With over 18 years of experience, I am a bilingual licensed mental health therapist fluent in English and Spanish, dedicated to providing compassionate, effective support for individuals facing life challenges. I am Puerto Rican, raised in Brooklyn, New York, and now living in Florida, bringing a deep appreciation for diverse cultures and experiences into my practice. My work has spanned diverse settings, including jails, refugee facilities, outpatient therapy, and multi-systemic therapy (MST) with adolescents and families. I have facilitated group therapy for both teens and adults, worked extensively with underserved and LGBTQ+ populations, and provided case management services to ensure holistic care. Beyond my professional experience, I understand the complexities of caregiving firsthand, as I care for a loved one with special needs. This experience deepens my ability to provide empathy and understanding to clients facing life challenges. My approach is rooted in acceptance, warmth, and a genuine desire to help clients feel welcomed and supported. Español: Sobre Mí Con más de 18 años de experiencia, soy un terapeuta bilingüe licenciado en salud mental, fluido en inglés y español, dedicado a brindar apoyo compasivo y efectivo a personas que enfrentan desafíos en la vida. Soy puertorriqueño, crecí en Brooklyn, Nueva York, y ahora vivo en Florida, lo que me permite conectar con diversas culturas y experiencias. He trabajado en cárceles, centros para refugiados, terapia ambulatoria y terapia multisistémica (MST) con adolescentes y familias. También tengo experiencia facilitando terapia grupal para adolescentes y adultos, apoyando a comunidades desatendidas y LGBTQ+, y brindando servicios de manejo de casos para una atención integral. Como cuidador de un ser querido con necesidades especiales, comprendo los desafíos del cuidado y ofrezco un espacio seguro y acogedor. Mi enfoque se basa en la aceptación y la empatía, ayudando a los clientes a enfrentar los desafíos de la vida sintiéndose bienvenidos y apoyados.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
In our first session, we will focus on getting to know each other, building trust, and discussing what brings you to therapy. We will also go over intake paperwork and any necessary background information to ensure I understand your needs. My goal is to create a comfortable and supportive space where you feel heard and valued. I look forward to working with you! Español: ¿Qué Pueden Esperar los Clientes en su Primera Sesión? En nuestra primera sesión, nos enfocaremos en conocernos, generar confianza y hablar sobre lo que te ha llevado a terapia. También revisaremos el papeleo de ingreso y cualquier información necesaria para comprender mejor tus necesidades. Mi objetivo es crear un espacio seguro y acogedor donde te sientas escuchado y valorado. ¡Espero poder acompañarte en este proceso!
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
My greatest strengths as a provider lie in my deep empathy, cultural awareness, and ability to create a truly accepting and nonjudgmental space for clients. With over 18 years of experience across diverse settings—including jails, refugee facilities, outpatient care, and intensive family therapy—I bring a well-rounded, practical approach to therapy that meets clients where they are. I have a unique ability to connect with individuals who have felt misunderstood or underserved, including caregivers, LGBTQ+ individuals, and those facing systemic barriers. My lived experience as a caregiver and my background working with professionals struggling with workplace stress, FMLA, and exam accommodations allow me to provide both practical guidance and emotional support. Fluent in English and Spanish, I tailor therapy to each client’s needs using evidence-based approaches like CBT, DBT, and mindfulness. More than anything, I strive to help clients feel heard, valued, and empowered to take control of their mental health and well-being. Español: Mis Mayores Fortalezas como Proveedor Mis mayores fortalezas como proveedor radican en mi profunda empatía, conciencia cultural y capacidad para crear un espacio verdaderamente acogedor y libre de juicios para mis clientes. Con más de 18 años de experiencia en diversos entornos, incluyendo cárceles, centros para refugiados, atención ambulatoria y terapia intensiva familiar, ofrezco un enfoque práctico y equilibrado que se adapta a las necesidades de cada persona. Tengo una habilidad única para conectar con individuos que se han sentido incomprendidos o desatendidos, incluyendo cuidadores, personas LGBTQ+ y aquellos que enfrentan barreras sistémicas. Mi experiencia personal como cuidador y mi trayectoria apoyando a profesionales que enfrentan estrés laboral, FMLA y adaptaciones para exámenes me permiten brindar tanto orientación práctica como apoyo emocional. Fluido en inglés y español, adapto la terapia a las necesidades de cada cliente utilizando enfoques basados en la evidencia como CBT, DBT y mindfulness. Más que nada, me esfuerzo por ayudar a mis clientes a sentirse escuchados, valorados y empoderados para tomar el control de su salud mental y bienestar.
