PTC

I am a long time activist from a working class background. I read voraciously and cultivate an intersectional point of view. My own life experience informs my work, and I help people regard their life stories and beliefs through a systemic way of thinking about social and economic problems.

Psychological theories and practices have historically perpetuated the cultural and systemic oppression of marginalized identities. Using the best of psychoanalytic and somatic modalities, I offer a safe space to challenge these inherited stories to support your growing into an identity that is truly authentic to who you are.

As a therapist and individual, I am keenly aware of the challenges of today’s sociocultural environment in our country and strive to do therapy that meets the unique needs and challenges of my clients – from a place of cultural humility and understanding of my own intersections of privilege/marginalization. Therapy is your place to heal, thrive and rebuild your resources to continue living.

My work with clients often explores the impacts of oppression on mental health. Activism and art making focused on making and envisioning change can be part of our healing process.

I specialize in working with differences across race, class, gender, ability, religion and nation. Racism, sexism, and homophobia, etc are pervasive and subtle in every interaction I have with people no matter their background or culture, and my work also explores and unpacks the profound impact these issues have on people’s lives.

Many symptoms that indicate mental health issues, can also be considered a reasonable response to a chaotic system. Persons of color, members of the LGBTQ community, and other vulnerable people may be experiencing anxiety or depression in response to the dominant culture and their daily experience with micro-aggressions and oppression. I\'m here to help normalize this and support you.

Systems of oppression permeate every moment of our lives. Racism, sexism, and classism are few of the many systems of oppression that have been part of our story whether we are aware of it or not. Understanding how oppression has affected my personal being, I am able to work with clients to create a safe authentic space to honor their whole experience, and see them for who they are.

I work from a culturally sensitive, accountable, and aware manner and I am well versed in issues related to historical trauma, immigration/acculturation, fluent in Spanish, racial identity, relational/cultural, self-esteem, adoption issues, issues related to loss or grief, and any trauma related to past/present political climate.

Intersecting systems of oppression broadly and uniquely impact us all. They are at the root of much of our suffering and disconnection from each other. While systemic change is beyond the scope of therapy, therapy can help to reduce internalized oppression, to shift your participation in systems of oppression, and to support you in any work you are doing to fight oppression.

I've studied feminist theory, critical race theory, and trans theory at the graduate level, have written several graduate level papers and have taught classes in these areas, and have attended and continue to attend professional conferences devoted to exploring cultural and systemic oppression. I have a graduate certificate in Women's Studies, and have attended several anti-racism and trainings.

I have direct experience working with folks who experience oppression and marginalization, especially queer and trans folks, rural populations, and folks who live below the poverty line. My approach focuses on exploring the impact of oppression on mental health.

As a person of color, I understand the reality of coping with systemic oppression when one is of a cultural, sexual, gender or other minority. I make efforts to be sensitive to how this appears in my clients’ life, including challenging therapeutic modalities that are often conceived by and for those of majority status. I offer a safe space within today’s political climate.

I completed my Master\'s Degree at Antioch University, with an emphasis on social justice and examination of cultural and systematic oppression and impact on mental health and wellness.

I support the transgender, non-binary, and LGB community with living in the world as their authentic selves. I also offer groups on gender awareness in our culture and how to expand that awareness into becoming allies in our communities.

\'To the privileged, equality feels like oppression.\'\n\nOppression takes on many forms in the lives of the oppressed, from financial challenges to negative self-talk, substance use to mental health challenges. Working on eliminating systemic oppression is a focus of my life and therapeutic work with clients.

Patriarchy has had its day. It is time for the age of the divine feminine, which is not a concept limited to women. All integral beings possess both feminine and masculine traits. intentionally flowing between them is an artform that provides unending benefit. Rejoice in your strengths.

In addition to helping people to recover from \'Big T\' traumas like childhood abuse and domestic violence, it is also so important to address day-to-day \'Little t\' traumas such as being treated negatively as a result of race, ethnicity, gender, sex, sexual orientation, disability status, socioeconomic status, religion, and other identities. These experiences often lead to self-blame and shame.

I have over a decade of experience in studying social justice theory and participating in social movements. I have engaged in many community organizing efforts throughout the years and taught social justice workshops centered on issues around race, gender, sexuality, class, ability, and others.

My graduate program concentrated on incorporating cultural competence in my work with individuals. We examined the effects of ongoing systemic oppression as well as how the dominant narratives effect our sense of person hood. There are multiple realities within a sociopolitical and cultural context that are defined by race, gender, as well economic status.

Seeking support for oppression is scary because most therapists see other’s problems better than they see their own. The last thing you need is a therapist that hasn’t done their work around power and privilege. Our relationship should be a secure bond where you can feel confident that I will always be accountable for my identity and nurture your truth, your worth and your right for human decency.

Grow your capacity and become more resilient in our ongoing work for the liberation of all beings and the transformation of oppressive systems. \n

I previously worked with children and families who were experiencing generational trauma and ongoing systemic oppression. I identify as a first-generation immigrant of color and dedicate time and energy to social justice causes and incorporating cultural humility into counseling. I strive to be mindful of my own privileges and how it impacts the counseling relationship.

As a person who has a bachelor\'s degree in women\'s studies, I have a strong foundation on intersectionality and the importance of including social justice in my work.

Prior to becoming a psychotherapist, I received training as a facilitator on issues of diversity and systemic oppression. Thus, my clinical lens is honed to not only recognize our individual and family experiences, but our group identity traumas as well. In therapy, we work with both your unique personal experience and your group identity experience.