Personal Experience
Growing up with Latin parents who deeply valued family and community, it became clear to me early on that these strong connections didn’t just happen by chance. As I observed the interactions around me, I noticed that while shared values and goals could create powerful connections and moments of celebration, they could also lead to friction and conflict. These experiences shaped my understanding that the journey to connection starts within oneself.
I am passionate about empowering individuals to cultivate their own wants, needs, and values, recognizing that speaking up for yourself is an essential, though often uncomfortable, part of navigating relationships with family and friends in a healthy way. Though change can be challenging, I believe that by embracing your needs and values, we can work together to overcome the difficulties of life transitions, social dynamics, and personal growth.
Supporting Adults
When working with adults, I strive to create a compassionate and understanding space where your unique experiences, cultural background, and relationships are honored. I know that navigating emotional challenges, communication struggles, and identity questions can be daunting, but you don’t have to face them alone. My trauma-focused, person-centered approach is designed to meet you where you are, using a blend of techniques to help with trauma, anxiety, depression, and substance use. Together, we’ll work towards healing and growth, embracing your strengths and building your emotional resilience.
Additionally, I have extensive experience in addressing complex issues such as Bipolar I/II, ADHD, and co-occurring mental health and substance-related challenges. My goal is to offer a holistic therapeutic experience that helps you navigate these difficulties and achieve meaningful progress in your personal journey toward healing and self-understanding.
Supporting Couples
Rooted in my belief, and supported by my master’s degree focus, that family and relationships are central to our lives, I bring this perspective into my work with couples by using both the Gottman Method and Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFT) to help strengthen your relationship. The Gottman Method provides practical tools for improving communication and managing conflict, while EFT allows us to explore and deepen the emotional connections at the heart of your partnership. By blending these approaches, I aim to help you build a stronger, more connected relationship that reflects the unique dynamics of your bond and supports the overall health of your family connections.
Treatment Approach
I use a variety of therapeutic modalities to provide comprehensive support tailored to each client’s needs. My approach integrates EMDR, Trauma-Focused CBT, and the Polyvagal Model to address trauma and emotional challenges effectively. With advanced skills in Dialectical Behavior Therapy and Motivational Interviewing, I help clients navigate emotional challenges and behavioral patterns. I also utilize the Gottman Method and Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy to strengthen relationships. Additionally, my training in substance use disorder allows me to address addiction-related challenges effectively. By combining these evidence-based methods, I ensure we can create an experience in therapy that will address both the individual and the relational aspects of healing.
Clinical Supervision
I am a trauma-focused, multi-cultural, and person-centered therapist. This means that I believe that, in order to establish a safe, therapeutic relationship, I must meet the client at their current state of being in order to collaborate on their therapeutic goals. I hold the same values and philosophies whenever I approach supervision. I align with both the Integrated Developmental Model for Supervising Counselors and Therapists (Stoltenberg and McNeil, 2009) and the Discrimination Model (Bernard & Goodyear, 1992). These theories are empirically validated approaches to the process of supervision and emphasize collaboration, flexibility, awareness, autonomy and motivation. I believe that supervision is a collaborative process and that you are an active, autonomous, and competent participant. My primary goal for supervision is to work with you to improve client quality of care and have you feel like the confident therapist that you are.
Ready to Begin
If you’re ready to embark on a journey of self-discovery, growth, and connection, I’m here to guide and support you. Together, we can work through life’s challenges and help you build the fulfilling life and relationships you desire. I look forward to being a supportive connection for you and empowering your growth into your best self. Let’s get you and your relationship on a path to being the best version!
START CREATING THE BEST VERSION OF YOU
Get Started Today!
Bio
Training & Certification
- ADHD and PTSD: Clinical Distinctions and Avoiding Misdiagnosis | Care Solace
- IFS Therapy Immersion | PESI
- Polyvagal-Informed Focusing Teacher Training | FSPM Institute
- Certified – Dialectical Behavior Therapist (C-DBT) | Evergreen Certifications
- Attention Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder – Certified Clinical Services Provider (ADHD-CCSP) | Evergreen Certifications
- Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinical Specialist (ASDCS) Certification | Evergreen Certifications
- Training for Assessments: ADHD and Autism Focus | Empowering Therapy
- Washington State Approved Supervisor Training – Envision Counseling
- Safe & Sound Protocol – Unyte
- Integrative Trauma Practitioner Certification – Aura Institute
- Polyvagal- Informed Certification – The Polyvagal Institute
- Felt Sense Polyvagal Model: Treating Trauma and Addiction, Polyvagal Institute
- Empowering Sexuality with Somatic Sexology – AASECT
- Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy, externship ICEEFT
- EMDR – EMDR International Association
- Substance Use Disorder Professional Graduate Certificate
- Certified Dialectical Behavior Therapy Professional (C-DBT) Training: An Advanced Online Skills Training for Adapting Dialectical Behavior Therapy for Everyday Clinical Needs
- EMDR Step-by-Step PLUS: Your Start to Finish Guide to Safe and Successful EMDR Therapy
- EMDR: A Rapid, Safe, and Proven Treatment for Trauma
- Gottman Method Couples Therapy
- Intensive Dialectical Behavior Therapy
- Advanced Motivational Interviewing
- Motivational Interviewing
- Trauma-Focused – Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
- CPR/ AED
- HIV/ AIDs Training
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy
- Psychological First Aid
- LGBTQ Safe Zone
- National Hotline Specialist
- Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST)
Internship & Employment
- Valley Cities – Mental Health Therapist, Valley Cites WA
- Retention Board Member & Crisis Phone Worker, Agora Crisis Center, NM
- Mental Health Therapist/Case Manager, Sound Mental Health, WA
- Mental Health Therapist, Mindful Therapy Group, WA
Education & Degrees
- Master of Arts, Marriage, Couple and Family Counseling, City University of Seattle
- Bachelor of Arts, Psychology, Emphasis Family and Child Studies, University of New Mexico
License
- WA DOH Licensed Mental Health Counselor #LH61378682