¡Hablo Español! Hello, and thank you for taking the time to read my profile. My name is Roxana, and I’m a first-generation Mexican-American, born and raised in Southern California. I proudly served in the Marine Corps and have been working in mental health since 2012, providing case management to individuals facing homelessness and severe mental illness. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of working in diverse settings throughout Riverside County, including Domestic Violence and Forensic Mental Health, where I worked closely with men in the Criminal Justice System. During my practicum, I provided individual counseling to military members, veterans, and first responders, helping them address relationship conflicts, PTSD, anxiety, and depression. My therapeutic approach includes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), as well as Gottman Relationship Method (Level 1). However, I believe that effective therapy begins with a genuine, person-to-person connection—one that builds trust, fosters open communication, and creates a sense of safety and mutual respect. My goal is to create a space where clients feel truly seen and valued, and I occasionally use humor to support meaningful therapeutic work that fosters long-lasting growth and change. Thank you again for visiting my profile—it would be an honor to work with you!
During the first session, we’ll focus on getting to know each other and setting the foundation for our work together. I’ll guide you through a comprehensive biopsychosocial assessment, which involves exploring various aspects of your life, such as your physical and emotional health, relationships, work, and personal history. This assessment is an essential part of the process because it helps me gain a holistic understanding of who you are, the challenges you’re facing, and the strengths you bring to therapy. By gathering this information, we can create a personalized approach to support your goals and ensure our work together is as effective and meaningful as possible.
I believe my greatest strengths as a provider lie in my ability to model the importance of practicing the skills and techniques we discuss in therapy. I actively apply these practices in my own life, which helps me stay grounded and effective in supporting my clients. Additionally, my personal experience receiving therapy during my graduate program and practicum has given me a deep understanding of the challenges and rewards of the therapeutic journey. This firsthand experience allows me to empathize with clients and reinforces my commitment to the process, ensuring I can guide them through their own growth with compassion and insight.
I am best positioned to serve clients who are committed to their personal growth and willing to actively engage in therapy. I work well with individuals who understand the importance of practicing skills developed in sessions between appointments, as I believe this is essential for achieving lasting wellness and meaningful progress. As a direct and compassionate therapist, I address underlying issues that may be holding clients back while occasionally using humor to foster connection and lighten the process. I encourage clients to find moments of humor even as we focus on areas that need to be addressed, creating a balanced environment where growth feels both meaningful and approachable. While starting therapy can feel overwhelming, I remind clients that, like going to the gym, consistent effort through moments of discomfort leads to positive changes in every area of life.
have experience using CBT to help clients identify and challenge negative thought patterns contributing to their distress. During sessions, I guide clients in recognizing the connection between their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors and work collaboratively to reframe unhelpful beliefs. I also incorporate practical tools, such as thought records and behavioral experiments, to reinforce skill development and encourage real-world application. This approach empowers clients to develop healthier coping strategies and improve emotional regulation.
I have experience using ACT to help clients increase psychological flexibility by focusing on acceptance and commitment to values-driven actions. During sessions, I guide clients in identifying unhelpful thoughts and emotions, encouraging them to observe these experiences without judgment. I incorporate mindfulness exercises and values exploration to help clients align their actions with what matters most to them. This approach empowers clients to live more meaningful lives despite challenges.
I have experience using CBT-I to help clients address insomnia by targeting the thoughts and behaviors that disrupt sleep. During sessions, I guide clients in implementing evidence-based strategies such as sleep hygiene education, cognitive restructuring, and stimulus control. I also support clients in developing consistent sleep patterns through relaxation techniques and sleep restriction therapy. This approach promotes healthier sleep habits and improves overall quality of life.
I use an eclectic approach to tailor therapy to each client’s unique needs, drawing from various evidence-based modalities such as CBT, DBT, ACT, and Existential techniques. During sessions, I assess what interventions are most effective for the client’s goals and adapt my methods accordingly. This flexibility allows me to address a wide range of challenges, from emotional regulation to interpersonal issues. By combining approaches, I help clients build personalized strategies for growth and healing. I am currently in the process of obtaining DBT certification to deepen my expertise and enhance the support I provide.
I am Level 1 trained in the Gottman Method, which I use to help couples improve communication, rebuild trust, and strengthen their emotional connection. During sessions, I guide couples through evidence-based techniques such as the “Gottman Love Maps” exercise and the “Aftermath of a Fight” dialogue. I also focus on enhancing conflict management skills and fostering mutual appreciation. This approach helps couples create a stronger foundation for a healthy and lasting relationship.