A genuine connection has consistently played a significant role throughout my life, shaped by my experiences growing up in a Mexican family in Brownsville, Texas. I am grateful for the privilege of being part of a large extended immigrant family and the supportive communities that have been instrumental in my personal, educational, professional, and familial journey. I hold a deep appreciation for the relationships that have made a positive impact on my life, as well as those that continually contribute to my growth as a therapist. Waking up each day with a sense of passion for my work and the opportunity to connect with people is a true blessing. It fills me with gratitude and fulfillment, and I envision myself continuing this meaningful path for a long time to come. By understanding these aspects of who I am as a candidate, I believe you will gain insights into my values, motivations, and the dedication I bring to my work as a therapist. I believe these qualities are essential for establishing strong therapeutic relationships and making a meaningful impact in the lives of those I serve.

What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?

Please make sure to complete the intake form (which includes your consent to treatment and privacy notices) on the GROW site. Prior to the session, I review the intake information to help inform your care and maximize our time together. During our first session I will ask you some questions to get a better understanding of what you are looking for from therapy. We will collaborate together on goals to help alleviate your distress and make meaningful changes in your day-to-day life.

What treatment methods and tools do you utilize?

I have earned my Master of Science from the University of Texas at San Antonio. I have received intensive training in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), a therapeutic approach that combines cognitive-behavioral techniques with mindfulness practices. Additionally, I practice within a Cognitive Behavioral framework, which allows me to provide effective and evidence-based interventions to support clients in their therapeutic journey.

Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.

I have over 5 years of experience providing therapeutic services to diverse populations including individuals, couples, and families who suffer from depression and anxiety disorders, co-occurring substance use disorders, relational trauma, PTSD, and anger management. I am also pursuing my doctoral studies in Counseling Education and Supervision Ph.D. program at St. Mary’s University and focusing my research on sibling dynamics in immigrant families.

Describe the client(s) you are best positioned to serve.

My professional experiences have allowed me to enter the lives of youth, experiencing their triumphs, struggles, love, and losses. A majority of the youth that I have worked with are of color from low socioeconomic backgrounds who have endured chronic stressors, such as exposure to gun violence, drug addiction, gang affiliation, criminality, neglect, abuse, and poverty. They have also described harrowing accounts of disproportionate arrests, family dysfunction, scarcity, marginalization and deportation, mirroring the dimensions of systematic oppression, and its influence on their mental health and community. My empathic qualities and continuous efforts to develop relationships with my clients have served as a powerful strategy to increase school engagement by challenging prejudices, discovering similarities, advocating for social justice, and cultivating curiosity.

About Sarah Gonzalez