Hello my name is Irma Lerma, LMFT and I am a seasoned bilingual/bicultural psychotherapist. My parents were from Mexico and I was raised in the Bay Area. Since I grew up in a multi-cultural environment I want my clients to know they will always be respected. I enjoy working with people addressing anxiety, depression, stress, and grief. I love utilizing art as another means to effectively deal with emotions and negative thought patterns.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
During your first session with me I will ask questions not only get to know you, but also figure out what is bringing you to therapy. I like to build trust with my clients so that they feel comfortable working through different issues that are not always easy to talk about.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
My greatest strength is actively listening, respecting, and validating who you are. I believe that all people deserve love, compassion, and a safe place to express difficult emotions.
Describe the client(s) you are best positioned to serve.
I want to work with people that want to make positive changes in their life and are actively seeking to improve their relationship with their mental health. I have worked with young adults, middle age, and I have worked with various age groups. I am also prepared to work with different racial backgrounds than myself.
About Irma Lerma
Identifies as
Specializes in
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VirtualMy treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Throughout my years of experience I have found that what you think, feel, and do are related to what you want in life. Therefore I work with my clients to change their thoughts to have a more productive positive outcome in what they want to accomplish in life.
Trauma-Focused CBT
I have also worked with clients that have had traumatic experiences and want to process emotions and thoughts surrounding the event that caused them to reach out for help.
Culturally Sensitive Therapy
I have had experience working with clients of different cultural and ethnic backgrounds especially Hispanic or Latino communities. My parents were immigrants therefore I am equipped to discuss complex identity or cultural experiences.
Grief Therapy
I have had experience with helping clients deal with loss of parents, children, and identity through my practice. I often incorporate art, journaling, and other creative outlets to help my clients process their grief, sorrow or loss.