(she/her)
Hello! My Name is Victoria. I’m a licensed clinical social worker with over 12 years of experience as a therapist. I graduated from the University of Sothern California (USC) with my master's in social work, and I also hold a bachelor's degree in Deaf Studies from California State University Northridge (CSUN). Therapy is not just my profession; it’s my passion. I believe that my life experiences have guided me to this fulfilling path, and I am dedicated to helping others find their way through healing. Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of working with diverse populations in various settings including individuals in the homeless community in Skid Row and victims of domestic violence etc. I am also proud to be a published author in the anthology “The Day She Left, Vol. 2” where I share insights from my journey. I look forward to working together and supporting you on your path to healing and growth.
In our first session together, I really want to get to know you. This is a time for us to connect and build rapport, which is so important for our work together. I have an intake form that I like to complete with clients. This helps me gather information about your past and present experiences, especially those that may be affecting your mental health. I want to hear your story, understand your unique situation, and learn about any challenges you may be facing. This session is all about creating a safe space where you can share as much or as little as you feel comfortable. My goal is to support you and help you feel at ease as we begin this journey together. I look forward to meeting you and exploring how we can work together toward your goals.
One of my greatest strengths is my empathy. I truly strive to understand what my clients are going through, and I make it a priority to listen and support them with care. I genuinely care about each of my clients and their well-being, and it brings me joy to help them navigate their challenges. My goal is to create a safe and trusting space where you feel valued and understood. I am dedicated to walking alongside you on your journey and helping you reach your goals.
I am best positioned to serve adults (18+) of all genders, including women, men, and individuals within the LGBTQ+ community, who are ready and willing to engage in meaningful work around their mental health. My ideal clients are those who may be experiencing challenges such as anxiety, depression, stress, identity exploration, relationship concerns, or life transitions, and are seeking a supportive space to better understand themselves. I work best with individuals who are open, curious, and receptive to therapeutic interventions, even if they feel uncertain or vulnerable at the start. These clients are motivated to reflect, build insight, and develop healthier coping strategies, though they do not need to have everything figured out. A willingness to participate, explore emotions, and consider new perspectives is key. Many of the individuals I serve are looking to improve emotional regulation, strengthen self-esteem, process past experiences, or navigate personal and interpersonal challenges. I also support clients who want to deepen their sense of identity, including those exploring aspects of gender, sexuality, or cultural belonging. I strive to create an affirming, inclusive, and nonjudgmental environment where clients feel safe to show up as their authentic selves. Together, we work toward goals such as increased self-awareness, resilience, healthier relationships, and an overall improved sense of well-being.
Eclectic
In my practice, I often use an eclectic approach, which means I pull from various therapeutic methods based on each client's unique needs. One treatment method I use regularly is Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy. EMDR is particularly effective for clients dealing with trauma or distressing memories. It helps individuals process these memories in a way that reduces their emotional impact. The process involves guiding the client through specific eye movements or other forms of bilateral stimulation while they focus on distressing memories. This allows the brain to reprocess the memory, often reducing the intensity of the emotions or beliefs tied to it. In my sessions, I integrate EMDR with other therapeutic techniques like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and mindfulness. For example, I might use CBT to help a client reframe negative thought patterns, and later incorporate EMDR to address the emotional triggers tied to those thoughts. This combination allows for deeper emotional healing while providing practical tools for managing day-to-day symptoms. I find that using EMDR in an eclectic framework is particularly helpful in addressing both the cognitive and emotional aspects of mental health, leading to more holistic and lasting results for clients.