As a Latino male LCSW therapist, I bring a rich background of experience and education to my practice. Having studied at Columbia University, I have honed my skills to provide comprehensive support to individuals from diverse backgrounds. My professional journey has led me to work extensively with children and families within the child welfare system, justice-involved individuals, and those grappling with substance abuse, codependency, intimacy issues, LGBTQIA+ identities, and life transitions.
Utilizing a range of modalities including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), mindfulness techniques, and trauma-focused approaches, I tailor my therapeutic interventions to meet the unique needs of each individual. My practice is deeply rooted in a commitment to justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion, and I strive to create a safe and affirming space for all clients.
With a strong emphasis on social justice and advocacy, I am dedicated to addressing systemic barriers and promoting positive change within both the therapeutic setting and the broader community. My goal is to empower clients to navigate life’s challenges with resilience, self-awareness, and compassion, fostering growth and transformation along the way.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
In the first session with a client, I, as the therapist, take a humanistic approach focused on creating a safe and welcoming space for the client to explore their thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Central to my therapeutic philosophy, which I've coined as "no bullcrap, but with love," is the belief in authenticity, honesty, and genuine connection.
As the client enters the therapy room, I greet them warmly and invite them to take a seat in a comfortable and inviting environment. I aim to establish rapport and build trust from the outset, emphasizing my commitment to their well-being and growth.
During the initial moments of the session, I take the time to explain my therapeutic approach, emphasizing the core principles of honesty, transparency, and unconditional positive regard. I reassure the client that they can expect a judgment-free zone where they can speak openly and honestly without fear of criticism or rejection.
I make it clear that while I won't sugarcoat or gloss over difficult topics, my approach is rooted in empathy, compassion, and respect for the client's autonomy. I affirm my dedication to supporting them in their journey towards self-discovery, healing, and personal growth.
Throughout the session, I actively listen to the client's concerns, validating their experiences and offering empathy and understanding. I encourage them to express themselves authentically, reassuring them that their thoughts and feelings are valid and worthy of exploration.
In line with my "no bullcrap, but with love" approach, I gently challenge any self-limiting beliefs or defense mechanisms that may be hindering the client's progress. However, I do so with kindness and compassion, always mindful of the client's emotional vulnerability and need for validation.
As the session comes to a close, I express gratitude to the client for their courage in seeking therapy and assure them that they are not alone in their journey. I reaffirm my commitment to supporting them every step of the way, offering encouragement and hope for the future.
Overall, my first session with a client emphasizes the importance of authenticity, honesty, and unconditional positive regard, creating a safe and supportive space where clients can explore their innermost thoughts and emotions with courage and vulnerability.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
My greatest strength as a therapist lies in my ability to create an authentic and welcoming therapeutic space where clients feel genuinely heard, understood, and valued. I've coined my approach as "no bullcrap, but with love," which reflects my commitment to honesty, transparency, and compassion in therapy.
From the moment clients enter my therapy room, I strive to establish a connection built on trust and empathy. I greet them warmly and make it clear that they are entering a judgment-free zone where they can express themselves openly and honestly.
Throughout our sessions, I listen actively and attentively, validating clients' experiences and offering empathy and understanding. My genuine interest in their well-being shines through as I encourage them to explore their thoughts, feelings, and experiences with courage and vulnerability.
I believe in the power of honesty and directness in therapy, but always with a foundation of kindness and compassion. I gently challenge clients when necessary, helping them confront self-limiting beliefs or defense mechanisms that may be holding them back, while also providing unwavering support and encouragement.
Clients appreciate my authentic approach and feel empowered to engage fully in the therapeutic process. They know that I am there for them every step of the way, offering guidance, validation, and hope for the future.
Overall, my greatest strength as a therapist is my genuine and heartfelt commitment to creating a safe and supportive environment where clients can explore their innermost thoughts and emotions with courage and vulnerability. Through my authenticity, compassion, and unwavering support, I empower clients to navigate life's challenges with resilience, self-awareness, and confidence.
About Joshua Acosta-Duque
Appointments
Virtual
My treatment methods
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
As a therapist, I've found Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to be an invaluable tool in my work with clients facing personality disorders, trauma, substance use disorders, and codependency issues.
For clients with personality disorders like borderline personality disorder (BPD), DBT has been instrumental in helping them develop crucial skills in emotion regulation, interpersonal effectiveness, and distress tolerance. Through individual and group sessions, I've guided clients in acquiring practical techniques to manage intense emotions, navigate complex relationships, and foster a sense of self-acceptance and resilience.
When addressing trauma, DBT's trauma-informed approach has allowed me to support clients in processing traumatic experiences and reducing symptoms of PTSD. By integrating mindfulness practices, emotion regulation techniques, and trauma-sensitive interventions, I've helped clients find healing and empowerment as they work through their trauma.
In treating substance use disorders, DBT's evidence-based strategies have proven effective in addressing both the emotional vulnerabilities driving addictive behaviors and the practical skills needed for recovery. Through a combination of therapy, skills training, and ongoing support, I've assisted clients in developing healthier coping mechanisms, enhancing motivation for change, and building fulfilling lives free from substance misuse.
