Individual Psychotherapy

Pronouns: she/her/ella

I believe that every person inherently carries strength, knowledge, and wisdom that gears them toward creating lives aligned with their goals and values. I use person-centered, narrative, and mindfulness-based approaches to understand the intergenerational pain you may be carrying, and believe in walking alongside you in the journey toward understanding what is impacting your ability to thrive in the ways you wish to. I believe therapy is a communal process in which we understand how you have been doing the best you can with the skills you have learned over time to survive. I also utilize an internal family systems frame and a deep understanding of intercultural communication, empathy and development to inform my practice. My hope is that with the insights and knowledge we explore in our work together, we can further connect you to your inner self, body, spirit and natural supports in your community. 

I am a licensed professional counselor and also the QT-BIPOC Therapists Rising Fellow Program Manager at Portland Mental Health & Wellness (PMHW). I achieved my Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Portland State University in 2014, and primarily have experience working with Latine youth and families providing Spanish-language services. I have also experienced providing culturally specific services for LGBTQIA2S+ youth, as well as have overseen mental health and substance use supports programming for youth experiencing houselessness or housing instability.  I am a first-generation Mexican-American cis-queer femme and can provide therapy in Spanish.

We must acknowledge the systemic and oppressive impacts of living in a country rooted in racist practices that directly impact Black, Indigenous and People of Color. Our communities most impacted by this include our vulnerable, yet thriving, LGBTQIA2S+ community. It is my responsibility to continue to learn about, unpack and support, the dismantling of racist practices in our work. I am dedicated to continuing my integration of anti-racist practices into my teachings, learnings, and supports.