Licensed to practice in California and accepts 6 insurances. Specializes in Anxiety, Coping Skills, Self Esteem and 9 more.
(she/her)
New to Grow
Hi, I'm Rocio Velasco, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with over nine years of experience helping individuals navigate life's challenges. I believe theraphy should feel like a safe, supportive space where you can be yourself without fear of judgement. My approach is warm, compassionate, and collaborative-we'll work together to better understand what's happening, build on your strengths, and develop practical tools that create lasting change.
Starting therapy can feel intimidating, and it's completely normal to feel nervous. During out first session, my goal is simply to get to know you. We'll talk about what brings you to therapy, explore your current concerns, discuss your personal history, and identify what you'd like to accomplish. There is no pressure to share everything at once-we'll move at a pace that feels comfortable for you. Together we'll begin developing a plan that is personalized to your goals. You'll have plenty of opportunities to ask questions, and we'll make sure you leave the session with a clear understanding of the next steps. My priority is for you to feel heard, respected, and supported from the very beginning.
I have extensive experience treating anxiety, depression, trauma, life transitions, stress, self-esteem concerns, and relationship challenges. I use evidenced based approaches including CBT, DBT, EMDR, ACT, Solution-Focused Therapy, strength-based interventions, and trauma-informed care. Whether you're feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or simply looking for personal growth, i'm here to help you move forward with confidence and risilience.
I work best with clients who are looking to better understand themselves, work through difficult experiences, and create meaningful change in their lives. My ideal clients may be experiencing anxiety, depression, stress, relationship challenges, life transitions, low self-esteem, or the lasting effects of difficult experiences. Clients I work well with are often seeking support to develop healthier coping skills, strengthen their relationships, improve emotional regulation, build confidence, and feel more in control of their lives. Some may feel stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure of where to begin, while others may simply want a safe space to process their experiences and gain a deeper understanding of themselves. The mindset that tends to work best in therapy is a willingness to be open, curious, and engaged in the process. Clients do not need to have everything figured out before starting therapy. I value clients who are willing to explore their thoughts and emotions at their own pace, consider new perspectives, and take small steps toward the changes they want to make. My goal is to create a supportive, nonjudgmental environment where clients feel heard, understood, and empowered to move forward.
I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help clients understand the connection between their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Together, we identify patterns of thinking that may be contributing to distress and explore more balanced and helpful ways of responding. CBT is practical and goal-oriented, so our work may include developing coping skills, challenging unhelpful thoughts, practicing emotional regulation, and creating small behavioral changes between sessions. I work collaboratively with clients so that strategies feel realistic and relevant to their everyday lives. My goal is not to tell you how you should think or feel, but to help you develop a greater awareness of your patterns and the tools to respond to challenges with more confidence and flexibility.
I use Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to help clients develop greater psychological flexibility and learn how to respond to difficult thoughts and emotions without allowing them to control their lives. Rather than trying to eliminate uncomfortable feelings or thoughts, we work on making space for them while identifying what truly matters to you. Together, we explore your values and how they can guide meaningful choices and actions. Our work may include mindfulness, acceptance, noticing unhelpful patterns, and practicing ways to stay present even when life feels difficult. My goal is to help you build a life that feels meaningful and aligned with your values, while developing the confidence and skills to navigate challenges with greater openness and self-compassion.
I approach couples counseling as a collaborative process where both partners have the opportunity to feel heard, understood, and supported. We work together to better understand patterns in the relationship, improve communication, and identify the underlying needs and concerns that may be contributing to conflict or disconnection. Sessions may focus on learning healthier ways to communicate, managing conflict, rebuilding trust, strengthening emotional connection, and developing practical tools for navigating challenges as a team. I strive to create a balanced, nonjudgmental environment where each partner can express themselves openly while also learning to understand their partner's perspective. The goal is not to determine who is right or wrong, but to help couples develop healthier patterns, strengthen their connection, and make intentional decisions about the relationship moving forward.
I use Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to help clients better understand and manage intense emotions, cope with difficult situations, and develop healthier ways of responding to stress. DBT emphasizes practical skills that can be applied in everyday life. Together, we may work on mindfulness, emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness. These skills can help clients pause before reacting, communicate their needs more effectively, navigate challenging relationships, and cope with overwhelming emotions without becoming consumed by them. I use a collaborative and supportive approach, helping clients practice these skills at a pace that feels manageable. The goal is to help you feel more confident in your ability to handle difficult emotions and situations while building a life that feels more balanced and meaningful.