Hola hola! First off, proud of you for exploring the option of therapy, it is not easy to take that first step. My name is Alanna and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker here in California. I genuinely enjoy supporting my clients through the therapeutic process. My approach is collaborative, culturally minded, authentic (pain is real), and based on evidence and truth. Whether it is a faith crisis, recent or historical traumatic event, challenges with your relationship with food/ body image, or navigating new life changes; I am here to walk alongside you in this season. In our sessions together, let's be real and identify the key area of struggle so you can move forward empowered and free.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
In our first session, it will honestly be a lot of questions. It is the beginning of our work, where I get to learn about who you are and if I am a good fit to support you in the current season (because it is totally ok if I am not, and I will help you find someone who may be.) Though if you can be thorough on your intake paperwork, it will greatly help our process in identifying a game plan moving forward! Also feel free to message me with any questions prior to our first meeting!
What treatment methods and tools do you utilize?
I am going to meet you where you are first and foremost. While doing that, we will practice a strengths-based approach that is client-centered and identifies the strengths within ourselves. Then regarding behaviors, we will look into health behavior change models and stages of change. We will also look at systems theory, how the systems around you affect who you are and how you behave. An important modality is narrative therapy which is about how you see your story and how it can change moving forward. Additionally, with clients that have challenges with their relationship with food, we will explore principles of intuitive eating and honoring your body. With clients that are experiencing struggles with their faith, we can incorporate the Bible and prayer into our work together.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
So as a Latina female who decided to be a social worker, because I knew God placed a calling on my life to serve others with compassion and dignity, I am here to walk with you to find healing where there is brokenness. I am here doing this work processing trauma, questions about your faith, and honoring yourself because it is important, you are important.