Hello and welcome! I am a bilingual (English and Spanish) Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) licensed in California with over 12 years of professional experience in the mental health field. I provide individual therapy to older adolescents, adults, and older adults through telehealth, offering a supportive and collaborative space for growth and healing. I believe in treating every person with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and I tailor each session and treatment plan to meet your unique needs and goals. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and balanced life, and taking the first steps toward change can feel both exciting and intimidating. My goal is to support and empower you on that journey, helping you gain insight, build resilience, and create meaningful and lasting change.
In our first session together, here's what you can expect
Starting therapy can feel overwhelming, so I aim to make our first session as comfortable and grounding as possible. We’ll explore what brings you to therapy, your history, and what you hope to gain from the process. I’ll listen carefully, validate your experiences, and ensure you feel supported and safe sharing openly. This initial session sets the foundation for a trusting and collaborative therapeutic relationship.
The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions
I have over 12 years of experience providing mental health services to people living with severe and persistent mental illness. I bring both expertise and a deep commitment to supporting you on your healing journey. My training and background offer a unique perspective that allows me to provide compassionate, effective care grounded in evidence-based practices. I take a person-centered and relational approach, placing great value on the therapeutic relationship as the foundation for meaningful growth. I work to build trust through authenticity and transparency, creating a safe, supportive space where you feel truly seen and heard. I utilize specific approaches to help you process difficult emotions, understand and shift unhelpful patterns, and build healthier, more adaptive coping strategies.
The clients I'm best positioned to serve
I provide trauma-informed services by creating a safe and supportive environment that empowers individuals to heal from past painful experiences. I am equipped to work with individuals experiencing trauma and PTSD; depression and anxiety; postpartum depression and anxiety; life transitions; grief and loss; relationship and marital conflicts; boundary-setting challenges; first-generation stress; and oldest-child dynamics. I also enjoy supporting high school and college students.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I received training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) in 2018. This approach supports individuals in recognizing and modifying unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors that are often associated with depression and anxiety.
Cognitive Processing (CPT)
I received training in Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) in 2021. CPT supports individuals in identifying and challenging unhelpful thoughts related to trauma and PTSD, while also helping them explore how trauma may have influenced their views of themselves, others, and the world.
Prolonged Exposure Therapy
I received training in Prolonged Exposure in 2017 under Dr. Edna Foa. Prolonged Exposure is a form of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) that supports individuals in gradually approaching and confronting trauma-related memories, emotions, and situations in a safe and structured way.
Solution Focused Brief Treatment
I utilize a Solution-Focused approach that emphasizes identifying and strengthening solutions by building on an individual’s existing strengths and resources, rather than focusing on problem details. This approach prioritizes present circumstances and future goals over past experiences.