IFS is based on the idea that we all contain interconnected multiplicities, called Parts, within each of our mental systems. Our Parts hold unique emotions, fears, motivations, and roles developed or learned through our lived experiences. Much like in a real family system, these Parts have complex relationships with each other as some Parts may be overzealous or extreme in their protective roles; while others carry past wounds. These dynamics can often result in internal conflicts and alliances.

IFS teaches us how to be in relation with and mediate between our parts (evoking “Self-energy”). Through this relational work we can develop inner understanding, trust, and compassion to foster harmony amongst the whole Internal Family System.

I am an Internal Family Systems Level One Therapist, trained by the Internal Family Systems Institute (IFSI).

C-DBT views target behaviors (life-threatening behaviors, therapy-interfering behaviors, and/or quality-of-life-interfering behaviors) as natural attempts to cope with lack of validation, recognition, and/or belonging in this world. These attempts to cope, through avoidance or escape of painful emotion and invalidating beliefs, often provide short term relief but keep us stuck in a cycle of chronic emotional dysregulation (chronic distress).

This modality hinges on learning how to be aware of and accept private experiences– have emotions, thoughts, urges, etc. without having to do something to change them. This then freedom from habitual patterns of coping through avoidance and escape, allows us to respond behaviorally in line with our individual values and commitments.

I have successfully completed the Contextually Focused Dialectical Behavior Therapy (C-DBT) Practice and Consultation Fellowship from the University of Chicago Crown Family School of Social Work, Policy, and Practice.

TF-CBT is generally geared towards minors and their non-offending family/caregivers affected by trauma.

The goal of the treatment is to help the minor develop a sense of safety and security, to repair or develop healthy social skills, and for the caregiver to become more confident in their ability to productively support the minor. This approach includes psychoeducation, development of coping skills, cognitive processing, caregiver involvement and gradual exposure to traumatic memories through narrative treatment components and real life confrontation of trauma reminders (the intention is to recondition responses to triggers in a safe and supportive environment).

I have completed training in TF-CBT for LGBTQ Youth from the National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN).

TF-CBT can also be adapted for adults to address target thoughts and behaviors related to past or ongoing trauma.

ACT aims to develop and expand Psychological Flexibility so we may be able to accept distressing thoughts and feelings, without being controlled by them. It also asks us to define our values and commit ourselves to orienting behaviors inline with these values while we experience potentially distressing thoughts and feelings.

Using the Psychological Flexibility Model we will develop your capacity to practice mindfulness and acceptance of difficult thoughts and emotions, maintain contact to the present moment in the face of triggering circumstances, reduce suffering caused by internal struggles against thoughts and emotions, as well as, expand your ability to adapt thoughts and behaviors to better align with your values and commitments instead of your temporary emotions.

MBCT combines elements of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and mindfulness practices to teach present-moment and non-judgmental awareness of your temporary thoughts and emotions. MBCT uses mindfulness practices to develop one’s self-awareness, insight, and ability to disrupt and disengage from dysfunctional thoughts, thought patterns, and resulting automatic reactions.

This modality teaches us how to be in relationship to our thoughts and emotions without engaging with them, use acceptance to reduce emotional reactivity, extend self-compassion and practice intentionality in our responses to thoughts and feelings to develop resilience.

Narrative Therapy emphasizes that we are each the experts and authors of our own lives. This modality is rooted in the belief that we are not defined by past experiences or trauma and always have the options to “re-author” how we define ourselves.

Through a collaborative and non-pathologizing dialogue, you will learn to externalize your internal narrative. This allows you to view your lived experiences and struggles from a distance, identify moments of success or unique outcomes, acknowledge your strengths and values, as well as, reframe or challenge self-limiting beliefs. These processes will assist in recontextualizing a new, more empowering narrative about yourself; promoting an increased sense of self-agency, self-awareness, and self-compassion.

RCT views connection with others as an method of growth and healing, in fact this approach views relationships and connection as essential for mental health. This modality uses a feminist lens and strength-based model to understand of how cultural influences and power dynamics influence relational patterns and presenting mental health symptoms. Together we will explore how past and present relationships influence your current ones to identify unhelpful patterns.

An RCT approach aims to help you understand and address the negative feelings, unmet needs, assumptions and behavioral patterns that lead to disconnection in your life. Through these discoveries, you will learn how you best navigate rupture and repair among your relationships with others, as well as within yourself.

Mujerista Therapy is a Latina, intersectional feminist and liberation-focused approach to therapy that centers the unique experiences of Latinas. This modality blends psychology with spirituality, cultural traditions and embodiment to foster holistic healing, empowerment and community liberation. Mujerista therapy is a decolonial therapy that uses tools such as testimonios (oral story telling), psychospirituality,‍ ‍ancestral wisdom, assertiveness training, and identity exploration and development. The aim of this modality is to build resilience, challenge external and internalized oppression, as well as promote self-realization for Latinas y Latines.

Feminist therapy looks at how gender, power dynamics, oppression, and patriarchy impact individual mental health. This modality seeks to deconstruct internalized patriarchal norms and help folks of all genders recognize and overcome gendered societal pressures to reclaim their personal power and autonomy.

We all have Schemas. These are understandings (like mental shortcuts) we develop throughout our lives from experiences that help us interpret and categorize new information. In childhood, Early Maladaptive Schemas (EMS) may develop in an attempt to make sense of unmet core emotional needs (e.g., lack of empathy, autonomy, safety and/or attachment). These result in deeply ingrained, self-defeating patterns of thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations that negatively shapes how a person sees themselves and the world around them (e.g., “I’m unlovable,” “I’m defective,” “I can’t trust others,” “I don’t deserve to be happy.”) As one grows up, these maladaptive schema continue to color the way in which they see the world and themself, leading to repeated dysfunctional behaviors, chronic emotional dysregulation, and interpersonal struggles.

Schema therapy is an integrative therapeutic approach that begins with identifying one’s early unmet needs (Schema), understanding where they stem from, and how they impact present functioning internally and externally (Schema Modes). This approach assists individuals in addressing dysfunctional beliefs, thoughts, and behaviors stemming from EMS, fostering healthier coping styles and behavioral responses to triggers, as well as in exploring methods of fulfilling unmet emotional needs in the present.

ESA is a somatic and body-centered therapeutic modality that focuses on promoting present moment awareness and connection to one’s emotions and physical feelings. This modality recognizes the relationship between emotions, bodily sensations and one’s nervous system; teaching you how to recognize somatic signals (physical feelings/bodily sensations) that precede full-blown activation. ESA suggests that through development of mindfulness-based practices, somatic awareness, and grounding techniques, one can learn how to stimulate their parasympathetic nervous system (specifically the ventral vagal system), to promote relaxation, feelings of safety, self-repair, and emotional regulation. Using this approach, ESA provides a somatic based option for interrupting trauma responses, such as fight, flight, or freeze and disassociation, in and out of sessions.

Unlike traditional talk therapy, ESA uses a "bottom-up" approach to therapy by focusing on somatic experiences, slowing down to support self regulation and fostering present moment awareness, as well as encouraging acceptance of internal experience (emotions/sensations/bodily responses) to unfold without judgment or assigned narrative.