“My holistic approach focuses on acknowledging that not all conditions are pathological.”
What was your path to becoming a therapist?
We all have different walks of life but across many backgrounds, I believe respect is a common trait we all hope for in our relationships. My therapeutic style has this foundation, which means I provide a listening ear, offer support, and teach others to feel fulfilled with their own lives. My own experiences as a Latina, a first-generation American, and coming from a low-income background are some of the many barriers that I continue to endure. I constantly find ways to be mindful of how I can make each day worth living.
What should someone know about working with you?
I believe that progress is shown by how a client identifies their growth (no goal is too small or large!). I value a person's family history, personal history, medical history, mental history, and any moments in life that feel traumatic. I enjoy working with people who are either determined to see change or in the position to explore what parts of them would be most beneficial to work on.
What do you do to continue learning and building competencies as a provider?
I continue to attend consultation meetings and outside training where I discuss how I can keep growing as a therapist. This is a continuous look at myself with the idea that I am always in the position to learn.
How do your own core values shape your approach to therapy?
My holistic approach focuses on acknowledging that not all conditions are pathological. Systemic problems contribute to one's mental health and it is important to validate this and learn how we can be advocates while helping people cope with the day-to-day struggles they face.
What are you most excited about within the evolving mental health landscape?
I am excited about using practical skills to support people in the comforts of their homes. This is possible now that telehealth is used regularly.
“Systemic problems contribute to one's mental health and it is important to validate this and learn how we can be advocates while helping people cope with the day-to-day struggles they face.”