Veronica Tovar-Castro
Hello, my name is Veronica/Vee and as a first-generation Chicana (Mexican American) I have learned the importance of how a person’s identities intersect and shape their life experiences. I am a culturally affirming therapist that shows up in every session with authenticity.
Hello, my name is Veronica/Vee and as a first-generation Chicana (Mexican American) I have learned the importance of how a person’s identities intersect and shape their life experiences.
My approach in the therapy space is personalized to you as I integrate a variety of methods such as strengths-based approaches, cognitive behavioral therapy, somatic interventions, and compassion focused therapy techniques because therapy shouldn’t be “one size fits all.”
First session
In your first session with me, you can expect a warm welcome and a relaxed atmosphere where we focus on building a strong therapeutic relationship. We’ll discuss what’s important to you, the challenges you are facing, and will start creating a genuine and trusting connection. This foundation is crucial for meaningful change in a supportive environment.
Strengths
I place a strong emphasis on building a safe therapeutic relationship and space to facilitate your process in reconnecting with your emotional self, the intersections of your identity, and the life experiences that shape your view of self and your world.
Ideal clients
You might be looking for support in balancing your traditional cultural values with modern life. You could face challenges such as fitting in, family issues, or dealing with societal barriers. You need a therapist who understands these experiences from both a personal and professional perspective. If you're dealing with stress from adapting to a new culture, family history issues, or managing a mix of different cultural identities, I’m here to help. I offer a therapeutic approach that respects and integrates your cultural background, providing a space where your experiences and values are acknowledged and validated. I’m here to listen and work with you as you explore how your culture affects your mental health. If you value a therapist who understands your cultural references, and connects with your experiences, we can create a warm, trusting space where you feel safe to address your challenges and work towards your goals.
Treatment methods
Attachment-based
Attachment-based therapy focuses on understanding and improving relationships and emotional bonds, often rooted in early life experiences. In practice, it involves exploring how these early attachments impact current relationships and emotional well-being. I work with people to build secure, trusting connections within the therapeutic relationship, modeling healthy attachment behaviors and helping people develop better relationship skills. This approach aims to heal attachment wounds, enhance emotional regulation, and foster healthier interpersonal dynamics. It’s often useful for people struggling with issues like anxiety, depression, and relationship difficulties, promoting deeper self-awareness and emotional resilience.
Adlerian
Adlerian therapy focuses on understanding individuals' lifestyle and goals within a social context. It emphasizes goal setting and overcoming inferiority feelings. In practice, it involves exploring early childhood experiences, fostering self-awareness, and promoting social connectedness to help individuals achieve personal growth and change.
Somatic
Somatic therapy integrates body awareness with emotional processing. It uses techniques like breathwork and movement to help people connect physical sensations with emotions, facilitating trauma release and healing. In practice, it involves guiding clients to tune into their bodies and release stored tension for holistic well-being.
Compassion-Focused
Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT) combines cognitive-behavioral techniques with compassion training. It helps clients develop self-compassion and empathy to address shame and self-criticism. In therapy, this involves exercises to build a compassionate self-image, mindfulness practices, and techniques to foster emotional resilience and acceptance.
Eclectic
Eclectic therapy blends techniques from various therapeutic approaches tailored to each person's needs. This therapy model integrates methods from cognitive-behavioral, psychodynamic, and humanistic therapies, adapting strategies to the client's specific issues, goals, and preferences, promoting flexibility and personalized treatment for effective outcomes.
Location
Virtual sessions