I’ve spent over 15 years in the mental health field, supporting people of all ages through life’s ups and downs. As a bilingual Latina fluent in Portuguese, I bring a culturally aware perspective to therapy and strive to create a safe, welcoming space for everyone. I especially enjoy working with teens and adults as they navigate life changes, explore their identities, and work through emotional challenges. My approach is warm and supportive, focused on your strengths, and designed to meet you where you are—helping you move toward meaningful, lasting change.
In our first session together, here's what you can expect
In our first session, we’ll create a relaxed, judgment-free space to get to know each other. I’ll ask about what’s bringing you to therapy, the challenges you’re facing, and what goals you’d like to work toward. We’ll also talk about your background, strengths, and any past experiences with therapy. This session is all about building trust, understanding your needs, and making sure you feel comfortable moving forward. My goal is for you to leave feeling heard, respected, and hopeful about the journey ahead.
The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions
What makes my approach to therapy unique is that it combines creativity, cultural awareness, and a strong belief in each person’s inner strengths. I don’t do one-size-fits-all therapy—everything I do is centered around you and your needs. I use strength-based, trauma-informed, and solution-focused methods to help you build resilience, gain insight, and create lasting change. Whether I’m supporting teens navigating identity and emotions or adults facing big life challenges, clients often say they feel truly seen, supported, and empowered to take meaningful steps forward.
The clients I'm best positioned to serve
I specialize in working with adolescents and also support adults in different life stages, which has given me a deep understanding of resilience, change, and healing in challenging environments. I work with people experiencing anxiety, depression, mood disorders, and the effects of trauma. Many clients come to therapy feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or misunderstood, and are looking for a space where they can truly be seen and heard.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a type of talk therapy that helps people identify and change unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors. It focuses on the connection between thoughts, feelings, and actions, teaching practical strategies to manage stress, anxiety, depression, and other challenges. By learning to recognize negative or distorted thinking and replacing it with more balanced, constructive thoughts, clients can develop healthier coping skills and make positive changes in their daily lives.
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a type of therapy that helps people manage intense emotions, improve relationships, and cope with stress in healthy ways. It combines strategies from cognitive-behavioral therapy with mindfulness and acceptance techniques. DBT focuses on teaching skills in four key areas: mindfulness (staying present), distress tolerance (handling crises without making things worse), emotion regulation (understanding and managing emotions), and interpersonal effectiveness (communicating needs and setting boundaries). It’s especially helpful for individuals who struggle with strong emotions, self-harm, or unstable relationships.
EMDR
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a therapy designed to help people process and heal from traumatic experiences. It works by guiding clients to recall distressing memories while using specific eye movements or other forms of bilateral stimulation. This process helps the brain reprocess traumatic memories, reducing their emotional intensity and allowing clients to develop healthier perspectives. EMDR is often used for trauma, PTSD, and other distressing life events, helping individuals feel more in control and less overwhelmed by past experiences.
Mind-body approach
A mind-body approach in therapy focuses on the connection between thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations, recognizing that mental and physical health are closely linked. It encourages clients to become aware of how stress, trauma, or emotional struggles can affect the body, and teaches techniques—like relaxation exercises, mindfulness, breathing, and movement—to promote overall well-being. This approach helps people manage stress, regulate emotions, and build resilience by nurturing both mental and physical health.
Motivational Interviewing
Motivational Interviewing (MI) is a collaborative, client-centered approach that helps people find their own motivation to make positive changes. Instead of telling someone what to do, the therapist guides conversations to explore the person’s values, goals, and ambivalence, helping them resolve mixed feelings about change. MI is often used for behavior changes such as managing health, substance use, or lifestyle habits, empowering clients to take ownership of their decisions and move toward meaningful, lasting change.