I am a Spanish-speaking bilingual LMFT and have been in practice for over 10 years. I truly believe everyone has strengths, and I like to amplify them in our work together. I believe in challenging the patterns that keep us stuck respectfully and inquisitively. I have seen what it is like to be a patient, a family member of a patient, and a therapist, which has given me a unique perspective of compassion for all.
In my first session, I am trying to get to know you. Your experiences, strengths, and interests as a person, in addition to current challenges. I approach the first session conversationally rather than as an interview.
My drive to become a therapist stemmed from witnessing a family member with their mental health struggles. I see the grit, exhaustion, and fight it can take to battle mental health conditions. I have seen what it is like to be the patient, a family member of a patient, and a therapist, which gives me a place of compassion and empathy for all parties involved. I do believe my honest and loving communication style can be helpful. Anything I present to explore is always an 'invitation', it doesn't mean I am the know-all, as only you are the expert in living your life. However, I do believe this skill of mine to challenge respectfully is what differentiates me from a typical chat with a friend, and sometimes we need an extra set of ears. I believe my Spanish speaking is another strength in providing services to the Hispanic community.
As someone who grew up in Hispanic culture, I understand the beautiful and challenging messages of each culture. The belief of being strong is embedded in many cultures, and to seek help is one of the greatest signs of strength. I have the sensitivity to understand that it will be hard to explain concepts and feelings, as someone who has been on the other side of the couch. I have the empathy and compassion to see the resilience along with the strength in those who seek counseling. If you would like someone who can respectfully and inquisitively challenge beliefs, we may be a good fit. I acknowledge that sometimes things happen in our lives that are outside of our control, in which case my goal is to help you ride those difficult waves. I don't believe we can control every thought we have, but I do believe I can help the waves crash on you less.
I have been using DBT for about 7 years in my practice since conducting an inpatient group DBT skills group. I believe strongly in distress tolerance skills when it comes to coping with the things we cannot control. I strongly believe in the value of emotional regulation and mindfulness skills for viewing emotions as signals rather than our enemy.
I have obtained and used EMDR for the last two years. I use EMDR as appropriate to help us challenge any negative beliefs from trauma experiences to more adaptive meaning.