My Approach to Helping
I believe we are all works in progress. Seeking therapy is a brave choice to help better carry your load and further your journey. I visualize therapy as a collaborative journey we take together. In our first appointment, I will get to know the roads you have taken and what has guided you along your way. We will identify what is working and what is not, then work together to establish your goals for treatment. Growth can be uncomfortable at times, and you may be challenged in the process. You can expect me to be aware of this and to approach it directly and with sensitivity. Progress is defined by you, but it might look like setting better boundaries with loved ones, taking steps toward that leap you have been afraid of, or finding your voice and realizing you are not alone. In many areas of life, we do not have control, but the direction you want to take therapy and your life is yours. My job is to help empower you in both. "You're too quiet! You're too sensitive!" My path as a therapist empowered me to embrace my "toos"; as an introvert, I was drawn to observation and listening, but it took me some time to find my calling. I started my academic studies in Spanish with a desire to become bilingual, knowing that would broaden my experiences and perspective. Working as a job coach while studying, I recognized my strength and love for service and decided to pursue a career in social work. I have been working as a social worker for 22 years with a variety of populations such as veterans and military service members, with a focus on women’s health. I have specialized training in trauma, depression, insomnia, and anxiety. I am also a trauma-sensitive yoga teacher who enjoys using movement to create awareness of the mind-body connection as well as body positivity. I foster a sense of creativity and curiosity in my approach to therapy rather than focusing on what is "right" or "wrong." In my years of practice, I have discovered that we all have things in common, but each of us has our own uniqueness that makes us who we are. I listen and care deeply about these details, which helps me create meaningful connections with a diverse range of clients. Being bilingual and learning Spanish later in life has helped me realize it is not as important what we say, but how we say it; communication is guided by intention and connection, which cannot always be expressed in words. As a Maryland native who lives in Puerto Rico, I am excited that this new landscape offers me the opportunity to work with people from my home state. Despite the wide-reaching range and benefits of telehealth, it can also be triggering for some, particularly those who have experienced trauma or are anxious. I enjoy using my creativity to manage these situations by employing different grounding techniques. I have been known to share a cup of virtual tea or light a candle during the session to create a shared experience.