Andrea Ruiz
I am a bilingual (English and Spanish) Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) originally from Puerto Rico. I provide compassionate, direct, and trauma-informed therapy, recognizing that each person brings unique experiences, strengths, and challenges to the therapeutic process.
I support clients in understanding emotional and behavioral patterns, processing difficult experiences, improving emotional regulation, and developing healthier ways of navigating life's.
My clinical focus is working with adults experiencing mood disorders, anxiety and fear-based disorders, trauma-related concerns, and select personality disorders. I support clients in understanding emotional and behavioral patterns, processing difficult experiences, improving emotional regulation, and developing healthier ways of navigating life's. I believe therapy is a collaborative process, and I strive to meet you where you are without judgment. I value self-determination and believe you should have an active voice in identifying your needs, establishing personal goals, and determining the direction of your treatment.
First session
Our first session is an opportunity for us to get to know each other and begin building a therapeutic relationship grounded in trust, openness, and collaboration. There is no expectation to have everything figured out before we meet; we will take the process one step at a time, at a pace that feels right for you.
Strengths
My therapeutic approach is direct, personal, and approachable. I value psychoeducation and believe that understanding the connection between thoughts, emotions, and behaviors can be empowering. I incorporate education, practical tools, and evidence-based interventions to help clients better understand their experiences, develop insight and heal.
Ideal clients
I work with individuals who may be struggling with low mood, low self-esteem, anxiety, family conflicts, and setting healthy boundaries. Many of my clients are navigating difficult seasons in life and may feel overwhelmed, emotionally drained, misunderstood, or unsure of how to move forward. Some struggle with believing in themselves, recognizing their worth, or feeling confident in their decisions. Others may experience anxiety, worry, sadness, or difficulty managing their emotions.
Origin story
My journey into mental health care was inspired by personal experiences, including growing up with young parents and recognizing the stigma surrounding mental health within Latino culture. My interest in neuroscience and laboratory research deepened my understanding of the connection between brain functioning, emotions, and behaviors.
Ongoing work together
Our ongoing work together will focus on creating a safe, supportive, and judgment-free space where clients feel heard, understood, and comfortable exploring their emotions and experiences. Together, we will explore past experiences, family dynamics, and relationship patterns to better understand how they influence present thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Through developing insight and self-awareness, clients will begin recognizing unhealthy patterns, emotional triggers, and beliefs that may be affecting their self-esteem, mood, anxiety, and relationships. We will also focus on building self-compassion, challenging negative thought patterns through cognitive restructuring, and developing healthy coping skills to manage life's challenges. Clients will learn to set healthy boundaries, improve emotional regulation, navigate family conflicts, and develop a more positive relationship with themselves. My goal is to empower clients to recognize their worth, build confidence, and make meaningful changes while reminding them that healing is a journey that takes patience, practice, and self-love.
Treatment methods
EMDR
EMDR is a type of therapy that helps people process painful or distressing experiences that may still affect how they think, feel, and respond to situations in their everyday lives. Sometimes, when we go through difficult or traumatic experiences, our brains have trouble fully processing what happened. Those memories can continue to bring up feelings of fear, sadness, anxiety, guilt, or shame, even long after the experience is over. EMDR helps the brain reprocess these memories so they become less emotionally overwhelming. During EMDR, a trained therapist guides the client through recalling aspects of a distressing memory while using bilateral stimulation, such as guided side-to-side eye movements, alternating sounds, or gentle tapping. The goal is to help the client process the experience in a safe and supportive environment, rather than feeling stuck in the emotions connected to it. The goal of EMDR is not to erase memories or pretend painful things never happened. It is to help people change how those memories affect them today, reduce emotional distress, and develop healthier beliefs about themselves. Ultimately, EMDR can help individuals move from feeling controlled by their past to feeling more empowered, confident, and at peace with themselves.
Acceptance and commitment (ACT)
ACT stands for Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. It is a type of therapy that helps individuals learn to accept difficult thoughts and emotions rather than fighting, avoiding, or judging them. ACT teaches people that they cannot always control what they think or feel, but they can learn to change how they respond. Through ACT, clients develop mindfulness, emotional awareness, and healthier coping skills while identifying what truly matters to them. The goal is to help individuals let go of the struggle with difficult emotions, build psychological flexibility, and take meaningful steps toward living a happier, healthier, and more fulfilling life.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
CBT stands for Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. It is a type of therapy that helps individuals understand how their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are connected. CBT teaches clients to recognize negative or unhelpful thinking patterns that may contribute to anxiety, low mood, stress, and low self-esteem. Through CBT, clients learn to challenge negative thoughts, develop healthier perspectives, and practice positive coping skills. The goal is to help individuals change unhelpful patterns, manage their emotions, improve their confidence, and develop healthier ways of responding to everyday challenges.
Solution-Focused Brief Treatment
Solution-Focused Therapy is a goal-oriented approach that focuses on a person's strengths, resources, and abilities rather than dwelling on problems. It helps clients identify what is already working in their lives and explore small, realistic steps toward positive change. The goal is to empower individuals to recognize their potential, build confidence, develop practical solutions, and move toward the future they want.
Psychodynamic
Psychodynamic therapy is an approach that helps individuals understand how past experiences, childhood memories, family dynamics, and unconscious thoughts and feelings influence their current behaviors, emotions, and relationships. Through exploring these patterns, clients develop greater self-awareness and insight into why they think, feel, and respond the way they do. The goal is to help individuals work through unresolved emotions, recognize unhealthy patterns, improve relationships, and create lasting positive changes in their lives.
Location
Virtual sessions
Identifies as
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Licensed in
- CaliforniaLicense 135975