Hello! I am Dinorah Escala, a mental health counselor licensed in the state of Florida. I have over a decade of experience collaborating with clients from diverse cultural, ethnic, social, and economic backgrounds. I have advanced training in the preparation of immigration evaluations (Hardship Waivers, Cancellation of Removal, VAWA, Asylum, T & U Visas and more). I also hold a mater's degree in Business Administration and certification as an Interpreter/Translator (Spanish/English). Before becoming a therapist, I held positions in the US Government and private (IT) sector. However, my passion for learning about human behavior led me to a final shift to mental health and coaching. My exposure to diverse cultures and personal experience after residing in different countries allows me to better understand the specific challenges faced by the immigrant community, especially from the female perspective. I also help clients dealing with stress, anxiety and depression that usually arise from the challenges of day-to-day living or life changes.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
Initial sessions usually involve introductions, review of confidentiality issues and an initial gathering of client information. During the initial session, as in all future ones, my intent will be to establish a strong therapeutic relationship based on mutual respect and positive regards. I will help clients not only identify goas, but the realistic steps to be taken to achieve them.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
I believe I am an empathic and compassionate individual. Perhaps because of these traits, I find my work as a therapist the most rewarding of my long professional career. I believe anyone can grow into a better version of themselves if they put the work into it. I hope to convey this message in an encouraging and nonjudgmental environment. It’s never too late and you are never too old! I prefer to work with adults. I’m especially interested in women's empowerment, life coaching, depression, anxiety, life transitions, aging issues, stress management, and work/life balance.
Describe the client(s) you are best positioned to serve.
I enjoy working with adults and seniors. I am especially interested in immigrant populations and the struggles these face as they adjust to life in the United States.
About Dinorah Escala
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VirtualMy treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps individuals identify and modify negative thought patterns and maladaptive behaviors that contribute to psychological distress. By teaching them practical coping skills, clients are empowered to manage symptoms and improve their overall functioning and well-being. As a therapist, I often employ tools like thought diaries, activity logs, and behavioral experiments to help clients practice new skills and track their progress outside of sessions.
Person-centered (Rogerian)
Growth is fostered by offering genuine empathy, unconditional positive regard (non-judgmental acceptance), and authenticity within the therapeutic relationship. This approach empowers clients by trusting them to be heavily involved in the course of therapy, explore their own feelings and experiences, and ultimately move towards greater self-awareness and self-acceptance.
Culturally Sensitive Therapy
As an immigrant and having worked with clients from various countries, ethnicities, and religious backgrounds, I believe it's profoundly important to recognize that a client's cultural background, migration journey, and unique values deeply influence their experiences and how they approach mental health. Culturally sensitive therapy involves consciously adapting therapeutic methods to align with the client's specific beliefs and communication styles, ensuring interventions are relevant and respectful.
Existential
Existential Therapy is useful in helping individuals explore fundamental questions about meaning, values, responsibility, and mortality, encouraging greater self-awareness and authentic living. For older adults, this approach can be particularly valuable as they we often grapple with reflections on legacy, confront losses, navigate changes in identity after retirement, and face the realities of aging. The objective is to find renewed purpose, cultivate acceptance and reduce anxiety surrounding end-of-life concerns.
Solution Focused Brief Treatment
BSFT is useful in helping clients identify their strengths and resources to find practical solutions to existing problems rather than extensively analyzing past problems. This future-oriented approach typically leads to shorter therapy durations, making it an efficient way to achieve specific, desired goals and changes. By helping clients identify achievable steps toward goals, BFST often enhances client motivation and a sense of agency.