LCSW, 8 years of experience
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in Los Angeles. I work full time as a Lead Clinician at a community mental health clinic where I primarily work with older adolescents and young adults. I work with clients who struggle with anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, and interpersonal relationship issues with loved ones (romantic and family). I am bilingual in Spanish and provide services in Spanish.
During the first session, I look forward to knowing more about my clients, them knowing more about me, exploring what brings them into treatment, what their expectations are, and what they plan to achieve during our time together.
My therapeutic approach depends on my client's needs. I find that one size does not fit all, therefore, my style is more eclectic. I am known to be direct and straightforward, which my past clients have expressed to find really helpful. I have experience working with a range of modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Trauma-Informed, Seeking Safety, Strengths-Based, and Client-Centered.
I have experience working with adolescents (15- to 18-year-olds), young adults (19–to 25-year-olds), and older adults within diverse and multicultural populations, with diagnoses/issues such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, dual diagnosis, substance use disorders, relationship stress, communication, and family issues. I help the transitioning age population (15- to 24-year-olds) navigate life as they enter adulthood. Additionally, I help the Latinx community with being able to address family conflict, creating healthy boundaries, and cultural expectations.
I’ve been certified in CBT for over eight years and have used it successfully with teens, young adults, and adults. CBT is a structured approach that helps us explore the connection between your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Together, we identify unhelpful thinking patterns—like self-doubt or catastrophizing—and work to reframe them into more balanced and supportive beliefs. This approach is especially helpful for those dealing with anxiety, depression, or trauma.
We’ll explore the stories you carry about yourself and your past. Sometimes that means reconnecting with younger parts of yourself, especially if you're healing from childhood wounds or relational trauma.
I’ve recently completed certification in EMDR, a structured and research-backed therapy for healing trauma and overwhelming life experiences. While I’ve incorporated EMDR-informed tools—like grounding and bilateral tapping—into sessions for some time, I’m now able to fully offer this approach to clients who are ready to process deeper trauma. EMDR helps you work through painful memories that still feel emotionally charged or "stuck." It uses bilateral stimulation (like eye movements or tapping) to support the brain’s natural ability to heal. We’ll go at your pace, ensuring you feel safe and resourced before we begin trauma processing. Many clients find EMDR helps them feel relief and emotional clarity in areas where talk therapy alone hasn't been enough.
I prioritize emotional safety and pacing in therapy, helping you build skills to manage stress before we explore trauma. Using grounding, art, and simple explanations, I help you understand how trauma affects your body and mind. We work together at your own pace to avoid overwhelm and support your healing—whether from complex childhood trauma or recent difficult experiences.