Hello! I am a biracial queer cis woman who has 18 years experience in the mental health field. On most days the term Chicana fits best, other terms I've used to describe myself are bisexual, mestiza, detribalized Mexican, and Latina. I understand that the intersections of our identities are complex and our understanding of them are ever-changing. I strive to help clients gain deeper self-understanding, develop self-compassion, and comfortably be their most authentic selves.
In our first session together, here's what you can expect
Our first session might feel a bit like a two way interview. I will be asking lots of questions to get to get to know you and best understand what you are needing from therapy. I will also provide space for you to ask me any questions you may have about me and what to expect from our time together. If time allows, I will teach you a grounding, mindfulness, or Breathwork skill. If you are comfortable with it, we may even start with one of these practices to calm your nerves as people often share feeling nervous about their first session.
The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions
Not only do I have many years of professional experience in the mental health field, I have many lived experiences that also inform my work. I have learned that a great sense of humor goes a long way so if you love to laugh or would love to learn to laugh in the face of adversity, I am your person!
The clients I'm best positioned to serve
My clients are curious and yearn for a deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them, they are willing to try new ways of being if it means it may positively impact their lives. The coping skills they learn become lifelong tools that transform the way they see themselves and the world.
Jungian
I studied Jungian approaches to psychotherapy and other depth psychologies at Pacifica Graduate Institute for 8 years while in a doctorate program. I did not complete my dissertation but my studies of analytic psychology have had a massive impact on how I practice. This practice is informed by mythology, anthropology, philosophy and religious studies. Common terms from Jungian psychology that have made it into the current pop psychology include dream work, shadow work, and parts work (archetypes). I use this method with clients to help them deepen their understanding of patterns in their lives in order to create sustainable changes, gain self-compassion for the parts of their personality and temperament that they find challenging, and maintain a curious (rather than critical) outlook on life.
Somatic
I have studied and trained in various somatic practices such as somatic experiencing, polyvagal theory, and trauma conscious yoga. Often times I will open the session with some form of mindfulness, grounding, or pranayama (breathwork) to regulate the nervous system. Throughout treatment, multiple variations of these practices will be introduced and taught so that they can be used as coping tools between sessions and for clients to take with them beyond our work together. Many of my clients have found these practices helpful in reducing their anxiety, insomnia, dissociation, and depressive symptoms.
Trauma Informed Care
Trauma Informed care can be applied to any particular method as it is about being mindful of the language we use, how we work with our clients in a more collaborate way as only clients know the truth of their experience. Using liberation psychology, understanding the intersectionality of our identities and how that has informed our experiences is something I also consider trauma informed care. That being said, my trainings in trauma conscious yoga and EMDR have been specifically focused on treating trauma. I am EMDR trained and this is a specific method that was initially introduced as a treatment for PTSD but can also be used for any painful memories that appear to be impairing your day to day functioning, and can even be used in anticipation of difficult events. You can learn more about EMDR through EMDRIA.org