Often rebooked
Hi, I’m Janell — a proud Latina, mama, and licensed therapist who keeps it real. Since 2007, I’ve been helping people navigate the ups and downs of life — from heartbreaks and stress to burnout and self-doubt. I specialize in supporting individuals and families (especially women and kids) through healing, growth, and real transformation. My vibe? It’s all about creating a safe, honest space where you can show up as you are — messy, emotional, evolving — and still feel supported. I’ve got a bachelor’s in psychology and a master’s in social work from FIU. I’m a licensed clinical social worker in both Florida and Virginia. My work blends traditional therapy (diagnosis, treatment, all that important stuff) with a more holistic approach — tapping into mindset shifts, energy work like EFT (tapping), and helping you reconnect with your intuition, values, and purpose. I’ve worked with folks from all walks of life — diverse cultures, disabilities, complicated family dynamics — and I know healing isn’t one-size-fits-all. Whether you’re dealing with stress, trauma, or just feeling stuck and disconnected, I’m here to help you come back to you. We’ll look at what’s weighing you down and shift the energy around it. We’ll reframe the stories that no longer serve you. And we’ll create space for joy, clarity, and freedom — emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. Wherever you are on your journey, I’ll meet you there — with compassion, humor, and some no-nonsense love. Let’s get to work.
In our first session together, here's what you can expect
Our first session is all about getting to know you — no pressure, no judgment. We'll take our time to talk about what’s bringing you to therapy, what’s been weighing on you lately, and what you’d like to get out of our work together. I’ll ask some questions to better understand your story, your goals, and any stressors or patterns you’ve been noticing. But more importantly, I’ll hold space for you to just be real — whether that means venting, crying, laughing, or not knowing where to start. That’s okay. I want you to leave the first session feeling heard and supported, with a sense that we’re a good fit and a plan to move forward. Therapy with me is collaborative and conversational, so we’ll go at a pace that feels safe and manageable for you. Whether you’re coming in for clarity, healing, growth, or all of the above — you’re already taking the first step. I’ll meet you where you’re at.
The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions
My greatest strengths lie in helping people reconnect with themselves when life feels overwhelming, stagnant, or uncertain. I specialize in working with individuals who feel stuck, lost, or weighed down by stress, self-doubt, or life transitions. Many of my clients come to me feeling disconnected from their sense of purpose — and I love walking alongside them as they begin to remember who they are, what they want, and how to move forward with clarity and confidence. I’m especially skilled at helping people who are afraid to leave their comfort zone — not because they’re not capable, but because fear, past experiences, or pressure to please others has kept them playing small. Whether it’s starting something new, letting go of what no longer fits, or learning how to prioritize their own voice, I support my clients in exploring these shifts in a way that feels safe, empowering, and culturally attuned. My approach blends insight with action, so clients feel supported in not only understanding what’s going on, but also learning tools to shift patterns, calm the nervous system, and step into their next chapter — with courage and corazón.
The clients I'm best positioned to serve
My ideal clients are people who are ready to do the inner work — even if they’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure of where to start. I work best with individuals who are navigating major life transitions, high stress, complicated relationships, or emotional burnout. Many of my clients are empaths, cycle-breakers, creatives, professionals, or women of color trying to reclaim their voice and identity in spaces that haven’t always made room for them. I’m especially attuned to working with adults healing from family dysfunction, people-pleasing, anxiety, grief, or past trauma — and those who are finally ready to stop living for everyone else. If you're trying to show up for yourself while balancing family, work, and cultural expectations, I get it — and you're not alone. My approach is heart-centered, direct, and rooted in both evidence-based therapy and soul-level growth. Together, we’ll work toward emotional freedom, healthier relationships, and a life that actually feels like yours.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I have extensive experience using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help clients identify and change unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to emotional distress. My approach to CBT is collaborative, structured, and practical, emphasizing skill-building and self-awareness rather than rigid protocols. In practice, I work with clients to recognize cognitive distortions, examine core beliefs, and understand how thoughts, emotions, and behaviors interact. I use guided questioning, behavioral experiments, and real-life application to help clients challenge automatic thoughts and develop healthier coping strategies. I adapt CBT techniques to each client’s needs, integrating psychoeducation, goal-setting, and between-session practice to support meaningful change. I prioritize helping clients gain tools they can apply independently, fostering empowerment, resilience, and long-term emotional regulation.
Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)
I utilize Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) to help individuals and couples better understand, access, and express underlying emotions that shape attachment patterns and relational dynamics. My approach is rooted in creating emotional safety, validating lived experiences, and strengthening secure emotional bonds. In my work with EFT, I focus on identifying cycles of interaction, uncovering unmet attachment needs, and helping clients move from reactive patterns toward more open, emotionally responsive communication. I guide clients in recognizing emotional triggers, deepening emotional awareness, and expressing vulnerability in ways that promote connection rather than conflict. I approach EFT with cultural sensitivity and flexibility, recognizing that emotional expression and attachment experiences are shaped by personal history, family systems, and cultural context. My goal is to help clients experience corrective emotional moments that foster trust, emotional regulation, and lasting relational change.
Mind-body approach
I incorporate a mind–body approach into my clinical work to help clients understand and regulate the connection between emotional experiences, physiological responses, and overall well-being. I recognize that psychological distress is often experienced somatically and that healing requires attention to both cognitive and bodily processes. My approach includes helping clients develop awareness of physical sensations, stress responses, and nervous system activation patterns. I integrate techniques such as grounding exercises, breathwork, mindfulness-based practices, and psychoeducation on the stress response to support emotional regulation and resilience. I use mind–body interventions to help clients manage anxiety, trauma responses, chronic stress, and emotional dysregulation by fostering a sense of safety and embodiment. These practices are tailored to each client’s comfort level, cultural background, and therapeutic goals, and are integrated alongside evidence-based modalities such as CBT and EFT. By supporting the mind–body connection, I help clients build sustainable coping strategies, increase self-regulation, and deepen insight into how emotional and physical experiences inform one another.
2 ratings with written reviews
November 25, 2025
This is the first time I've started talk therapy with a lot of hope afterwards for openness and understanding. I felt seen and heard, in such a grounded and magical way. I really feel like this is the start of a great mentor/therapy relationship where I can be myself and be supported in a way that matters! Thank you so much for your time x
November 22, 2025
Even though it was the first session, Janell created an atmosphere of acceptance and understanding that made it easy to open up. This makes me look forward to navigating my journey of self-care and mental wellbeing with her assistance.