Irene Velasquez

LMFT, 7 years of experience

Authentic
Empowering
Warm
VirtualNext available on

About me

As a Latina therapist and first-generation American, I bring my whole heart to our work together! My approach centers around YOU—your experiences, your strengths, and your vision for growth. I believe that while I have therapeutic knowledge, you're truly the expert on your own life. I blend various approaches like CBT, mindfulness, and trauma-informed care to create a personalized path forward. Whether you're navigating anxiety, processing grief, or seeking more joy and balance, we'll find the tools that resonate most with your unique story. When I'm not connecting with clients, you'll find me dancing (my favorite stress-reliever!) or creating memories with my daughter, who teaches me daily about resilience and authentic connection. I'm genuinely excited to be part of your journey—to celebrate your victories, big and small, and to support you through challenges with warmth, cultural understanding, and unwavering belief in your capacity to heal and thrive.

Get to know me

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

Welcome! Our first session is all about getting to know each other and creating a foundation of trust. I'll answer any questions you have about therapy (no question is too small!), and we'll talk about what brings you here now. I'm interested in hearing what's worked for you before, what hasn't, and what you hope to gain from our time together. Based on your comfort level, we might explore your background, current challenges, and strengths—but always at your pace. Together, we'll create a flexible plan that might include helpful resources (books, videos), practical exercises to try between sessions, and regular check-ins to track your progress. I may suggest certain assessments or measures that help us understand what's happening and celebrate your growth. Remember, this is YOUR therapy journey! If something doesn't feel right or you have ideas about what might help, please share them. Some clients enjoy creative approaches while others prefer structured conversations—I'm here to adapt to what serves you best. By the end of our first session, my goal is for you to leave feeling heard, hopeful, and with a clear sense of our next steps together.

The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions

I believe in building on your natural strengths while developing new skills that create lasting change. My approach combines genuine empathy with practical tools—because understanding your experience matters, AND having concrete strategies to navigate challenges is essential for real-world results. In our work together, I'll help you identify the strengths you already possess (often ones you might not even recognize!) and show you how to leverage these inner resources more effectively. At the same time, I'll teach skills tailored to your specific needs—whether that's communication techniques, emotional regulation strategies, or mindfulness practices that fit your lifestyle. What makes therapy powerful isn't just feeling understood (though that's vital!)—it's the combination of compassionate support AND learning actionable tools you can use long after our sessions end. I'm committed to both validating your experiences and equipping you with skills that create meaningful, measurable improvements in your daily life. My greatest satisfaction comes from seeing clients gain confidence as they apply these skills and witness their own growth firsthand.

The clients I'm best positioned to serve

I create a warm, supportive space for teens, young adults, and women navigating life's challenges with cultural sensitivity and evidence-based approaches. My ideal clients include: Teens and adolescents finding their way through identity formation, social pressures, family expectations, and emotional changes. I offer an engaging, non-judgmental environment where young people feel truly heard and gain practical tools for managing stress, relationships, and self-discovery. Young adults transitioning through college, career beginnings, independence, and evolving relationships. Together, we'll navigate these pivotal years with strategies that honor both your cultural background and personal aspirations. Women experiencing anxiety who feel overwhelmed by worry, perfectionism, or panic. We'll develop practical strategies to calm your nervous system and transform anxious thoughts into more balanced perspectives. Individuals with newly diagnosed or suspected ADHD or autism who are reframing their life experiences through this new understanding. I provide a judgment-free space to explore your unique neurotype, develop personalized coping strategies, and embrace your strengths while addressing challenges. Those healing from depression who feel stuck in heaviness, low motivation, or negative thought patterns. I'll help you reconnect with meaning, rebuild energy, and rediscover joy through gradual, sustainable steps. Survivors of trauma seeking to process difficult experiences and reduce their impact on daily life. With compassion and at your pace, we'll work to release trauma's hold, establish safety, and restore your sense of empowerment. Whether you're a teen finding your voice, a young adult establishing your path, or a woman reclaiming your power, I tailor my approach to your unique needs and strengths. I understand how cultural background, family dynamics, and personal values shape your healing journey, and I'm committed to honoring all aspects of your identity as we work together toward growth and wellbeing.

Specialties

Top specialties

ADHDAnxiety

Other specialties

Depression

I identify as

Serves ages

My treatment methods

Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)

I help clients identify thought patterns that fuel difficult emotions, then work with them to challenge these thoughts and test them in real-life situations. We focus on gradually increasing meaningful activities while addressing negative beliefs. This approach is effective for anxiety, depression, and managing the effects of stressful life experiences.

Acceptance and commitment (ACT)

I help clients make room for difficult feelings instead of fighting them, while focusing on what truly matters to them. I teach mindfulness skills so they can notice thoughts without being controlled by them. Together, we identify personal values and take small steps toward a meaningful life, even when emotions feel challenging.

Dialectical Behavior (DBT)

I help clients learn practical skills for managing overwhelming emotions and improving relationships. We work on staying present (mindfulness), handling crisis moments, understanding emotions, and communicating effectively with others. This approach is especially helpful for those struggling with intense emotions or difficult relationships.

Mindfulness-Based Therapy

I help clients develop present-moment awareness through guided mindfulness practices that increase self-compassion and reduce reactivity to stress. We work on cultivating a non-judgmental attitude toward thoughts and feelings, creating space between experiences and reactions. This approach helps clients respond to life's challenges with greater clarity and calm, reducing anxiety, preventing depression relapse, and improving overall well-being.

Psychoeducation

I help clients understand the "why" behind their experiences by providing clear, accessible information about mental health conditions, brain functioning, and psychological processes. We explore how past experiences and current circumstances affect emotions and behaviors, empowering clients with knowledge that normalizes their experiences and provides a foundation for change.

Location

Virtual

Licensed in

Accepts

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