Rated 4.5 stars out of 5, 6 ratings

Ruth Dimagmaliw

LMFT, 12 years of experience

Frequently rebooked

Warm
Direct
Open-minded
Virtual
Next available on

About me

I’m a licensed therapist with over a decade of experience working across school-based programs, outpatient clinics, and community mental health. I specialize in supporting youth, families, and adults, including neurodivergent individuals, system-involved youth, and adult children of immigrants, through trauma, family conflict, and cultural identity work. My approach is trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and rooted in collective healing. I use a blend of somatic, narrative, and family systems therapy to help clients reconnect with their values, deepen their self-trust, and build the kind of lives and relationships that reflect who they truly are.

Get to know me

In our first session together, here's what you can expect

Your first session is all about connection. We’ll begin by exploring your story, current challenges, and therapy goals. I’ll explain how I work and answer any questions you have, ensuring you feel safe and informed. We'll also review logistics like confidentiality and treatment options. Most importantly, you’ll leave feeling heard, supported, and empowered to take that first step toward healing, whether you're processing trauma, navigating identity, or rebuilding family connections.

The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions

I bring a deep commitment to trauma-informed, culturally aware care that honors both individual and systemic healing. Clients often tell me they feel deeply seen and supported in ways they haven't experienced before. I draw from a range of modalities, including somatic, narrative, ACT, and family systems therapy, to create personalized, empowering care. My strengths lie in holding space for complex truths, supporting long-term transformation, and guiding clients toward self-trust, liberation, and connection.

The clients I'm best positioned to serve

I work best with individuals and families navigating intergenerational trauma, systemic oppression, and complex relational dynamics. Many of my clients identify as BIPOC, adult children of immigrants, or community leaders who are seeking deeper healing, not just for themselves, but for future generations. If you're seeking to break cycles, heal family patterns, or find strength in your cultural identity, you're in the right place. I’m here to help you reconnect with your inner wisdom, develop healthy boundaries, and move through life transitions with more self-compassion, clarity, and agency.

Specialties

Top specialties

AnxietyTrauma and PTSD

Other specialties

DepressionGrief

I identify as

Asian / Asian American

Serves ages

My treatment methods

Trauma Informed Care

I approach therapy with a trauma-informed lens, recognizing that trauma affects individuals, families, and entire communities. My goal is to create a space where you feel safe, seen, and empowered, where your story is honored in the context of your lived experiences. This means acknowledging not only personal trauma but also systemic and historical factors that shape who you are. I center collaboration, choice, and cultural responsiveness, always working to foster resilience, self-determination, and collective care.

Somatic

Because trauma often lives in the body, I integrate somatic approaches to help you reconnect with your physical self as part of your healing. Through gentle breathwork, grounding exercises, and movement practices, I support you in noticing bodily responses, calming your nervous system, and reclaiming a sense of safety and presence. My somatic work is always paced with care, so you feel empowered, not overwhelmed, as we work toward embodied healing and sustainable well-being.

Narrative

We all carry stories that shape how we see ourselves and I use narrative therapy to help you rewrite the ones that no longer serve you. Whether these stories come from trauma, cultural messaging, or family history, I support you in separating from problem-saturated narratives and reclaiming your strengths. Together, we’ll re-author your experiences in ways that honor your truth and open up space for resilience, agency, and transformation.

Acceptance and commitment (ACT)

I use ACT to help you build emotional flexibility and take meaningful steps aligned with your values. Instead of avoiding discomfort, we’ll work on accepting your internal experiences with compassion and learning to respond intentionally. With tools like mindfulness, cognitive defusion, and values-based goal setting, I’ll support you in creating a life guided by what truly matters - one rooted in self-trust and authenticity.

Structural Family Therapy

Our family systems shape so much of how we relate: to ourselves and to others. Through Structural Family Therapy, I help you examine patterns, boundaries, and roles within your family that may be causing stress or disconnection. Together, we’ll work toward healthier dynamics, clearer communication, and stronger support systems, whether you're working individually or as a family unit.

Location

Virtual

Licensed in

Rated 4.5 stars out of 5, 6 ratings

1 rating with written reviews

February 11, 2025

This session basically concerned logistics and some assessment of past therapy experience and life circumstances. I felt heard and understood and look forward to the next session

Verified client, age 45-54

Review shared after session 1 with Ruth