LA born Mexicana - I am the daughter of a poor immigrant father from a small colonial pueblo in Jalisco, Mexico. My mother is a second generation Angeleno with Mexican roots. I am a first-generation college graduate. I understand and live the complexities of our identities within our communities. Navigating life with conflicting values and expectations can be a lot to handle. It’s so important for you to have a safe and affirming space to focus on you.

My Approach & Style

As your therapist, we will work collaboratively to build trust and safety in our relationship. I believe the therapeutic relationship is the foundation for deep healing work and that you are the expert of your lived experience. My role is to support you in your healing process. I do this with curiosity, empathy, some humor and a gentle but firm approach. Together, we will work to develop insight, to build on your power, to find your peace and your joy. To support you in this process, I will incorporate (through a racial justice lens) elements from various therapeutic modalities including family systems, attachment, Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy, EMDR and parts work. My approach to mental health is holistic and I believe that body movement, good nutrition and sleep provide a solid foundation for a healthy mind.

Experience & Qualifications

Prior to joining the mental health field my work was centered on education justice. It was these experiences working with parents and teachers that fueled my interest in trauma-informed practices and my calling to the helping profession. I received a Master's of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy with a specialization in Trauma Studies from Pacific Oaks College. I am an alumni of the AAMFT (American Association of Marriage and Family Therapists) Minority Fellowship Program and a member of CAMFT (California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists).

Specialized Training

Emotionally Focused Couple’s Therapy (EFT) Externship - Drs. Nancy and Paul Aikin, EFT

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) - EMDR Consulting by Roy Kiesling trained by Larisa Traga, LCSW EMDR