I am a Latina, Spanish-speaking, first-generation professional with a master's in forensic psychology, dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the lives of my clients. I work full-time with the incarcerated population, I integrate evidence-based approaches such as Motivational Interviewing, DBT, ACT, and CBT to help individuals develop insight, emotional regulation, and coping skills for long-term change. With a passion for education and faculty training experience, I prioritize psychoeducation in my work, helping clients understand the connections between their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. By fostering self-awareness and resilience, I strive to empower individuals—whether they are navigating the criminal justice system or overcoming personal challenges—to reclaim their narratives and build lives rooted in purpose and growth. Through culturally responsive care, I create a space where clients feel seen, validated, and equipped to make meaningful changes.
In the first therapy session, clients can expect a welcoming and supportive environment where they can begin sharing their story at their own pace. I start by discussing confidentiality, informed consent, and the therapeutic process to ensure they feel comfortable and understand their rights. The session typically involves gathering background information, including personal history, current challenges, and goals for therapy. I take a collaborative approach, exploring what has brought them to therapy and what they hope to achieve. Depending on the client’s needs, I may introduce elements of psychoeducation to help them understand how therapy can support their growth.
I have cultural competency and lived experience, a strong clinical foundation, passion for education and empowerment, empathy and reliability
I am passionate about supporting the Latino and Spanish-speaking population, as well as college students and young adults navigating life stressors. I strive to create a safe and validating space where clients feel empowered to explore their emotions, build resilience, and align their actions with their values. Through a blend of mindfulness, skill-building, and relational support, I help clients foster self-awareness and navigate challenges with confidence and clarity.
I have utilized Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help clients identify and modify maladaptive thought patterns, emotions, and behaviors. Within the criminal justice system, I have worked with individuals who struggle with impulsivity, distorted thinking, and emotional regulation—issues that often contribute to their legal involvement. By employing CBT techniques such as cognitive restructuring, behavioral activation, and skills training, I have guided clients in recognizing the connection between their thoughts and behaviors, fostering accountability, and developing healthier coping strategies. Outside of the criminal justice system, I have applied CBT to a diverse client population dealing with anxiety, depression, PTSD, and relational difficulties. In these cases, I have utilized psychoeducation, guided exposure, and behavioral experiments to assist clients in reducing avoidance, improving emotional regulation, and enhancing their overall well-being. My approach is collaborative and strengths-based, empowering clients to take an active role in reshaping their cognitive and emotional responses.
I integrate Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to support clients in developing emotional regulation, distress tolerance, interpersonal effectiveness, and mindfulness skills. My approach is particularly effective for individuals struggling with emotional dysregulation, impulsivity, self-destructive behaviors, and difficulties in relationships.
Through experiential exercises, cognitive defusion techniques, and values exploration, I help clients recognize that thoughts and emotions do not have to dictate their behaviors. By fostering present-moment awareness and self-compassion, I guide them in shifting their focus from control to acceptance, allowing them to engage more fully in life.