New to Grow
I’m Memory Nunez, LCSW, a seasoned social worker with more than 20 years of experience supporting individuals and communities impacted by mental health, substance use, trauma, and systems-level challenges. My work has spanned community mental health, crisis response, housing and recovery programs, and collaborative partnerships with city and justice-system agencies, where I’ve focused on compassionate, dignity-centered care for people who are often overlooked or marginalized. I bring a grounded, relational, and culturally-aware approach to therapy, creating a safe space where clients can heal, build insight, and move toward meaningful change
In our first session together, here's what you can expect
In our first session, we focus on getting to know you — your story, your goals for therapy, and what has brought you in at this point in your life. I’ll ask gentle, supportive questions about your history, current challenges, strengths, and what you’re hoping to change or better understand. This time is also an opportunity for you to share what has or hasn’t worked in past therapy, your comfort level, and the kind of support you’re looking for. Together, we’ll begin identifying priorities for treatment and establish a pace that feels safe and manageable. My goal is for you to leave the first session feeling heard, respected, and hopeful about the work we’ll be doing together.
The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions
One of my greatest strengths as a therapist is my ability to create a warm, grounded, and non-judgmental space where clients feel safe being honest and vulnerable. I bring a trauma-informed, culturally aware perspective and a deep understanding of how life experiences, stress, and systemic factors shape a person’s story. My approach blends compassion with practical insight — helping clients build awareness of patterns while also developing real-life coping skills, boundaries, and emotional resilience. I’m collaborative and direct when needed, and I work at a pace that honors both safety and growth. Clients often share that they appreciate my balance of empathy, clarity, and steady support as they move toward healing and meaningful change.
The clients I'm best positioned to serve
I work best with clients who are ready to look inward, explore their patterns, and make meaningful changes in their lives — even if they’re feeling overwhelmed, discouraged, or unsure where to start. Many of the people I support are navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship or attachment wounds, identity transitions, or the impact of stressful environments, systems involvement, or life instability. My ideal clients are curious about understanding why they feel the way they do and are open to developing healthier coping skills, stronger boundaries, and a more compassionate relationship with themselves. Whether someone is rebuilding after difficult experiences, seeking emotional stability, or working toward personal growth, I provide a grounded, supportive space where healing can unfold at a pace that feels safe and respectful.
Psychodynamic
My work with clients often includes a psychodynamic lens, which explores how early experiences, relationship patterns, and unresolved emotions may be shaping current thoughts and behaviors. In therapy, we slow down and reflect on the deeper meanings behind reactions, themes, and emotional responses that show up in daily life and within the therapeutic relationship. This process helps clients develop insight, self-understanding, and a more compassionate connection to themselves, which supports long-term emotional growth and change.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I also integrate Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), a structured, goal-directed approach that focuses on the connection between thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Together, we identify patterns that may be contributing to stress, anxiety, or depression, and practice practical skills such as reframing unhelpful thinking, problem-solving, and developing healthier coping responses. Clients often appreciate CBT because it offers concrete tools and strategies they can use both in and outside of sessions to support progress.
Solution Focused Brief Treatment
In addition, I use Solution-Focused Brief Therapy to help clients concentrate on strengths, resilience, and what is already working in their lives. Rather than staying centered on problems, this approach emphasizes future possibilities, personal resources, and small, meaningful changes that move clients toward their goals. We explore moments of success, identify what improvement would look like, and build realistic steps that support progress in the here-and-now.
Psychoeducation
I regularly incorporate psychoeducation into my work with clients as a way to help them better understand their symptoms, emotional responses, and behavioral patterns. Through teaching concepts related to mental health, trauma, the nervous system, and coping strategies, I support clients in developing insight and a stronger sense of control over what they are experiencing. I tailor information to each client’s goals and learning style so the material feels relevant, accessible, and empowering rather than clinical or overwhelming.In therapy, I also share helpful information about how the brain, body, and emotions work, and how stress, trauma, or life experiences can affect you. Understanding why you feel or react a certain way can reduce shame and confusion, and it often makes change feel more possible. We take what you learn and connect it directly to your real-life experiences so you can use that knowledge to make informed choices and practice healthier coping skills.