New to Grow
Welcome, I'm glad you are here today. I'm licensed clinical social worker offering therapy in both English and Spanish. I graduated with a master's degree in social worker from California State University, Long Beach. I've been a clinical social worker for the past 8 years and trained in cognitive behavioral therapy. I started my career in mental health community clinic working with adults of severe mental health disorder. I have worked with underserved community, including students, parents, immigrant families, and incarcerated population. I am most comfortable working with mild to moderate client experiencing depression and anxiety.
In our first session together, here's what you can expect
Our first session is about building a partnership, not just answering forms. We start with a Person-Centered approach, meaning you have a safe, judgment-free space to share your story exactly as it is. From there, we use Strength-Based tools to identify the resilience and skills you’ve already used to cope, so we can use those 'mental muscles' to tackle your current challenges. If you’re feeling 'stuck' or unsure about change, we use Motivational Interviewing to help you find your own best reasons for moving forward. Finally, we plug in CBT to look at the 'loop' between your thoughts, feelings, and actions, giving you practical ways to break negative patterns. You’ll leave that first hour not just feeling heard, but with a clear map of how we’re going to help you feel like yourself again."
The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions
In our sessions we’re going to use a 'Power-Three' approach to help you move forward. First, we use Strength-Based Therapy to identify the unique 'mental muscles' and resilience you already have reminding you that you aren't broken, you're capable. Next, we use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to look under the hood of your anxiety or depression, showing you exactly how your thoughts, feelings, and actions are connected so we can break those negative loops. Finally, we use Motivational Interviewing as a partnership to help you find your own best reasons for change, ensuring that the goals we set are yours. Together, this means we aren't just talking about your problems; we’re using your strengths and the right tools to build a life where you feel back in control
The clients I'm best positioned to serve
I provide therapy to individuals navigating depression, anxiety, life transition, grief, relationship issues. I work with individuals who may be feeling stuck, emotionally exhausted, or unsure about their next step. Together, we explore patterns, building coping skills, develop tools to manage intense emotion, and symptoms reduction.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
In CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) we look at the 'mechanics' of your distress. We’ll explore how your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are all connected in a loop. By recognizing these patterns, we can challenge those recurring negative thoughts and change the behaviors that keep you feeling stuck. The goal is to give you practical tools to shift your thinking, reduce your symptoms, and help you feel more in control of your daily life."
Strength-Based
Instead of just focusing on what’s 'wrong' with you or what’s 'broken,' we’re going to spend our time looking at what’s right with you. I see you as the expert on your own life, and I believe you already have a 'toolbox' of skills and resilience that has helped you survive this far. Our goal isn't just to talk about your problems; it’s to find your unique strengths for example like your humor, your persistence, or your support system and use those 'mental muscles' to help you move forward. We’re not just trying to make you feel less bad; we’re working together so you can truly thrive.
Motivational Interviewing
In our work together, I’m not here to be the 'expert' who tells you what’s wrong or gives you a to-do list; instead, I use a style called Motivational Interviewing to help you find your own path to change. My main technique is to listen for your 'Change Talk' those moments when you mention a desire or a reason to do things differently and highlight them so we can explore what matters most to you. I’ll use a lot of open-ended questions and reflections to help you weigh the pros and cons of your current habits without any judgment from me. If you feel hesitant or unsure about changing, I won't push against you; I’ll 'roll with' that resistance because feeling stuck is a natural part of the process. Ultimately, my goal is to help you hear your own voice and your own motivations so clearly that you feel confident enough to take the next step on your own terms."