Hi there! I am a 1st Generation Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I am an immigrant daughter, born and raised in Ventura County, California. My parents came from the state of Michoacan, Mexico when they were in their late teen years. They met here in the United States, fell in love, and conceived 5 daughters. My parents taught me A LOT about community and giving back to others in need, even though at times it felt like we were the ones in need. Nonetheless, I inherited a helper and healer's DNA. Growing up in an environment where it was ingrained for us to care for others, I decided early on in my teen years that I wanted to study psychology. It fascinated me how much I learned on my own about human behavior just by observing others. As it turns out, it came from an internal need to learn more about myself and my behaviors. Through my undergraduate and graduate education, I was able to do just this while using an intersectionality lens. Through my journey in therapy, I was also able to learn about the balance I needed between caring for others and caring for myself. Not only that, but I was also able to hone in more on who I am as a person and what I want for my future self by shedding familial and societal pressures. For this reason, I have established a strong passion for working with 1st Generation young adults working to connect back to their true intentions and life ideals. I use an eclectic vision for therapy to support individuals in re-discovering themselves and/or connecting them back to their roots. I have a focus on supporting others going through changes and life transitions, depression and anxiety related to childhood trauma and symptoms of ADHD, women's health and the impact on our mental health, and relationship challenges. I started my career in mental health through a non-profit/community-based sector, so I have a "whatever it takes" approach to helping those I serve to get to a space of relief and comfort in their lives. Thank you for reading, and I hope you connect with the best therapist for you!

What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?

In our first session, we will review what brings you to therapy so that together we can create a plan of care and goals that you would like to reach by the end of our time together. I like to review the structure and what you can expect from future sessions. I might ask you what your experience in therapy has been like in the past so that it informs me on what to do and what not to do. I also emphasize time for you to get to know me as your therapist. I encourage you to ask any questions you may have about sessions to help you feel more comfortable with the process.

Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.

Working with young adults, in particular, 1st generation Black, Indigenous, and People of Color is my passion. I thoroughly enjoy sharing my knowledge base as a professional as well as my own lived experience to build empathy, trust, and understanding. My approach to healing generational and collective traumas is through an intersectionality and non-compliant approach. There is no one simple solution, and I strive to provide the individuals I work with, a true individual experience of validation. The same holds for women experiencing chronic health problems and the impact these have on our mental health and quality of life. I want young adults and women to know that I see you, I hear you, and it would be my pleasure to go through the journey of re-discovery or transformation with you.

About Irene Valencia