Sol y Sombra Therapy

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker from South Central LA, and have been practicing psychotherapy for close to seven years. In our therapeutic relationship, I cultivate trust and safety by being client-centered and trauma-informed. I collaborate with clients to identify their goals and expectations for therapy, while candidly exploring any fears or reservations they may have about therapy. Deciding to come to therapy can be a challenging step to take, especially when we internalize the stigma that exists within our families and communities around mental health. I see my clients as individuals existing within intersecting systems of oppression that impact their lives every day. I meet clients where they are in the present moment, no matter the stage of change they are in. I have a strong background in working with children, adolescents, and their families in a range of issues like adjustment disorder, AD/HD, behavioral or school issues, and parenting. I have worked individually with child and adult clients in areas like anxiety, depression, self-harm, suicidal ideation, trauma and PTSD, grief, substance use, anger management, and LGBTQ+ identity related issues. I engage clients in talk therapy, drawing from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Motivational Interviewing, and integrate mindfulness and expressive therapies like art or play. I am trained in Parent-Child Interactive Therapy, for children or parents of children, as young as two years old, who experience difficulties within the parent-child relationship caused by trauma or other attachment disruptions. In clients who have experienced acute or complex trauma, I practice Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, informed by Polyvagal Theory, and integrate somatic exercises to support and strengthen the mind-body connection. I invite you to take your time when selecting a therapist, but if you have made it this far, I am ready and excited to begin working together!