Karla Hernandez-Rojas

Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)

I regularly utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) in my clinical practice as a structured, goal-oriented approach to help clients identify and modify unhelpful thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. My experience with CBT has involved working with a wide range of issues, including anxiety disorders, depression, trauma, stress management, and behavioral challenges. CBT allows me to collaborate with clients to increase self-awareness, challenge cognitive distortions, and develop practical coping skills. I often integrate CBT techniques such as thought records, behavioral activation, exposure hierarchies, and cognitive restructuring, tailoring these tools to meet each client's unique needs and goals. In practice, I emphasize the importance of psychoeducation and skill-building to empower clients to become active participants in their own change process. I also incorporate mindfulness-based elements and emotion regulation strategies when appropriate, enhancing CBT's effectiveness and making it accessible across different populations and presenting issues.

Person-centered (Rogerian)

I incorporate Person-Centered Therapy as a foundational approach in my clinical work, prioritizing empathy, unconditional positive regard, and genuineness in the therapeutic relationship. My experience with this method has shown me the importance of creating a safe, nonjudgmental space where clients feel truly heard, valued, and empowered to explore their thoughts and emotions. In my practice, I use a person-centered approach to foster trust and collaboration, allowing clients to take the lead in their healing process. I believe that each individual has the inner resources and capacity for growth, and my role is to support that process by providing compassionate presence and reflective listening. This approach helps clients develop greater self-awareness, self-acceptance, and confidence in making meaningful life changes. I often integrate person-centered principles with other modalities, such as CBT or trauma-informed care, while maintaining a client-led and strengths-based framework. Person-Centered Therapy has been especially effective in building rapport and supporting clients through anxiety, depression, identity exploration, life transitions, and relational challenges.

Trauma-Focused CBT

I utilize Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) as an evidence-based approach to support children, adolescents, and their caregivers in healing from the impact of trauma. My experience with TF-CBT includes working with individuals who have experienced abuse, neglect, grief, domestic violence, and other traumatic events. In my practice, I follow the TF-CBT model to guide clients through a structured and supportive process that addresses trauma symptoms while building resilience and emotional regulation skills. The components I emphasize include psychoeducation about trauma, relaxation techniques, affective expression, cognitive coping, trauma narrative development, and caregiver involvement. I strive to create a safe, empowering environment where clients feel supported in sharing their stories at their own pace. I collaborate closely with caregivers to reinforce coping strategies and strengthen the child's support system at home. My use of TF-CBT is always trauma-informed and culturally responsive, and I adapt the pace and focus of treatment to meet the developmental and emotional needs of each client. TF-CBT has been a valuable tool in my work, allowing me to help clients reduce trauma-related symptoms, improve functioning, and regain a sense of safety and control in their lives.

Strength-Based

I consistently incorporate a Strength-Based approach in my work, focusing on clients’ existing abilities, values, and resilience to support positive change. My experience using this method has shown that when individuals recognize and build upon their strengths, they become more empowered to overcome challenges and achieve their goals. In practice, I help clients identify and amplify their personal strengths, cultural values, and past successes as a foundation for growth. Rather than centering solely on problems or deficits, I work collaboratively with clients to reframe their experiences in a way that highlights their resourcefulness and potential. This approach is particularly effective in building self-esteem, enhancing motivation, and fostering hope. I often integrate strength-based techniques alongside other therapeutic models, such as CBT or trauma-informed care, to create a balanced, empowering, and client-centered treatment experience. Whether supporting individuals through life transitions, recovery, or emotional challenges, the Strength-Based approach helps me to affirm clients’ identities and encourage sustainable, meaningful progress.

Dialectical Behavior (DBT)

I consistently incorporate a Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) approach in my work, focusing on the balance between radical self-acceptance and the active pursuit of meaningful change. My experience using this method has shown that when individuals learn to regulate intense emotions and stay grounded in the present moment, they become more empowered to navigate life’s challenges without feeling overwhelmed. In practice, I help clients build a robust "toolkit" of skills across four key areas: mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness. Rather than staying stuck in painful emotional loops, I work collaboratively with clients to identify their "Wise Mind" and develop practical strategies for managing crisis and conflict. This approach allows us to validate the depth of your current experience while simultaneously building the capacity for a more stable, balanced life. This method is particularly effective in reducing emotional reactivity, improving communication in relationships, and fostering resilience. I often integrate DBT techniques—such as the TIPP protocol for high-stress moments or DEAR MAN for boundary setting—alongside other therapeutic models to create a structured, proactive, and deeply supportive treatment experience. Whether supporting individuals through chronic stress, intense life transitions, or interpersonal struggles, the DBT approach helps me to affirm clients’ current realities while encouraging the sustainable, functional progress they need to thrive.