LMHC, 2 years of experience
New to Grow
My name is Patricia and I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor dedicated to creating a nonjudgmental, safe, and affirming space for all clients. As a proud ally of the LGBTQ+ community, I am passionate about making individuals feel seen, heard, and supported throughout their therapeutic journey. I utilize a variety of therapeutic modalities, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), tailored to meet the unique needs of each client. My clinical experience spans all age ranges. I specialize in working with trauma, depression, anxiety, and grief, and I believe deeply in the importance of learning to be present in the moment and exploring how to navigate life as it unfolds. My goal is to empower clients with tools, insight, and self-compassion as they grow and heal. You know yourself more than anyone! I’m here to help you navigate layers of emotional needs, learn how to set healthy boundaries, and provide a space where you feel safe to be yourself. I would love to be a part of your journey.
In our first session together, my focus is on getting to know you—your story, your current concerns, and what brings you to therapy. We’ll spend time talking about your goals and hopes for therapy, as well as any worries you may have about the process. I’ll also ask some background questions to better understand your history, strengths, and challenges, but you’ll always set the pace for what feels comfortable to share. I want you to know that this session isn’t about judgment or pressure—it’s about creating a safe, supportive space where you can begin to feel heard. We’ll also talk about what therapy might look like moving forward, including the approaches I use (such as CBT, DBT, and trauma-informed care) and how they can be tailored to your unique needs. By the end of our first meeting, my goal is for you to feel a sense of connection, clarity about what our work could look like, and reassurance that you don’t have to go through this journey alone.
What clients often notice about my approach is the balance of warmth and structure I bring to therapy. I combine evidence-based methods like CBT and DBT with a compassionate, client-centered style that makes space for both practical skill-building and deeper emotional exploration. I believe therapy should feel collaborative—you are the expert on your own life, and I bring tools, insight, and strategies to help you move toward the changes you want. I focus on creating a nonjudgmental and affirming environment where clients feel safe to be themselves, while also gently challenging patterns that may no longer serve them. What makes my approach unique is the emphasis I place on both acceptance and growth. I help clients build self-awareness, strengthen their ability to stay present, and develop healthier ways of relating to themselves and others. Over time, clients often describe feeling more empowered, more connected to their values, and better equipped to navigate life’s challenges with resilience and self-compassion.
I am best positioned to support individuals who feel weighed down by trauma, depression, anxiety, or grief, and who are ready to begin the process of healing. Many of my clients come to therapy feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, or uncertain about how to move forward, and together we work on building clarity, self-compassion, and effective coping tools. I work well with people who are seeking both structure and warmth—those who want practical skills to manage daily challenges but also value the space to process emotions and explore deeper patterns. I particularly enjoy helping clients who want to strengthen their boundaries, build healthier relationships, and feel more grounded in the present moment. Whether you are navigating a major life transition, struggling with intrusive thoughts and emotions, or simply wanting to better understand yourself, I provide a collaborative and affirming space where growth and healing feel possible.
I have extensive experience using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) with a wide range of clients, including adolescents, young adults, and adults presenting with anxiety, depression, trauma, and relationship difficulties. In my practice, I integrate CBT by helping clients identify the connection between their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Many clients come in feeling “stuck” in cycles of negative thinking or unhelpful coping patterns, and CBT provides a structured way to break those patterns.
I have training and clinical experience in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), a mindfulness- and values-based treatment that emphasizes psychological flexibility. I’ve used ACT with clients presenting with anxiety, depression, trauma, life transitions, and identity concerns. What I appreciate most about ACT is that it shifts the focus away from “getting rid of” painful thoughts and emotions, and instead empowers clients to build a different relationship with their inner experiences while moving toward what matters most in their lives.
I have training and experience in using Attachment-Based Therapy (ABT) with individuals, couples, and families. My work is grounded in the understanding that early attachment experiences shape how people view themselves, others, and relationships across the lifespan. I often find ABT especially valuable with clients who present with relational difficulties, unresolved childhood experiences, trauma, and challenges around trust, safety, and intimacy.
I have training and clinical experience in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), both in its full protocol and in skills-focused adaptations. I have used DBT with clients experiencing emotional dysregulation, self-harm behaviors, suicidal ideation, borderline personality features, and difficulties with distress tolerance and interpersonal effectiveness. What I value most about DBT is its balance of acceptance and change—honoring where clients are while also equipping them with concrete skills to build a life worth living.
I have training and clinical experience using Internal Family Systems (IFS), a parts-based therapeutic model that views the mind as made up of sub-personalities (“parts”) and emphasizes the healing potential of the Self. IFS has been especially valuable in my work with clients who struggle with trauma, shame, self-criticism, relational wounds, and internal conflicts. What I appreciate most about IFS is its compassionate, non-pathologizing approach—seeing all parts as having protective intentions, even when their strategies cause distress.