PSY 24860
Where Everyone is Welcome and No One is Alone
657-216-1660
Get to Know Me
Hi! I’m a bilingual (Spanish), bicultural licensed psychologist in California (PSY 24860). I earned my Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from Ball State University in 2009 and have over 15 years’ experience providing individual therapy at the doctoral level. Furthermore, I am member of various professional organizations, including the National Latinx Psychological Association (NLPA), the California Psychological Association (CPA), the Orange County Psychological Association (OCPA), and Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD) (professional member).
I am committed to helping people achieve the well-being they need to lead happy lives, whether that's through individual therapy or ADHD assessments. I genuinely care for my clients and I help a wide range of people who come to me with worries about relationships (romantic, family, friends, etc.), identity questions, substance abuse struggles, and ADHD, among other concerns.
My Approach to Therapy
I strongly believe in the importance of there being a good fit between you and your therapist. This goodness of fit helps facilitate the development of a strong and safe therapeutic relationship, which I see as the foundation for a positive and effective therapy experience. To help this process, I strive early on to gain an understanding of you, your current concerns, and your background, particularly those factors (race/ethnicity, sexual orientation/identity, veteran status, spiritual/religious background, financial status, etc.) that may have helped shape who you are and may have contributed to those problems that prompted you to seek therapy. I believe you are a unique individual with unique experiences and, as such, it is important to me to truly understand who you are.
I work collaboratively with you to develop realistic goals and encourage you to be an active participant in therapy. My goal is to help you grow from your struggles, heal from your pain, and develop the skills necessary for you to move forward to where you want to be in your life.
My Approach to ADHD Assessments
When conducting ADHD assessments, I believe in the importance of approaching them from a holistic perspective. To accomplish this, I explore not only your current struggles, but your past, as well (all the way to the womb, when possible). I also consider how your cultural factors might be playing a role in your struggles, serving as either protective elements or exacerbating them. Furthermore, I gather information from a variety of people who know you well to get a well-rounded understanding of your struggles. My goal in taking these steps is to arrive at an accurate diagnosis, which will help you receive the support you need.
On a More Personal Note
I was drawn to being a psychologist due to my desire to help people. However, I am passionate about the work I do because I have the privilege of joining people on their journey of self-discovery and healing.
During our time together, you will hear me talk about the importance of taking care of yourself. However, I have found that I am best able to accompany you on your journey when I don’t just “talk the talk” about self-care, but I “walk the walk.” Whether it’s a “big” form of self-care, like fulfilling my passion for travel, or “small” self-care, like reading, spending time with loved ones (including my cat!), hiking, or catching up on my DVR, I find that caring about myself makes a huge difference in my ability to be there for you…which is why I’m here!