For clients struggling with codependency issues, DBT principles have been instrumental in promoting healthier boundaries, improving self-esteem, and fostering assertive communication skills. By focusing on interpersonal effectiveness, emotion regulation, and mindfulness, I've empowered clients to break free from dysfunctional relationship patterns, prioritize self-care, and cultivate more balanced connections with others.
Gottman method
In my practice as a therapist, I've effectively integrated the Gottman Method to support couples in improving their relationships and resolving conflicts. Grounded in over four decades of research on couples' dynamics, this evidence-based approach offers practical tools and interventions to strengthen communication, deepen emotional connection, and promote long-lasting relationship satisfaction.
Using the Gottman Method, I begin by conducting a thorough assessment of the couple's relationship, which may include structured interviews, questionnaires, and observations of their interactions. This helps me gain insight into their strengths, areas of concern, and patterns of communication.
Based on the assessment findings, I collaboratively work with the couple to establish treatment goals and tailor interventions to address their specific needs and challenges. The Gottman Method emphasizes the importance of building friendship, managing conflict constructively, and creating shared meaning in the relationship.
During therapy sessions, I teach couples research-based skills for effective communication, such as active listening, expressing needs and desires, and validating each other's perspectives. I also guide them in practicing techniques for de-escalating conflicts and repairing relationship ruptures.
In addition to skill-building exercises, I help couples explore underlying issues that may be contributing to relationship distress, such as unresolved conflicts, unmet emotional needs, or differing expectations. By fostering greater understanding and empathy between partners, I facilitate deeper emotional connection and intimacy.
Throughout the therapeutic process, I provide guidance, support, and feedback to help couples navigate challenges and reinforce positive changes in their relationship dynamics. I also encourage ongoing practice of Gottman Method principles outside of therapy sessions, empowering couples to sustain their progress and strengthen their bond over time.
By incorporating the Gottman Method into my practice, I empower couples with practical tools and insights to build healthier, more fulfilling relationships characterized by trust, respect, and mutual support.
Motivational Interviewing
As a therapist, I've employed motivational interviewing (MI) as a collaborative, client-centered approach to facilitate behavior change and support clients in achieving their goals. Grounded in empathy, acceptance, and evocation, MI empowers clients to explore their ambivalence about change and strengthen their intrinsic motivation for taking action.
In my practice, I begin by establishing a warm and empathetic therapeutic relationship built on trust and respect. I listen attentively to clients' concerns, values, and aspirations, creating a safe space for them to express their thoughts and feelings without judgment.
Using MI techniques such as open-ended questions, reflective listening, and affirmations, I help clients explore their reasons for seeking change and identify their personal strengths and resources. By eliciting and amplifying their intrinsic motivations, I support clients in clarifying their goals and aspirations, as well as understanding the potential benefits and challenges of change.
Throughout the therapeutic process, I collaboratively work with clients to develop a personalized action plan that aligns with their values, preferences, and readiness for change. I help clients identify concrete steps they can take to move towards their goals, while also addressing any barriers or ambivalence they may encounter along the way.
In addition to exploring the "what" of change, I also focus on the "how" by helping clients build self-efficacy and confidence in their ability to make meaningful changes in their lives. I provide feedback, encouragement, and support as clients experiment with new behaviors and strategies, celebrating their successes and offering gentle guidance through setbacks.
By integrating motivational interviewing into my therapeutic approach, I empower clients to become active agents in their own change process, fostering a sense of autonomy, empowerment, and self-determination. Together, we work towards creating positive and sustainable changes that align with clients' values and aspirations, leading to greater overall well-being and fulfillment.
Psychodynamic
As a therapist, I've utilized psychodynamic therapy to help clients gain insight into the unconscious factors influencing their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Rooted in psychoanalytic principles, psychodynamic therapy aims to explore unresolved conflicts, past experiences, and relational patterns that may be contributing to clients' current difficulties.
In my practice, I provide a safe and supportive environment for clients to explore their inner world and deepen their understanding of themselves. Through open-ended questioning, active listening, and interpretation, I encourage clients to reflect on their feelings, memories, and relationships, uncovering underlying themes and dynamics.
Drawing on psychodynamic techniques such as free association, dream analysis, and exploration of transference and countertransference, I help clients make connections between past experiences and present-day struggles. By examining unconscious motivations, defense mechanisms, and recurring patterns, clients gain insight into the root causes of their distress and develop greater self-awareness.
In addition to exploring the past, I also focus on the therapeutic relationship as a microcosm of clients' broader relational patterns. Through the therapeutic alliance, clients have the opportunity to explore and work through interpersonal dynamics, attachment issues, and relational conflicts in a supportive and nonjudgmental context.
As therapy progresses, I collaborate with clients to identify and challenge maladaptive patterns of thinking and behaving that may be hindering their growth and well-being. By fostering insight, self-reflection, and emotional processing, psychodynamic therapy supports clients in making meaningful changes, resolving inner conflicts, and achieving greater psychological integration and wholeness.
Overall, my use of psychodynamic therapy emphasizes the importance of exploring the unconscious mind, uncovering hidden motivations, and fostering deep self-understanding to promote healing and personal growth. Through this collaborative and exploratory process, clients are empowered to transform their lives and cultivate greater resilience, authenticity, and fulfillment.
