Individual Psychotherapy

In my individual sessions I use a collaborative, compassionate, directive, processing approach . I usually allow the patient to guide me through their desires to attend therapy, assess their level of need, and then start to explore with the client which process is best for them. The first 2-3 sessions are focused on assessment and rapport building, you are free to end services with me if you feel we are not a good match. My overall style is processed based meaning we focus on unpacking and processing emotions, traumas, patterns, themes, breakthroughs, and concepts in the therapy space. My clinical lens is trauma based lens (guided through IFS- Internal Family System Therapy ) but I also like to incorporate concepts of psychoanalysis, CBT, DBT, TF-CBT, somatic based work and insight oriented modalities . My overall strategy is client-centered approach approaching the sessions with curiosity to help my patients grow, build trust and safety through their process of self-discovery. For woman patients I also have experience helping woman explore what is right for them, build trust within themselves, challenge stereotypical gender roles that are not aligned with who they are and explore their sexuality (in a safe manner especially if there is trauma).

Couples Psychotherapy

In couples sessions, my patients are the couple itself. My approach is to understand the dance/dynamic of the relationship. Then I like to go into exploring what is feeding the dynamic. The first 2-3 sessions are assessment focused in which I focus on understanding the couple. When doing couples work I look at couples as a unit but each holding two different perspectives. At times the different perspectives create tension in the relationship that can lead to polarization. My goal is to compassionately understand each persons perspective, how trauma and life experiences influenced who they now are, how they engage in the relationships and how this impacts the dynamic of the relationship. I use IFS modality to help me understand each person in a humanistic way then use I use IFS to unpack each persons parts and try to foster more self energy in the relationship. Self energy will promote more compassion, understanding, listening, caring, intimacy and vulnerability. That in the end can help bring couples together and teach them skills to navigate problems in the relationship in a more mature healthy way. More about IFS is listed below. I welcome all couples heterosexual and LGBTQ+ couples.

Hola! I offer a safe space for Latinx patients using a culturally sensitive approach to help them navigate the therapeutic process. I do sessions in English and Spanish.

Soy una persona Latina y espero crear un espacio seguro usando un estilo sensible a la cultura Latina. Doy sessions en Ingles y Espanol.

I also enjoy working with the LGBTQ+ community, my experience is centered with Latinx LGBTQ+ community but also welcome other BIPOC patients. I like to create a safe space for the LGBTQ+ patients to safely and compassionately explore their therapeutic needs and foster healing through their therapeutic process.

Psychotherapy for LGBTQ+ and Latinx Patients

IFS therapy was established by Richard Schwartz. IFS is a form of therapy that is non pathologizing and observes human beings as holding different parts of themselves such as controlling part, anxious part, jealous part, angry part, productive part, etc. A lot of the times these parts are seen as bad because they cause maladaptive behaviors that cause us or others harm. In IFS, the therapist will use somatic based skills to locate the part in the body, un-blend protective parts . We strive to understand the parts, understand what they are protecting and slowly go the exile (the traumatized part) to start to cultivate a healing experience that promotes self energy. The process is guided by the therapist but will attune to the patients speed and needs. This is done to be thoughtful through the process to promote healing and not harm. Self energy encompasses the 8 Cs: confidence, calm, compassion, courage, creativity, clarity, curiosity, and connectedness. All these leading to navigating healthier more fulfilling ways of life and healthier ways of engaging in relationships.

https://ifs-institute.com/about-us

What is IFS (Internal Family System Therapy)?

Free Consultation

To initiate treatment with me. I first like to do a 15 minute consult and can allow an extra 15 minutes if needed. This will give you an opportunity to ask me questions, get know me, and give me an idea of what you are looking for and see if we are a good match. If at any point in treatment you change your mind don’t wish to work with me. I can provide you with referrals that can better meet your needs. Give me a call or send me an email and we can set up an appointment for a consult.