Hi my name is Heidi Hernandez, I am a second-generation Filipino American from Hawaii and a first-generation college graduate. As a child of immigrant parents, I struggled with managing the influences of traditional Filipino beliefs while exploring my LGBTQ identity. My childhood experiences led me to a career in school counseling and mental health. I want to represent marginalized communities and provide youth and emerging adults with a safe space for compassion and empathy, to hold onto hope and realize their possibilities for a brighter future. I'm passionate about helping individuals live authentically with improved self-esteem, healthy relationships, and motivation to thrive. Are you experiencing a recent life transition that is causing you stress, anxiety, or depression? (e.g. moving, college, job change/loss, breakups, family changes, coming out) Are you ready to begin healing from childhood traumas and learn ways to develop a healthier relationship with yourself and others? Let's collaborate on prioritizing self-care and moving with more motivation, energy, and purpose. Are you having conflicts with family over generational or cultural expectations? I can help you learn ways to set healthy boundaries, learn to accept reality as it is and take control of the choices that align more with your values and goals. I can help you learn healthy ways to cope with worries and learn to tolerate uncertainty. I will sit with you through painful emotions and help you write a new story with more compassion towards yourself. Whatever place you are in your journey in self-healing I will be present and ready to go to work with you. I look forward to being your supporter, ally, and coach. We will learn, grow, and celebrate every small and big step toward living a more authentic, meaningful, and healthy life.

What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?

In our first session, I will introduce myself and discuss what you can expect from the therapy process. Please feel free to ask questions and express concerns at any point during session. I will invite you to share any background information about yourself as you feel comfortable. I will offer you the space to share what challenges you're currently facing and will honor your limits. We will discuss what you're hoping to get out of therapy and how I can help. I will do my best to create a safe space with you and help you work through your thoughts and emotions at your pace. You have an opportunity to reflect and share about your first session with me. If you or I decide that it isn't a good fit. I will do my best to find you a provider that meets your needs.

What treatment methods and tools do you utilize?

I utilize a combination of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), DBT, Trauma Informed Therapy, Person-Centered Therapy, Mindfulness Practices, Strength Based Therapy, Culturally Sensitive Therapy, Family Systems Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing. I tailor my methods to each individual client's needs.

Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.

I'm passionate about helping teens and young adults discover their true selves, develop self-worth, and learn healthy ways to cope through difficult life transitions, generational/cultural issues, family conflict, depression and anxiety. I strive to create a safe space and support emerging adults with resources to strengthen their support system and feel empowered. I am committed to providing my clients a genuine relationship and will honor an individuals whole self with unconditional positive regard.

About Heidi Hernandez