Irma E. Llanes (she/her/ella)

Humanistic 

I approach you, my client from a strength- based perspective. True to the basis of Client Centered Therapy/Rogerian Therapy, I see people with a desire to fulfill their potential and become the best they can be. I strive to create a therapeutic environment that is conformable, nonjudgemental and empathetic.

Eclectic

I do not believe there is one single approach or theory that works for everyone in every situation. Consequently, I find it is best to have a diverse understanding of theories to incorporate a variety of therapeutic principles and philosophies in order to create the best treatment/approach to meet the needs of the client.

Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)

CBT helps clients understand their thoughts and feelings that influence their behavior. The goal of CBT is to teach clients that while they may not be able to control everything around them, they can take control of how they interpret and deal with things in their environment.

Abuse

I have had the privilege of participating in the healing of families whos children were removed from their homes due to abuse/neglect. I have also helped to rebuild the lives of battered women & their children, helped victims of abuse to rid themselves of the 'baggage' that often is carried as a result from the abuse. I see tremendous courage in all these clients.

Women's Issues

I have dedicated my 20+ year career to the work of healing & working with women. My extensive experience is in addressing issues affecting women such as domestic violence, sexual abuse, postpartum depression, anxiety, depression, trauma, parenting, life transitions, and relationships. I have also created & lead an all girls life skills group for middle & high school young women.

Parenting

As a parent, I understand the challenges of consciously raising children. My professional experience includes helping to design & facilitate parent groups/family forums, teaching parents how to support their children through a divorce/separation, working with blended families, supporting parents in a reunification process and helping couples adopt.

Child or Adolescent Issues

My extensive training includes working as a Child Advocate for court involved youth, co-facilitating art therapy groups, working 1:1 with 'at risk' youth, facilitating a girls life skills group, teaching an anti-violence & domestic violence curriculum in elementary thru high school classrooms, as well as seeing young clients in my office with adjustment, and behavioral/emotional issues.

Relationship / Marriage Issues

Relationships are complex. They require a lot of care & maintenance. I draw experience from my own 20+ years of marriage as well as facilitate couples forums where developing communication, connection, respect & strengthening the partnership are key. I have worked with couples that are dating, recently married, remarried couples, 'empty nest' couples, and same sex partners.