I am a registered Associate Clinical Social Worker (no. 116254) living and practicing in unceded Tongva/Gabrieleño land, also known as Los Angeles, CA. I am honored to be a Staff Therapist practicing under The Expansive Group where I see clients via telehealth only. I am supervised by Socorro Reynoso, LCSW (no. 68705).
As a queer Mexican-Filipina therapist, I understand that finding the right therapeutic fit isn't always easy. I am dedicated to creating a safe, warm, and collaborative space for our sessions, where self-awareness and liberation guide our journey together. I use your natural strengths to help you rediscover and reconstruct personal narratives while nurturing a sense of trust within your body, mind, and spirit.
Background and Experience
I graduated as a Posse Scholar from Dickinson College, where I earned my Bachelor of Arts in American Studies. I then started my first career in arts and culture organizations such as the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) and the Dallas Museum of Art (DMA), where I guided K-12 students through inclusive gallery tours and art-making experiences.
Making the transition to the world of mental health and graduating from UCLA’s Master of Social Welfare program filled my cup even more. My work as a Mental Health/Therapist Intern at the Los Angeles LGBT Center, Suicide Prevention Crisis Counselor with Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services, and a Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Prevention Advocate with the Center for the Pacific Asian Family are foundational to my current work as a trauma-informed and affirmative psychotherapist.
How I Can Support You
I have worked extensively with clients on topics of anti-oppression, grief, sexuality, life transitions, intersectional identities, relationship difficulties, and trauma. My approach is strengths-based, relational, client-centered, and psychodynamic, which means I work with you to uncover your truth—your most authentic, self-compassionate, and whole self, even amidst life's stressors.
I believe that our shared humanity and connection are essential to the therapeutic process. My therapeutic practice stems from community—those who showed me ways to embrace my life stories. Experiencing the transformative power of therapy fuels my passion for helping folks like you in navigating your own healing journey. With introspection, validation, and gentle guidance, I trust your body and mind to guide you to a life you love and thrive within.
Trainings
EMDR Eye Movement and Desensitization Reprocessing for BIPOC Clinicians
Diane DesPlantes, LCSW
Survivors of Domestic & Intimate Partner Violence
Susan Holt PsyD
Center for the Pacific Asian Family
Kink Affirming Care
Ferris Oxide
Polyamory & Non-Monogamy
Alex Blake, AMFT
Bisexuality: “Not Queer Enough”
Rebecca Haws, AMFT
Education:
Master of Social Work from University of California, Los Angeles
Bachelor of Arts in American Studies from Dickinson College