concern, exploring its history, impact, and desired outcomes. Finally, we will collaboratively develop a personalized treatment plan. Durante su primera sesión, sentaremos la base de una relación terapéutica sólida comenzando con presentaciones. A continuación, hablaremos sobre el proceso terapéutico, incluyendo una revisión de las expectativas y el consentimiento informado, que abarca la confidencialidad, sus límites y las políticas correspondientes. Luego, nos centraremos en el problema principal, explorando su origen, su impacto y los resultados deseados, para finalmente desarrollar juntos un plan de tratamiento personalizado.
My journey into a career as a therapist began after a life-changing meeting with my substance abuse counselor during my first rehabilitation experience. As a deeply fearful and ashamed alcoholic, I was met with his genuine, kind, and compassionate demeanor, which offered comfort, validation, and acceptance. This initial session was a pivotal moment, restoring enough confidence in me to continue my path to healing. In my practice, I am committed to having the same transformative and positive impact on your life that my first therapist had on mine. Mi carrera como terapeuta comenzó tras un encuentro que cambió mi vida con mi consejero de adicciones durante mi primera experiencia de rehabilitación. Como alcohólico profundamente temeroso y avergonzado, me encontré con una persona genuina, amable y compasiva, que me brindó consuelo, comprensión y aceptación. Esta primera sesión fue un momento crucial que me devolvió la confianza necesaria para continuar mi camino hacia la recuperación. En mi práctica, me comprometo a tener el mismo impacto transformador y positivo en su vida.
Adult clients often seek therapy to finally deal with unhealthy behaviors or overwhelming mood dysregulation that feels like anxiety, anger, fear, or depression. After some exploring, we usually arrive at the origin of their issue. Brain programming for all begins at the last trimester of mom's pregnancy through the age of 10. All childhood experiences are captured. Those that are not recognized and corrected become the maladaptive distorted beliefs that guide our behaviors to adulthood. It is still inspiring to witness their healing process after regressing to marking childhood moments where they get to reparent their inner-child in a healthy and loving way.
Top specialties
Addiction
Anxiety
Trauma and PTSD
Other specialties
Grief
I identify as
Hispanic / Latinx
LGBTQ
Man
Native American
Person of Color (POC)
Adults (18 to 64)
Children (6 to 12)
Elders (65 and above)
Teenagers (13 to 17)
Arizona
Eclectic
I have learned that the treatment approach to each of my clients has been tailored to their individualized needs. I believe that psychoeducation about the presenting issue and the methods of treatment can empower and encourage you. Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (MCBT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) are effective means to create change. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) helps to overcome adversities, that would otherwise remain stagnant.
Psychoeducation
Knowledge is power, therefore you might feel empowered to create change once you learn the answers to the what, when, where, why, and how that pertain to the present malady.
Trauma Informed Care
Mental health issues that are evident are often times expressed due to an underlying issue associated to a past adverse experience. Appropriate exploration into the your past can provide valuable insight to the presenting issues. An identified adverse experience can be treated, resulting in elimination of the presenting issue.
EMDR
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) has been my most effective method of decreasing disturbances and barriers stemming from generational trauma, adverse childhood trauma, sexual abuse, verbal abuse, domestic violence, and death/loss, to name a few. I use EMDR to create and reinforce new positive thoughts that can lead to new positive emotions.
10 ratings with written reviews
May 10, 2026
My experience with therapy has been very positive. I felt safe, heard, and genuinely supported throughout the process. The environment was welcoming and comfortable, which made it easier to open up and discuss difficult situations. I appreciated the therapist’s ability to listen without judgment while providing thoughtful guidance and support. I am very grateful for the experience and the care that was shown during our sessions.
May 1, 2026
This was my first session with Leo and I already feel like I made the right choice. He was very patient and genuinely listened to my experience. What stood out was how understanding he was about my situation! He didn't make me feel judged at all. He also offered practical methods that were actually helpful. Looking forward to continuing our sessions. 😊
April 24, 2026
I can’t fully put into words how much having Leo as my therapist changed my life. I began therapy overwhelmed with trauma, grief, anxiety, and depression, doubting it could help me. Over time that doubt turned into trust. He created a space where I felt safe enough to face what I had buried for so long. With his guidance I found strength, clarity, and peace I never thought possible. Ending therapy was emotional because of the bond we built but it also showed how far I’ve come. Thank you so much!