Monica Cortes Ardila
I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in Los Angeles with over a decade of experience supporting individuals through life’s transitions and challenges. I work primarily with adults who are navigating early adulthood, relationships, family expectations, career decisions, and the process of creating a life that feels meaningful and authentic to them. As a Latina, I have a particular interest in supporting the Latinx community, newcomers, and first-generation individuals who may be balancing cultural values, family expectations, and their own hopes and goals for the future.
First session
Our first session is an opportunity for us to get to know each other and begin identifying what brought you to therapy. We'll talk about what you're currently experiencing, what you would like to be different, and what you hope to gain from therapy. You don't need to have everything figured out before starting therapy. Whether you're feeling stuck in your career, struggling with family expectations, navigating a relationship, or simply wanting to better understand yourself, we can start where you are and work from there.
Strengths
I bring a warm, direct, and supportive approach to therapy. I create a space where clients can be open and honest without feeling judged, while also helping them work through challenges and move toward meaningful change. As a Latina who has experienced navigating two cultures and two languages, I have a personal understanding of some of the cultural and family experiences that can shape our lives. I value being able to connect with clients who may have similar experiences while recognizing that everyone's story is unique.
Ideal clients
I enjoy working with adults who are navigating the transition into adulthood, figuring out their career path, considering a career change, or feeling uncertain about what comes next. I also support clients who are experiencing relationship challenges, difficulty setting boundaries, people-pleasing, self-doubt, or feeling overwhelmed by expectations from family, work, or others. I have a particular passion for working with Latinx and first-generation individuals who may feel caught between cultural or family expectations and their own goals and values. Therapy can be a space to explore questions such as: What do I want for myself? Who am I outside of my family's expectations? How can I create boundaries while maintaining important relationships? I also welcome clients who are exploring identity, confidence, relationships, intimacy, and personal growth, including members of the LGBTQ+ community.
Treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help you better understand the connection between your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Together, we’ll explore thought patterns that may be contributing to stress, self-doubt, or feeling stuck, and work toward developing more balanced and supportive ways of thinking. My goal is to provide you with practical tools that can help you feel more confident, manage challenges, set healthy boundaries, and make choices that feel more aligned with the life you want to create.
Compassion-Focused
I use Compassion-Focused Therapy to help you develop a kinder and more supportive relationship with yourself. Together, we’ll explore how self-criticism and high expectations may affect how you feel and respond to challenges. We’ll practice ways to treat yourself with greater understanding and compassion, especially during difficult moments, so you can move forward with more confidence and self-acceptance.
Location
Virtual sessions