New to Grow
I am an experienced licensed counselor (LMHC), but am always still learning! Whether I'm learning new things about the world of psychology, different therapy interventions, or learning new things from my clients, I am always learning, and I never feel like I "know it all" or "have all the answers." In fact, part of what I love about my job as a therapist is that I get to learn alongside my clients - especially information about my clients - and we often exchange valuable knowledge and information. I consider counseling a "collaboration," because the client only reaches their goals with a mutually agreed upon partnership between the therapist and client, coupled with a willingness on the client's part to do the work to achieve their goals.
Seeking counseling can feel like a big deal. I typically begin the first intake session by validating your present goal of seeking counseling as being checked off! This is the first step to change! We will spend this first session getting to know each other, and gathering your history, reason for seeking counseling at this time, and any goal(s) you have for therapy. I will also invite you to ask me any questions you might have about therapy or what to expect going forward.
I have been counseling since my internship in 2010. I have been licensed for 7 years. I have extensive experience counseling individuals of various cultural backgrounds, mostly those from Latinx or Hispanic cultures, since I speak Spanish as my 2nd language, and very much enjoy working with this culture. I have always been client-centered, and let the client lead the way in therapy. I incorporate various approaches in counseling, depending on the needs and presentation of the client. I consider my clients the ones in charge of their therapeutic journey. I am simply their guide.
My ideal clients are young adults or individuals who are experiencing school or work stress, relationship challenges, or various life transitions. I specialize in helping people who are feeling "stuck" to become empowered to change the way they think and act, so they will in turn feel and be better. Some examples include those attending college or university, those experiencing job stress or those involved with family conflict.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I typically use CBT alongside Mindfulness to help my clients change negative thought patterns to more positive ones, so they will in turn improve their behavior, which will then improve their life and how they feel. I often suggest that clients with negative thoughts or feelings keep a thought log, which can help them pinpoint where and when these negative thoughts or feelings are coming from, and then I guide them gently to leave the past in the past, the future in the future, and to just focus on the here and now, the present, and the physical sensations of now, and focus on present thoughts and goals without judgement.
Mindfulness-Based Therapy
I generally incorporate mindfulness with CBT and help clients focus on the present without judgement, and encourage them to stay mindful of every act they do, even outside the counseling sessions, focusing on physical sensations and deliberate mindfulness.
Motivational Interviewing
When clients are struggling internally with feeling ambivalent about a particular lifestyle change, I typically use MI to help them talk through their thoughts and measure their desire for change, helping them figure out their ultimate goal and their current stage of motivation for such change.
Christian Counseling
When I have clients who are interested in Christian based counseling, I typically incorporate CBT and Mindfulness with prayer or Biblical Scripture, as requested/agreed to by the clients.