LCSW, 13 years of experience
New to Grow
I was born in the US, but I was raised in Mexico. I lived in Tijuana for 10 years when my parents decided to move us across the border to Chula Vista, California. As a first-generation Mexican-American, I experienced a duality of cultures. I was often judged for either being “not Mexican enough” OR “not American enough.” I also faced enormous pressure to be successful – to justify my parents’ having left their beloved country so my sibling and I could have a better life. This is one of many reasons I decided to follow this path: to help those who feel alone in their journey. That’s how I felt when acculturating to this country. I earned my Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) at San Diego State University (SDSU). I was going to go directly into the workforce and eventually go back for my master’s, but an awesome professor challenged me to apply right away so I wouldn’t lose momentum. So, that’s what I did. I ended up getting my Master of Social Work (MSW) at the University of Southern California. It took some time and courage to finish all my licensing requirements, but it was worth it! I’ve been licensed as a clinical social worker in California since 2019. I am certified in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Trauma-Focused CBT.
The first session is very different than the rest of the treatment sessions. During the first session, my goal is to be able to get to know you, understand where you are at today (emotionally), and will be asking a lot of questions to better understand what has affected your emotional well-being. This session is crucial in building a connection with my clients and helps me get a sense of where we should start.
My approach to therapy varies based on the needs of my clients. I am certified and most frequently use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, as this helps me and my clients build an understanding of how thoughts, emotions, and actions affect self-awareness, moderate thinking, and dealing rationally with behaviors and thought processes. In my 10+ years of experience, I have found that my talents as a therapist are highlighted with high school-age youth, young adults, and adults with depression, anxiety, life transitions, social pressures, trauma, and grief. I have also been found it easy to talk to and connect with adults to assist with life transitions, relational problems, depression, stress, parenthood, and anxiety. I facilitate my clients to build enough skills to increase confidence and have a better understanding of their ability to get through tough situations in their lives. My communication style is calm, understanding, non-judgmental, and personable. It is very important to me that my clients feel comfortable talking to me in order to be able to build a positive rapport. I know how difficult it is for my clients to open up and I pride myself in being able to create a safe space for my clients to feel heard and accepted.
You may be struggling with creating long-lasting relationships (with family, friends, romantic relationships), depression, anxiety, and trauma history. If you are a first-generation adult child of immigrant families, I see you. We have an added pressure that most people do not talk about, and I provide a safe space to talk about those struggles. If you are seeking an overly positive clinician…You’re in the wrong place. I’ll always “tell it like it is” with a delicate, empathetic touch. I’ll always give you honest feedback. At times, it might be hard to hear, but it’s what you need to heal and move on. Sometimes, you’ll want to end the session out of frustration. But other times, you’ll love me so much that we feel like BFFs. It’s all part of the process. Change is one of the hardest things to do. It requires bravery, as we don’t know what it’s like to be on the other side. And it requires challenging your thoughts and feelings, many of which have been a big part of you for a very long time. You’re likely going to feel some resistance. But that’s what you have to do to understand yourself, and understanding is key to healing. Don’t worry: I’ll support you and give you the tools you need for your journey. I’m glad you’re here. Finally, you’ve found a space where you’re welcome to be exactly who you are. Let’s explore what your best life looks like… and walk together until we get you there. You don’t have to do this alone!
I am certified and most frequently use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, as this helps me and my clients build an understanding of how thoughts, emotions, and actions affect self-awareness, moderate thinking, and dealing rationally with behaviors and thought processes.
How you attached to others in childhood had a big impact on the person you are today. Those primary relationships shape how we relate and connect to others… and how we view the world. By exploring your childhood attachments and past relationships, we’ll gain insight into the person you are today.