About

Hello and Welcome!
I am a first-generation bicultural and bilingual licensed professional counselor in Illinois. I have an M.A. in Counseling Psychology with a concentration in Latinx Mental Health and an M.S. in Education Policy. I am also a certified kundalini yoga teacher and eco-therapist.
My Background

As a first generation child of a single immigrant mom, conversations about mental health were non-existent due to growing up low income and having to struggle to meet basic needs. It wasn’t until I went to college that I was able to explore my identity apart from the roles life had seemed to cast me in. 

During this self-exploration, I began to struggle with symptoms of anxiety and depressive episodes. These only intensified during my five years working in education in the areas of college access, retention, and cultural affairs. Like many people who struggle with chronic anxiety and depression, I was exhausted and frustrated with the physical and mental toll it was taking on me. I decided to attend my first meditation retreat in 2014. This led me to begin to uncover the deeper roots as to why I was the way I was. I began therapy 2 years later and once I invited a different perspective in, the world of holistic healing suddenly seemed to open a path for me to walk. 

I continued to attend meditation retreats and also began incorporating centuries old practices such as earthing, shaking, tapping, yoga, journaling, and energy work which all seamlessly integrate mental/physical/spiritual health. My own healing journey has been full of challenges and triumphs and this has shaped the approach that I take with my clients. 

My Approach

My approach is rooted in the concepts of radical acceptance and self-sovereignty. My goal is to provide a safe and affirming space where you can explore your deep inner world with curiosity and compassion rather than fear or judgement. I believe we are all natural storytellers, however sometimes the stories we tell ourselves about ourselves are not always grounded in reality and can be a source of great pain. Additionally, our bodies store traumatic experiences at a subconscious level and this can have a profound impact on the way we relate to ourselves, others, and the world. 

The symptoms that lead you into therapy only tell part of the story. The core wounds that we carry with us as adults are oftentimes deeply rooted in childhood. These can manifest as unhealthy and/or unwanted patterns of behaviors, thoughts, and emotions that keep us trapped. Because of the interconnected way trauma affects us initially and every time we recall certain stories, genuine healing requires a holistic approach that actively integrates all parts of your past, present, and future self. 

For more details on the techniques we may utilize in our sessions, please click here

Healing does not happen in isolation. 
When we heal ourselves, we are also healing our communities, our ancestors, and our planet. 
I hope to connect with you soon!