I am an independently licensed mental health counselor with a specialization in Expressive Arts Therapy, currently servicing Massachusetts (LMHC) and New Mexico (LPCC). With over 9 years of experience in community based settings and private practice, I work with individuals navigating trauma, anxiety, depression, grief, and identity-related experiences, particularly within LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC communities. My practice centers on helping people feel more connected to their inner emotional experiences, as well as their external environments with a sense of belonging, trust, and agency. I draw from psychodynamic and depth psychology approaches with the intention of addressing underlying roots of distress, resulting in lasting change. I approach this work from a place of curiosity and a genuine desire to understand. I’m consistently interested in my clients and the unique experiences they bring to therapy. My style is warm, candid, and collaborative, with focus on building a trusted environment.
In our first session together, here's what you can expect
I first ask why you are seeking therapy, what in your life are you looking to better understand, change or grow, and invite time for any questions you might have
The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions
My greatest strength as a therapist is building trust within the relationship, creating a space where my clients feel comfortable enough to share their feelings and vulnerabilities. Additionally, strengths are connecting the dots and helping others get to the root of what is ailing them.
The clients I'm best positioned to serve
I enjoy working with couples, adults, women, men, therapists. Clients I typically work with are looking to feel more connected to themselves and others, better understand their life experiences and how they have been impacted by them, and learn how to cope with daily or temporary struggles, trauma, anxiety, depression.
Trauma Informed Care
My career has been focused on various forms of trauma, prolonged and single event. People who have experienced trauma often feel fragmented, experience mood swings, and identity confusion. The mind and body may become disorganized and overwhelmed, stuck in a state of survival, making it difficult to discern what is safe and what is threatening. I prioritize safety and containment within sessions for the patient to explore the mental, emotional, and physical impacts of their experiences. Together we work towards pulling these pieces apart and reorganizing them in a way that feels understood, integrated, and whole.
Somatic
Our responses to our experiences are held in the body. The way we think impacts the way we feel, impacts our physical health. By tuning into the body’s wisdom with mindful attention, individuals can uncover stored patterns of stress or trauma, deepen self-awareness, and cultivate greater regulation, presence, and trust in themselves. I am trained in Yoga facilitation (RYT200), meditation and mindfulness, and attuned with various somatic frameworks, both traditional and modern.
Experiential Therapy
Not everything can be expressed with words. Through an Expressive Arts Therapy approach imagery, movement, sound, metaphor, and symbolism are tools I use, alongside talk-therapy to explore past the limitations of the mind and into the intuitive guidance of the body and imagination.
7 ratings with written reviews
December 5, 2025
Yolanda is a rare find- so warm + kind which puts you immediately at ease. More than that, she synthesizes information so quickly, picks up on small but meaningful patterns and clarifies themes in what's she's hearing with such precision. So many "aha!" moments! She helps me frame things differently, shares relevant prompts that we look at together, helps me connect my body's responses to my emotions as well. I leave every week with a clear strategy to put in place and have learned so much!
July 18, 2025
Great listener and I appreciate the insight she brings
June 17, 2025
Yolanda was authentic and warm and we had a great first couples session with her, she had good insights and left us feeling like we had some directions to try in the time between sessions.