Normal Is Just A Setting On The Washing Machine.
And I don’t know about you, but I hardly ever even use the “normal” setting when I do my laundry! While there are a lot of messages in our society and in our immediate circles around what is supposed to be “normal,” I am here to help you find your “normal,” not the culture’s/society’s/family’s version of normal.
My Experiences & Approach
While my formal training and education provided a solid foundation for my development as a therapist, I attribute most of my professional growth to my clients. I have chosen to pursue trainings and education that are directly applicable to the clients I am working with and the experiences and concerns that they are bringing into therapy. If you ever hear a therapist tell you that they have learned all they can or that they have all of their own shit together all the time – run for the hills! I will never know everything there is to know about therapy, have experience working with everything that clients bring, and be competent in everything in my work – but I will do my hardest to continue my growth and learning to do the best I can in my work with you.
I am a systemically trained therapist, which means that I view each person in the context of their experiences and relationships around them, both past and present. I also work from a collaborative therapy lens, and so I believe that each client is an expert of their own lives and experiences while I am an expert on the process of therapy. I see myself as walking beside you on your journey, whether or not we know where the path leads. My goal is to get you to a place where you can walk this path on your own, but along the way I will guide you, I will support you, and I will challenge you. Even if you feel overwhelmed or unsure about what you want from therapy, or what “change” you want to see, it’s OK! We’ll figure it out together.
In my work with different clients in different settings, I have experience with a wide range of individual and relational concerns. However, I have a specific passion in working with people who may fall on the margins or be seen as “outsiders” in many different ways, especially given that we live in Texas.
Specifically, I do a lot of work with LGBTQIA+ folks, including working with people who are transgender or gender diverse. I work with folks who fall into various non-traditional relationships: consensual/ethical non-monogamy, open relationships, polyamorous relationships, swinging, etc. I work with folks in the kink/BDSM communities, or those who practice kink/BDSM. I also do a lot of work with folks who have distanced themselves from their religious upbringing for various reasons, or who practice less dominant religious and/or spiritual approaches or who are atheist/agnostic/secular/nonreligious. I am knowledgeable and affirming in my work with all these communities.
Belonging to any of the above communities doesn’t necessarily mean that something is “wrong” with you, but having to deal with the discrimination, hatred, and lack of support or understanding from people around you or the society at large is not easy. Many of the clients I see also seek me out because they know that I won’t use their identity, relationship status, kinks, spirituality/religion or lack of it as a problem that needs to be fixed or that is causing their depression, anxiety, relationship problems, and so on.
The relationship between therapist and client is crucial to positive outcomes.
One of the strongest and most consistent predictors of positive outcomes in therapy is the relationship between us. As such, it is important to me that you feel that you feel connected and supported in our work together. I know that I will not be the best fit for everyone who reaches out – and that’s ok! Our initial consultation, as well as the first few sessions, can give you a good sense of our therapeutic alliance together.
Individual Therapy appointments 50 min sessions: $180
Couples Therapy appointments 50 min sessions: $200
Discernment Counseling: First session (2 hour session): $375.
Session 2-5 (1.5 Hour sessions): $300
Today we hear so much about this generation of kids and teenagers, and how they compare to past generations. We find ourselves comparing the good, the bad, and the ugly. I’ll admit, I’m guilty of this too. What we seem to forget is how scary of a time that was – no matter what generation you grew up in.
Now, if I had to guess, your childhood probably felt like a rollercoaster of emotions. Emotions that were labeled as either “good or bad.” The thing is, that’s a myth – emotions aren’t as black and white as they seem. Emotions just are, and how we react to them is what truly matters. I’m here to help you and your child understand that emotions make us human.
Growing up in a big, loud, and most of the time, chaotic Mexican family, I know what it’s like to be afraid to ask questions, to speak up, or to do things differently for fear of what is to happen. As the oldest, I also know what it’s like to care so deeply for others but not yourself. I know what it’s like to struggle to feel seen or heard, to feel like your emotions don’t matter or maybe they’re just not understood, and to ultimately, feel like you’re alone in this big and scary world. That s**t is hard! It is why I do the work that I do, so that I may be that person that my younger self needed and that I can imagine, your child may also need.