Araceli Guzman
Hi, welcome. I am a Bilingual Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 10 years of clinical experience, providing therapeutic services to young and middle-aged adults. In our therapeutic space, you are welcome to come as you are. Together, side by side, we will approach your experiences with curiosity and compassion. We will shed light on the confusion, explore feelings of being stuck, and begin to make meaning of the things that may feel difficult to understand. Along the way, we will work toward discovering new paths for growth and gently releasing what no longer serves you. Here, you get to define what meaningful progress looks and feels like for you. Our work will be guided by your experiences, your needs, and the goals that matter most to you.
First session
During our first meeting, we will begin by discussing the importance of privacy, confidentiality, and safety, including the legal and ethical responsibilities that guide my work as a clinician. I will take time to get to know you, your experiences, and what brings you to therapy through an initial clinical assessment. This will also be an opportunity for me to share more about my therapeutic approach, what you can expect from me, and how we might work together. I believe establishing a therapeutic alliance is an important part of the process. Therefore, we will also explore what mutual accountability and collaboration will look like in our sessions. I value transparency and welcome your questions, thoughts, and feedback. My hope is that you leave our first meeting with a clearer understanding of the therapeutic process and a sense of what it might feel like to work together.
Strengths
Creating therapeutic balance is important and often deeply appreciated by clients. Therapy is not always about sitting with the heaviness; sometimes, it is about gently challenging ourselves to explore new perspectives, deepen awareness, and discover new possibilities. My approach is to remain fully present with you, holding space for the difficult moments while also recognizing opportunities for growth, curiosity, and change. There is room for both in our work together—to honor where you are while gently exploring where you might want to go.
Ideal clients
My therapeutic approach is integrative, drawing from both bottom-up and top-down modalities. I incorporate sensory and mindfulness-based practices, trauma and attachment-informed care, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) solution-focused therapy, and motivational interviewing. I believe therapy should be responsive to the individual. Our work may involve building awareness of the mind-body connection, exploring how past experiences shape present-day patterns, developing practical tools, or creating new narratives that allow for greater understanding, flexibility, and growth. My intention is to meet you where you are while supporting you in discovering what feels meaningful and possible moving forward.
Treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is an evidence-based therapeutic approach that I have incorporated into my practice for over eight years. CBT helps clients understand the connection between thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, and how these patterns can influence overall well-being. Together, we will identify unhelpful thinking patterns, explore alternative perspectives, and develop healthier ways of responding to life's challenges.
Somatic
Somatic and mind-body therapy recognizes the important connection between the mind and body and how our experiences, emotions, and stress can impact both. This approach helps clients develop greater awareness of physical sensations, emotional responses, and patterns held within the body. Together, we will explore how the body communicates experiences and incorporate mindful, body-centered techniques to support emotional regulation, release tension, and strengthen the connection between mind and body. The goal is to foster greater self-awareness, a sense of safety within the body, and overall emotional and physical well-being.
Attachment-based
Attachment-Based Therapy explores how early relationships and life experiences can shape the way we connect with others, develop trust, navigate relationships, and view ourselves. Our early attachment experiences can influence emotional patterns, relationship dynamics, and how we respond to closeness, conflict, and vulnerability. Together, we will explore these patterns, increase self-awareness, and work toward developing healthier relationship dynamics and a more secure sense of connection. Through a supportive and collaborative therapeutic relationship, we will focus on strengthening trust, emotional security, self-worth, and the ability to build meaningful, fulfilling relationships.
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- CaliforniaLicense 70164