Hi! I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and a proud first-generation Mexican-American based in California. I hold a Master's degree in Social Work from California Baptist University and have 5 years of experience in the mental health field. I specialize in supporting young adult women navigating major life changes, such as starting a new job, moving away from home, or beginning college or graduate school. I also support individuals dealing with anxiety, depression, or burnout, providing a compassionate space to help them work through these challenges. My goal is to create a welcoming, culturally responsive space where you feel empowered to explore your challenges, gain insight, and grow as you navigate life's transitions. I'm here to support you in making meaningful progress and embracing change with confidence.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
In our first session, you can expect a warm and welcoming space where we can begin building trust and understanding. We’ll talk about what brought you to therapy, the challenges you're facing, and the goals you hope to achieve during our time together. I'll also ask about your background and experiences, including any cultural, family, or personal factors that are important to you, so I can get to know you better. We'll explore your strengths, resources, and what has helped you in the past, as well as areas where you see opportunities for growth. I'm here to listen and support you, and you can share as much or as little as you're comfortable with—this session is all about making sure you feel heard, seen, and understood. Together, we'll start creating a plan for how I can best support you on your journey.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
As a therapist, I believe my greatest strength is creating a safe, non-judgmental space where you can feel comfortable being your true self. My approach is empathetic, collaborative, and culturally responsive, which means I meet you where you are and adapt our work to fit your unique needs and experiences. I draw from a variety of therapeutic approaches, like strength-based, psychodynamic, person-centered, feminist, and multicultural frameworks, to help you feel empowered and supported on your journey. As a first-generation Latina, I deeply understand the challenges of navigating cultural expectations, identity, and belonging, which helps me connect with those facing similar experiences. I focus on your strengths and genuinely believe in your potential. My goal is to support you in building resilience and creating meaningful change in your life. Together, we will do the work that will prepare you to face and overcome life's challenges
About Lupe Buitron
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VirtualMy treatment methods
Strength-Based
I work with clients to identify their unique strengths—such as personal qualities, past successes, supportive relationships, or community resources. By focusing on what is going well and how they’ve overcome challenges before, I help clients see their own potential for growth and change. For example, when working with individuals dealing with anxiety, I use a strength-based approach to highlight their effective coping strategies, like problem-solving skills or reaching out for social support, rather than just focusing on anxiety symptoms. Building on these strengths helps clients feel more confident and set realistic, achievable goals. I also use reflective exercises and motivational interviewing to help clients recognize their progress, even during setbacks.
Feminist
I aim to create a balanced and respectful relationship in therapy, where you are seen as the expert of your own life. I use techniques like open dialogue and shared decision-making to honor your voice and autonomy. For example, when working with individuals who have experienced trauma, I make sure that you are always in control of your healing process, providing choices and respecting your decisions every step of the way.
Psychodynamic
I use a psychodynamic approach to help explore how past experiences, early relationships, and underlying feelings might be affecting you today. This means we look at patterns in your life to understand the root of your struggles. For example, if you’re having trouble maintaining relationships, we might explore your early experiences with attachment and how they shape your current expectations and behaviors. By bringing these patterns to light, you can gain a deeper understanding of yourself, which can lead to meaningful and lasting change.
Person-centered (Rogerian)
I focus on building a strong relationship where you feel heard and understood. I listen carefully and reflect back what you share to show that I’m fully present and to validate your experiences. For example, if you’re struggling with low self-esteem, I make sure to highlight your strengths, emphasize your inherent worth, and support you without judgment, allowing you to set the pace for therapy. Instead of directing or imposing interventions, I follow your lead, trusting that you have the ability to find the solutions and make the best decisions for yourself. My role is to support your self-discovery by offering empathy, accepting your experiences without judgment, and encouraging you to be your true self in our sessions.
Multicultural
When working with clients, I take the time to explore their cultural background, beliefs, and how these shape their view of the world. I ask open-ended questions to understand their unique experiences, like how their cultural identity affects their relationships, coping strategies, and what they expect from therapy. This helps me make our work together more relevant and responsive to their needs. For example, if a client comes from a culture where family plays a central role, we may discuss how family dynamics, expectations, and values impact their mental health. I’m also mindful of my own cultural biases and make an effort to continuously learn from my clients and understand different cultural perspectives. I believe that cultural humility is important—acknowledging that I may not always fully understand a client’s experiences, but I am always open to listening and learning from them.