LP, 1 years of experience
New to Grow
I am Dr. Claudia Núñez, PsyD, MSW, a bilingual and bicultural licensed clinical psychologist with over a decade of experience across hospital systems, academic research, community mental health, and private practice. My work is grounded in psychological theory and research, while also drawing on holistic, integrative approaches that honor mind, body, and spirit. Guided by cultural humility and a trauma-informed lens, I strive to create a healing space that is both evidence-based and deeply attuned to each person’s unique context, strengths, and story. My approach is integrative: I weave together evidence-based practices such as CBT, ACT, and Motivational Interviewing with Internal Family Systems (IFS), somatic and mindfulness-based practices. I also incorporate contemplative traditions, art, breathwork, and narrative reauthoring to support healing, resilience, and growth
In our first session, my focus is on getting to know yo, not just your struggles and challenges, but also your strengths, story, and what matters most to you on a deeper level. I understand that beginning therapy can bring up anxiety or uncertainty, so I create a relaxed, non-judgmental space where you don’t need to perform or have everything figured out. We move at your pace. Some people prefer more structure, while others need time to open up — either way, all parts of you are welcome. I’ll ask gentle questions to help us peel back the layers, clarify what you’d like to work toward, and get a sense of how we might collaborate. By the end of our first session, my hope is that you feel heard, seen, supported, and a little lighter — with a sense of what therapy with me will be like: collaborative, compassionate, and guided by both evidence-based practices and your own inner wisdom.
One of my greatest strengths as a therapist is the ability to balance evidence-based tools with deep presence and attunement. I draw from CBT, ACT, mindfulness, and IFS, but what truly stands out in my work is how I tailor these approaches to each client’s unique needs and pace. Clients often share that they feel fully seen and accepted able to show up with all parts of themselves, I focus not only on reducing symptoms of anxiety, trauma, or self-doubt, but also on helping clients reconnect with their inner wisdom, regulate their nervous systems, and discover new choices where they once felt stuck.
My ideal client is an adult who feels caught in cycles of anxiety, fear, or self-doubt repeating the same patterns in relationships or daily life and wondering if things will ever change. You may feel disconnected from yourself, numb, or even hopeless, as though every path you take leads to a dead end. Sometimes you catch glimpses of clarity or motivation, but fear and doubt keep pulling you back. In our work, I offer a safe, compassionate space where you can show up exactly as you are, unfiltered, uncertain, or raw, and still be fully welcomed. Together, we slow down, untangle the patterns that keep you stuck, and begin to listen for your own inner wisdom. Little by little, resilience is strengthened, and the possibility of living with greater clarity, presence, and connection begins to feel real again.
I often incorporate ACT in my work because it offers both compassion and practicality when life feels overwhelming. ACT helps us notice unhelpful thoughts without getting stuck in them, learn how to make space for difficult emotions instead of fighting them, and stay more present with what matters most. In sessions, I may guide a client through mindfulness exercises, grounding strategies, or values-based reflections that support living more fully in the present moment, even in the midst of stress/pain, anxiety, or self-doubt. Together, we focus less on controlling or eliminating every uncomfortable experience and more on building a meaningful life aligned with meaning, values, and purpose.
Mindfulness is a core part of how I support clients in therapy. My experience with mindfulness-based approaches includes guiding individuals to develop awareness of their thoughts, emotions, and body sensations in the present moment without judgment. This practice helps clients create space between themselves and their distress, so they can respond with greater clarity and choice instead of reacting automatically. In sessions, I often weave in breathing techniques, grounding practices, body awareness, and mindful reflection to help regulate the nervous system and bring a sense of calm. Mindfulness also supports trauma recovery, stress management, and emotional resilience by helping clients stay anchored in the present, even when facing painful experiences. For many clients, mindfulness becomes a practical tool they can use outside of therapy in daily life, relationships, and moments of difficulty. By learning to pause, notice, and gently redirect attention, clients begin to feel more connected to themselves, less overwhelmed by stress, and more able to engage with life in a grounded and meaningful way.
I find that CBT in my practice provides clients with practical tools to better understand and shift unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors. My experience with CBT has focused on helping clients recognize the connection between their thoughts, emotions, and actions and how small, intentional changes can create meaningful improvements in daily life. In sessions of I often guide clients to identify negative or distorted thinking patterns, challenge them with real/ evidence-based strategies, and practice healthier ways of responding. I also like to incorporate structured exercises such as thought records, coping skills training, and behavioral experiments to build confidence and resilience, when appropriate. I find CBT especially helpful for clients dealing with anxiety, depression, trauma recovery, and life transitions, because it balances insight with concrete, actionable steps. Clients often appreciate that CBT gives them both awareness and practical tools they can apply outside of therapy—whether it’s managing stress, improving relationships, or building self-esteem