Irma J. Pérez
Bienvenidos! I’m a dedicated and compassionate clinical counselor specializing in queer mental health. With a deep understanding of the unique challenges and experiences faced by the queer community, I am committed to providing inclusive and affirming therapeutic support. Through a collaborative and client-centered approach, I strive to empower individuals to navigate their mental health journeys and foster personal growth.
As a first-generation Latina, lesbian, and Catholic therapist, I understand the complexity of holding multiple identities and navigating the spaces in between.
Hours of Availability Monday: 11:00 AM–2:00 PM & 5:00–8:00 PM Tuesday: 11:00 AM–2:00 PM & 5:00–8:00 PM Wednesday–Sunday: Unavailable Please feel free to check out my private practice website: www.IJPTherapy.com * Please note, I use AI to transcribe all sessions
First session
During our first session, we’ll explore your priorities, goals, and expectations for therapy in a way that feels comfortable and authentic to you. This is a space for you to share what’s on your mind, what brought you here, and what you hope to gain from our work together. We’ll also discuss how I approach therapy—balancing insight, humor, and a person-centered, intersectional lens—so we can create a process that feels aligned with your needs. Most importantly, this session is about setting the foundation for a supportive, collaborative journey where you feel seen, heard, and empowered.
Strengths
What makes me unique as a therapist is my transparency and authenticity—I show up as a real person in this work. As a first-generation Latina, lesbian, and Catholic therapist, I understand the complexity of holding multiple identities and navigating the spaces in between. My experience spans across crisis management, therapy, and case management, giving me a well-rounded perspective on both immediate support and long-term healing. I believe in blending deep insight with humor and meeting you where you are with honesty, warmth, and a commitment to creating an inclusive space where all parts of you are welcome.
Ideal clients
I work best with clients who are ready to be honest with themselves and do meaningful, sometimes uncomfortable, growth. I specialize in working with queer and first-generation individuals who are navigating anxiety, family expectations, identity, and self-worth. Many of my clients are unpacking who they were taught to be versus who they actually are, and are ready to stop shrinking themselves to fit others’ expectations. In our work, I offer a direct, compassionate, and nonjudgmental space where we can challenge patterns, build insight, and create real change. If you’re ready to show up, get curious, and choose yourself more fully, we’ll be a strong fit.
Treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help clients identify and challenge unhelpful thought patterns that contribute to distress. I work collaboratively to reframe self-critical thinking and strengthen the connection between thoughts, emotions, and behaviors.
Acceptance and commitment (ACT)
I incorporate Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to support clients in developing acceptance of difficult emotions while moving toward values-aligned action. I emphasize psychological flexibility, self-compassion, and meaningful change rather than symptom avoidance.
Strength-Based
I take a strengths-based approach by highlighting client resilience, progress, and existing coping skills. I support clients in building confidence and reinforcing what is already working.
Compassion-Focused
I help clients recognize patterns of self-criticism and internalized shame and guide them toward more compassionate self-talk. I focus on reducing self-blame while increasing emotional awareness and self-acceptance.
Psychoanalytic
I draw from a psychodynamic approach to help clients explore how early experiences, relational patterns, and unconscious dynamics may be shaping current thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. I pay close attention to recurring themes in the therapeutic relationship and support clients in gaining insight into deeper emotional processes, with the goal of fostering greater self-understanding and lasting change.
Location
Virtual sessions
Identifies as
Top specialties
Other specialties
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Licensed in
- CaliforniaLicense 16388