Get to know me

In our first session together, here's what you can expect

Our first session is all about getting to know each other and beginning to build a sense of comfort and trust. My goal is to make the space feel safe, welcoming, and relaxed — not like an interview or a test, but more like a meaningful conversation. During this first meeting, I’ll ask you a lot of questions — about what’s been going on, what brought you to therapy, and what you’d like to get out of our work together. I know it can feel like a lot at once, but I want you to know that future sessions won’t feel this structured. The first one just helps me get a full picture of who you are, what you’re struggling with, and what support you need right now. We’ll talk about your goals, your hopes for therapy, and what you’d like to see change in your life. You don’t have to have all the answers — we can figure that out together. Sometimes clients come in knowing exactly what they want to work on, and other times they just know something feels off and want help understanding why. Either way is perfectly okay. I’ll also explain how I work as a therapist, what you can expect from our sessions, and what different approaches might be helpful for you. Our first session helps me figure out which approach will best fit your goals and needs. This session is also your chance to get to know me. You can ask any questions you might have about therapy, my style, or what the process looks like moving forward. It’s important to me that you feel comfortable and confident in working together. Above all, I want you to leave our first session feeling heard and understood. This is your space — a place where you can be open, honest, and real without fear of judgment. My role is to listen, support, and help you make sense of what’s happening in your world. By the end of the session, we’ll have a clearer idea of what our work together might look like — what goals we’ll focus on, how often we’ll meet, and what next steps feel right for you. We’ll move at your pace, and we’ll adjust along the way as needed. Therapy isn’t one-size-fits-all; it’s a process we’ll shape together based on what feels most helpful to you.

The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions

One of my greatest strengths as a therapist is creating a safe, compassionate space where clients can be themselves — no filters, no judgment, just honesty and understanding. I approach therapy with warmth, curiosity, and a genuine desire to get to know you and what makes you you. My goal is to help you feel comfortable enough to open up, explore your experiences, and begin healing at your own pace. I’m trained and certified in several evidence-based approaches, including Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and LGBTQ+ Awareness and Affirmative Therapy. These methods give me a wide range of tools to meet each client’s unique needs, whether you’re struggling with anxiety, anger, depression, trauma, or identity-related stress. One of the most meaningful experiences in my career was working with a client who had experienced sexual abuse as a child. Through TF-CBT, we were able to process the trauma safely and gradually, helping them find relief from painful memories and begin to rebuild trust and self-worth. Watching their confidence and sense of peace grow over time reminded me why I do this work — healing is possible, and even small steps forward are powerful. I’ve also worked with many clients who experience anxiety and anger, using CBT techniques to help them better understand their thoughts, emotions, and triggers. Together, we focus on practical coping strategies and self-awareness tools that lead to lasting change. I’ve seen how, over time, clients begin to feel calmer, more in control, and more hopeful — which is incredibly rewarding to witness. As a bilingual therapist from Puerto Rico, I bring a culturally sensitive perspective to my work. I understand how culture, identity, and language shape who we are and how we experience the world. Whether you feel more comfortable speaking in English, Spanish, or Spanglish! My goal is to make therapy feel natural and accessible, no matter your background or comfort level. What truly makes me effective as a therapist is my ability to listen deeply. I don’t just hear your words — I pay attention to what’s underneath them, to what’s hard to say, and to the emotions that need space. Clients often tell me they feel genuinely seen and understood in our sessions, which is something I value deeply. My approach is collaborative and tailored to you. I don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all model — instead, I adapt my methods to

The clients I'm best positioned to serve

I work with children (10 and up), teens, and young adults who might be struggling with feelings of sadness, anxiety, or worry that seem to take over your thoughts. Maybe you’ve experienced trauma or loss, and you’re tired of carrying the weight of it alone. You might be feeling disconnected from friends, uncertain about your identity, or frustrated with family dynamics that leave you feeling unseen or misunderstood. Some days you might feel okay, while other days it feels hard to get out of bed, stay motivated, or believe that things can get better. I work best with clients who are open to exploring who they are and what they need to feel whole again. You don’t have to have everything figured out before starting therapy — that’s what we’ll work on together. My goal is to create a safe, supportive space where you can share your story without fear of judgment and start to see your own strength, even when it feels hard to find. Many of my clients come to me because they’re navigating depression, anxiety, or the effects of trauma. Others are learning to manage intense emotions, self-harm urges, or suicidal thoughts, and they need a space where those feelings can be understood and cared for with compassion. I also work with LGBTQ+ youth and young adults who are exploring their identity or seeking acceptance — within themselves, their families, or their communities. For my younger clients and teens, I know how tough school, friendships, and family relationships can be — especially when you feel like no one really gets what you’re going through. In our sessions, we’ll focus on helping you express yourself, build healthy communication skills, and find ways to manage emotions so they don’t feel so overwhelming. You’ll always have a space where your feelings matter and your voice is heard. For young adults, I know this stage of life can bring a lot of uncertainty — figuring out who you are, what you want, and how to handle the pressure that comes with growing up. Whether you’re dealing with stress from school, work, relationships, or just trying to find direction, I’m here to help you make sense of it all and find clarity and purpose in your journey. You don’t have to go through this alone. Whether you’re 10 or 25, whether you’re just beginning to open up about what’s been hard or you’ve been in therapy before, I’m here to meet you where you are and help you find your way forward.

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