Areas of Expertise

Anxiety is a natural response that our bodies have developed over millennia as a way to keep us safe from potential threats. It's a survival mechanism that triggers our fight-or-flight response when we perceive danger or stress. However, in today's world, where threats are often more psychological than physical, this response can sometimes be triggered in situations where there's no immediate danger present. We are conditioned to view anxiety as inherently negative, but it's important to recognize that it's a normal part of the human experience. The key lies in understanding the difference between healthy anxiety, which can motivate us and keep us alert, and unhealthy anxiety, which can be overwhelming and interfere with our daily lives. Together we will identify where our anxious thoughts stem from and create a personalized tool kit that will assist you in regaining control and living a fulfilling life despite anxiety.

Depression is a complex mental health condition characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a loss of interest in activities that were once enjoyable. It can affect various aspects of a person's life, including their mood, thoughts, behavior, and physical health. Have you ever felt this, and it does not seem to go away?

Depression is not simply a fleeting case of the blues but rather a serious and often debilitating condition that may require professional intervention. Therapy can provide a safe and supportive space for individuals to explore the underlying causes of their depression, develop coping strategies, and work towards healing and recovery. Through evidence-based approaches such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and interpersonal therapy (IPT). Together we can work to regain a sense of control, again find meaning and purpose in your life, and ultimately move towards a more balanced existence.

Adolescence is a pivotal period of growth and development marked by numerous physical, emotional, and social changes. It's a time when individuals are navigating their identities, relationships, and responsibilities, which can often be overwhelming and stressful.

Drawing from my experience with adolescents, I've observed firsthand the positive effects of therapy. Therapy offers adolescents a secure, confidential environment where they can explore their thoughts, emotions, and experiences without fear of judgment. This process aids in the cultivation of crucial coping skills, resilience, and self-awareness. By addressing issues like anxiety, depression, trauma, or family conflicts early on, therapy equips adolescents with the tools needed to navigate challenges, foster healthy relationships, and thrive into adulthood. Furthermore, therapy acts preventively, curbing the progression of mental health issues over time. Together, we can navigate the unique challenges of this life stage, empowering our youth to establish a strong foundation for their well-being. As an LGBTQ+ affirming clinician, I'm equipped to provide support in navigating this aspect of development, while also assisting caregivers within the family structure.

Acknowledging and honoring diverse cultural backgrounds within therapy is essential for providing effective and inclusive mental health support. Everyone brings a unique blend of values, beliefs, and life experiences shaped by their cultural heritage, making it imperative to acknowledge these factors in tailoring therapy to their specific needs.

As a Salvadorean American Immigrant, I intimately understand the complexities and challenges of navigating multiple cultural identities. Distinguishing between healthy norms and harmful patterns while preserving cultural traditions can be daunting, as can the task of creating and maintaining boundaries in this new environment. Nevertheless, it remains crucial to foster an environment where individuals feel validated and supported on their mental health journey, irrespective of their cultural background. Through dismantling barriers to mental health care and advocating passionately for every individual, we can cultivate an empowering and compassionate therapeutic space.

Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TFCBT) is an evidence-based therapeutic approach tailored to support children, adolescents, and families who have encountered trauma. This model addresses various traumas, including sexual abuse, physical abuse, loss of a loved one, physical accidents, and exposure to violent crimes or domestic violence. By combining elements of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) with specialized trauma techniques, TFCBT aims to address the emotional and psychological impacts of traumatic experiences. Its goal is to assist individuals in comprehending and processing their traumatic memories, effectively managing distressing emotions, and cultivating healthy coping mechanisms. Through structured sessions and guided interventions, TFCBT supports clients in challenging negative self-perceptions and environmental beliefs, fostering healing and resilience in the aftermath of trauma.

Our collaborative efforts will focus on processing and facilitating healing. Should you have any further inquiries regarding this therapy model, I am available to discuss them during consultations.