About
"In my work, diversity isn't just recognized; it's a source of empowerment. I aim to help clients harness that power and embrace their true sense of self."
Why I became a therapist
Growing up in Chicago, as a bicultural Latina, child of immigrants, I witnessed firsthand the profound impact of relationships on our well-being. Whether it was the care, connection, or occasional frustrations, I realized how these interactions fostered growth and love within my family and community. However, I also observed how these relationships could lead to deep hurt, often without a safe space to express these feelings due to societal norms or past beliefs. Wanting to highlight the importance of healing and connection, I decided to learn how to rebuild connections and support individuals who, like me, have faced difficulties navigating their emotions within their own experiences. My goal is to create a space that feels safe, relatable, and challenging, where individuals can explore their feelings, strengthen connections with themselves and others, and foster personal growth. As a liberation-focused therapist, I am committed to dismantling carceral beliefs and structures within society and implementing an anti-oppressive practice to ensure that my clients feel empowered in their healing
Who I work with
I specialize in working with individuals, couples, children, and families from diverse ethnic backgrounds, identities, and age groups. I am particularly committed to serving BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, and migrant communities who may face unique challenges in understanding and accessing mental health resources. I understand that there are varying beliefs that can sometimes lead to misunderstandings about mental health, creating barriers to seeking support. My approach is to help clients explore the impact of their upbringing, community, and cultural experiences on their mental well-being. Often, that may look like identifying, processing, and managing trauma experiences, big or small. By working alongside clients, my goal is to empower them to gain a deeper understanding of themselves and navigate the world more confidently.
"I value the importance of feeling understood, engaged, and challenged within the therapy space."
Working With Me
Working with me means stepping into an open, non-judgmental, and anti-oppressive environment where your pace guides our journey. I offer supportive yet challenging feedback to help clients reach their goals. My approach blends various therapeutic frameworks but often maintains a trauma-focused approach with an emphasis on mind-body connection. Collaboration is at the heart of our work. Ultimately, you're the expert on your own experiences, and I'm here to support you
My Qualifications and trainings
- I earned an undergraduate degree in Psychology at the University of Missouri-Columbia.
- I received my Masters in Couple and Family Counseling from Northeastern Illinois University.
- I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) as well as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR).
- I am trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR) currently working towards certification.
- I have completed a 40-hr Domestic Violence training which is necessary to provide services in Illinois for survivors of domestic violence.
- I am trained in the Positive Parenting Program (Triple P) to support parents in building positive parenting skills with their children.
- I have completed Level 1 Bilingual Theraplay Training with the Theraplay Institute.
- I am rostered in Child-Parent Psychotherapy (CPP), a trauma-based modality for children (0-5 yrs).