In our first session together, here's what you can expect

You are the expert on your life—your experiences, your emotions, and the ways events and relationships have impacted you. My role is to listen with care and to cultivate a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental space where you feel seen and heard. During our first session, my goal is to learn about you and the experiences that have shaped who you are today, as well as what has led you to seek therapy at this time. We will work collaboratively to identify your goals and begin developing an individualized treatment plan that addresses the concerns currently impacting your life. I will also take time to answer any questions you may have about my experience, qualifications, or therapeutic approach. While I bring clinical expertise to our work together, this process is centered on you. You set the goals, and I offer support, guidance, and tools to help you achieve them. Together, we will identify ways to track progress over time. I also recognize that life evolves, and as it does, your needs and goals in therapy may change—and that is completely okay. Therapy is a flexible and evolving process designed to support you wherever you are on your journey.

The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions

As a first-generation Salvadoran and first-generation daughter, I bring a deep understanding of how culture, family roles, and generational expectations shape identity, relationships, and emotional well-being. I am especially attuned to the challenges that come with navigating cultural dynamics, balancing multiple identities, and moving through life transitions while honoring both self and family. I strive to create a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental space where clients feel seen, heard, and empowered to show up as their most authentic selves. One of my greatest strengths is active listening and meeting clients exactly where they are. My approach is intuitive, collaborative, and grounded in trauma-informed care, recognizing how past experiences influence present thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. I integrate EMDR and DBT-informed interventions to support clients in processing trauma, developing emotional regulation skills, and building healthier coping strategies. I also place strong emphasis on interpersonal dynamics, helping clients better understand patterns in relationships, communication styles, and boundaries. My therapeutic style is warm, creative, empowering, and validating. I encourage vulnerability, self-reflection, and emotional expression, while honoring each client’s pace and readiness. I adapt to what clients need in the moment—whether that includes humor, compassion, reflection, or grounding. I challenge the idea of perfection and believe healing is not about fixing what is “wrong,” but about reconnecting with one’s strengths, resilience, and sense of wholeness.

The clients I'm best positioned to serve

My clinical focus and background center on working with youth and adults who have experienced trauma, interpersonal challenges, anxiety, and significant life transitions. I have extensive experience supporting individuals as they process and heal from difficult past experiences while learning effective tools to navigate present-day stressors. I have recently incorporated Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) into my practice, which is especially effective for building mindfulness, emotional regulation, and managing impulsive behaviors that may place oneself or others at risk. I also utilize Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), an approach I have found to be highly beneficial for clients healing from sexual abuse and post-traumatic stress. I particularly enjoy working with young adults navigating the complexities of work, academics, relationships, and family dynamics. Supporting clients as they begin to understand their upbringing and how early experiences influence their adult decision-making is a vital part of the therapeutic process. I strongly believe that our childhood experiences shape many aspects of our lives, and that healing the inner child empowers individuals to reclaim their voice, strength, and sense of self—allowing them to become the version of themselves that best serves them.