About Me

Mi nombre es Elsa (she/her/ella). I am a first-generation Mexican-American, I enjoy coffee in the morning, pop culture, gardening, and I’m a mama to a baby girl and rescue dog. I was born and raised in Los Angeles and earned my Bachelor’s in Sociology and a Master’s in Social Work to address the disparities in the Latinx community. 

I have been a therapist for 11 years, servicing youth, young adults, and families. I specialize in treating trauma, depression, and anxiety through client-centered, somatic-based, culturally affirming methods, and evidence-based practices.

Having my own experience as a first-generation Latina, I have strength for working with young adults and adults with a particular focus on girls/womxn. I have experience serving people from all walks of life. Currently, most of the clients I serve identify as : College Students, Graduate Students, Young Professionals, Therapists, Mamas, First-Gen Latinx, Undocumented Folks.

My sessions are structured in conversational and strength-based methods. I believe in highlighting peoples’ strengths and guiding them through discovering their inner Guerrera (warrior).

Education

I graduated from California Polytechnic University, Pomona, with my Bachelor’s in Sociology. I received my Masters in Social Work from California State University, San Bernardino, specializing in Mental Health. 

Treatment Methods and Philosophy

I prioritize the client’s level of comfort to reassure we create a trusting foundation for our therapeutic relationship. I am the co-pilot of your journey and help you navigate life while teaching you skills to help manage everyday challenges.

I have been trained in Chicana/o/x Affirming Therapy by the Institute of Chicana/o/x Psychology and Community Wellness, a practice that centers on the client's culture as part of the mental health treatment process. With Chicana/o/x affirming therapy, "we address both risk and protective factors related to the wellness of the Chicana/o/x community, including historical factors of oppression as well as ancestral strengths and wisdom."

I am a certified  Trauma Resiliency Model (TRM) practitioner, a model utilized in my treatment approach, to teach you how to restore your nervous system into a state of natural balance while increasing awareness of your internal responses to high-stress situations. I have used this model on individuals that live with symptoms of trauma, anger, anxiety, and depression.

I believe in a mind-body approach and incorporate a holistic perspective into treatment. I have training in Nutritional Psychology, which allows me to provide psychoeducation on the relationship between food and mental health. I have completed trainings with UCLA’s Mindfulness Awareness Practices, focusing on mindfulness exercises and techniques.

Other treatment methods in my background include garden-oriented activities, play, art, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing.