New to Grow
I am a Colombian immigrant, and a retired Army Social Worker. I received my Bachelor of Science degree in Applied Psychology from New York University, and my Master of Social Work degree through the Army-Fayetteville State University MSW Program. I have over 14 years experience working in mental health, mainly focusing in trauma work and traumatic event management. I also help people navigating loss, grief, difficult life transitions, neurodivergence, racial issues, and LGBTQ+ issues.
In our first session together, here's what you can expect
First sessions are simply a conversation to explore your treatment goals and expectations, ways in which I can help you get there, and answering any questions you may have for me. The idea is not to rush you through the process, but to make sure you feel ready and oriented. Ideally, you'll leave session without any pressing doubts, and a good idea of what our work together could look like as we move forward.
The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions
My clients always seem to appreciate how genuine and transparent I am. I am direct and straightforward, but not judgmental or pushy, which I think most people prefer.
The clients I'm best positioned to serve
I love to work with people who are doing their best to hold it all together while feeling held down by past experiences and stress, and who are ready for a change. High functioning individuals who overperform for everyone around them to their own detriment; folks managing chronic stress and burnout; people tired of doing too much and feeling like they're "not good enough."
Motivational Interviewing
I use this method when helping clients navigate ambivalence regarding their treatment goals, or any other difficult decisions they may be struggling with. Also to help empower clients make decisions that align with what they truly want and/or need.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I interweave CBT (along with MI) within other modalities, to help clients process core beliefs that may be counterproductive to recovery.
EMDR
I use EMDR with clients that have experienced trauma, in order to help process past memories and decrease intensity of symptoms.
Mindfulness-Based Therapy
I use mindfulness based therapy to help clients who are new to processing trauma and are experiencing high levels of distress related to traumatic memories and/or difficult past experiences.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-i)
I offer CBTi to clients who are struggling with insomnia and/or nightmares, especially those who have experienced trauma and have trauma-related sleep disorders.