New to Grow
Hello, my name is Ricardo Guzman, LCSW. I identify as openly gay and was born in Honduras, but have also lived in Hong Kong, China; St. Paul, MN; and New York City. What inspired me to become a therapist were my own struggles with Coming-out of the closet, experiencing anxiety and depression, having my first heartbreak, as well as dealing with addiction (I am Sober), so I've been there myself. Therapy has helped me find healing in my own life and I know it can do the same to you. I will help you get back to self-love and acceptance.
In our first session together, here's what you can expect
Through our work together you will discover deeper levels of self-love, self-acceptance, and mental resilience. We can unearth past traumas and bring you into alignment with your true Self. You will find calmness and clarity of mind, along with the healing you desire. Come see what it's like to be fully yourself in a caring and compassionate presence.
The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions
I use an eclectic approach with a combination of attachment and psychodynamic theory, Cognitive Behavior Therapy, client-centered, humanistic, and trauma-sensitive approaches to address anxiety and mood disorders, ADHD, and issues pertaining to identity and sexuality. Together we will work on eradicating negative emotions and behavior patterns, and whatever obscures the light of your being. Contact me whenever you are ready to start your healing journey.
The clients I'm best positioned to serve
Are you are dealing with issues pertaining to your identity, plagued with anxiety and depression, having relationship difficulties, going through an existential crisis, or even a dark night of the soul? Well I am an LGBTQIA+-affirming therapist that specializes in working with gay/queer clients who are having trouble accepting themselves, clients in recovery from addiction/substance use, depression, and anxiety. I also love working with Couples and helping them restore peace in their relationships.
Attachment-based
I help my clients understand how parental attachment theory works and how to identify which style they most likely exhibit in relationships (anxious, avoidant, disorganized, & secure).
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I help clients understand the Cognitive-Behavior Therapy model, how to make use of the automatic thoughts record (homework), and how to identify the most common errors in thinking (i.e. black or white, catastrophizing, mind reading, etc.).
Couples Counseling
I make use of a combination of Imago Couples therapy (from "Getting the Love that you want" by Harville Hendrix, we do Exercises from the book), Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT), and Gottman-method. I also infuse sessions with Spirituality (when appropriate, including teachings from "A Course in Miracles" where relationships are framed as divine assignments and are life/soul-lessons in love and forgiveness; changing perspective/reframing from the Special relationship/person to Holy/Healed relationship).
Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)
Making special emphasis on the Emotions being experienced, how it affects relationships, and slowing-down the mind.
Psychodynamic
I make use of psychodynamic therapy principles (help clients increase self-awareness, insight). When using this modality, we focus on understanding how our unconscious thoughts, early life experiences, and past relationships influence our current feelings and behaviors. We get to uncover the hidden meaning of certain emotions and behaviors, negative patterns that we are stuck-in, and gaining insight/bringing up awareness to areas of our lives we might be blocked-off from.