Describe the client(s) you are best positioned to serve.
Who I Work Best With: I work best with adults facing anxiety, depression, trauma, and life transitions, particularly those struggling with stress, relationship challenges, or intergenerational issues. I also specialize in supporting caregivers of individuals with mental illness, providing a space to process their experiences and develop coping strategies. In addition, I help individuals facing workplace challenges, including those experiencing burnout, work-related stress, or navigating the process of obtaining FMLA for mental health reasons. I also specialize in working with therapists who need accommodations for their board exams, offering guidance and support to help them succeed while prioritizing their well-being. I have extensive experience working with underserved communities, LGBTQ+ individuals, and those facing systemic barriers to care. My background in the legal system, refugee populations, and complex family dynamics allows me to offer insight and tailored support. Whether you're seeking guidance, coping tools, or a space to feel truly understood, I am here to help. Español: ¿Con quién trabajo mejor? Trabajo mejor con adultos que enfrentan ansiedad, depresión, trauma y transiciones de vida, especialmente aquellos que lidian con el estrés, las relaciones o los desafíos intergeneracionales. También me especializo en apoyar a cuidadores de personas con enfermedades mentales, brindando un espacio para procesar sus experiencias y desarrollar estrategias de afrontamiento. Además, ayudo a personas que enfrentan dificultades en el trabajo, incluyendo agotamiento, estrés laboral o la necesidad de obtener FMLA por razones de salud mental. También apoyo a terapeutas que necesitan adaptaciones para sus exámenes de certificación, brindándoles orientación y apoyo para que puedan tener éxito sin descuidar su bienestar. Tengo experiencia con comunidades desatendidas, personas LGBTQ+ y aquellos con barreras sistémicas para recibir atención. Mi trayectoria en el sistema legal, poblaciones refugiadas y dinámicas familiares complejas me permite ofrecer apoyo adaptado a cada experiencia. Si buscas ayuda, mejores herramientas o un espacio donde sentirte comprendido, estoy aquí para apoyarte.
About Wanda Marrero
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VirtualMy treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Through collaboration with clients, I help them recognize how their thoughts and beliefs influence their emotions and actions. By teaching practical skills and strategies, such as cognitive restructuring and behavior modification, I assist individuals in challenging and replacing unhelpful patterns with more adaptive ways of thinking and behaving. This process empowers clients to develop healthier coping mechanisms, improve emotional regulation, and achieve lasting positive change.
Compassion Focused
In my practice, I incorporate Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT) as a therapeutic approach that focuses on developing self-compassion and cultivating a kind, supportive attitude towards oneself. I guide clients in understanding the role of self-criticism and shame in their emotional struggles and help them build a compassionate mindset to counteract these negative patterns. Through various exercises and techniques, such as imagery work, mindfulness, and compassionate self-talk, I assist individuals in fostering a sense of warmth, acceptance, and understanding toward themselves. By promoting self-soothing and self-care practices, CFT helps clients enhance their emotional resilience, improve their relationships with themselves and others, and embark on a journey of self-growth and healing.
Humanistic
I incorporate humanistic therapy as a client-centered approach that emphasizes empathy, unconditional positive regard, and genuineness in the therapeutic relationship. I create a supportive and non-judgmental space where clients can explore their thoughts, emotions, and experiences freely. By focusing on the client's unique perspectives and inner wisdom, I help them develop self-awareness, self-acceptance, and personal growth.
Motivational Interviewing
I utilize motivational interviewing as a collaborative, goal-oriented approach to facilitate behavior change. I work with clients to explore their ambivalence towards change and help them resolve any conflicting feelings. By using open-ended questions, reflective listening, and affirmations, I strive to deepen the client's intrinsic motivation for change. I support clients in identifying their values, goals, and strengths, while also recognizing potential barriers and challenges. Through a non-judgmental and empathetic approach, I help clients build confidence in their ability to make positive changes. Motivational interviewing in my practice encourages clients to take small, manageable steps towards their desired outcomes, ultimately fostering a sense of empowerment and self-efficacy in the change process.
Multicultural
In my practice, I embrace a multicultural treatment approach that values and respects the diverse backgrounds and experiences of each client. I strive to create a safe and inclusive space where clients from all cultural backgrounds feel understood and empowered. This approach involves customizing treatment plans to align with each client's cultural beliefs, values, and communication styles. By integrating cultural competence into therapy, I aim to foster meaningful therapeutic relationships and support clients in achieving their mental health goals in a culturally sensitive manner.