LGBT therapists in Yakima, WA

As someone who suffers from anxiety, I understand how impactful therapy can be. If you are constantly in your own head, overthinking every decision, feeling anxious, or worrying about letting people down, I can help. You may be someone who looks like they have it together on the outside, but on the inside, you're overwhelmed and exhausted. You might struggle to say no and set boundaries or to stop the racing thoughts you have. If this sounds familiar, you are not alone - and it doesn't have to stay this way.

Welcome! Allow me to be part of your healing journey and help you live a fulfilling life. I have over twenty years of experience as a psychotherapist and have earned a master's degree and a doctorate degree in Clinical psychology. I specialize in treating a variety of issues including stress management, depression, anxiety, eating disorders in older adults, life transitions, relationship issues, grief, early childhood trauma. Let's work together to clear the path to your authentic self.

I ’m passionate about doing healing work with neurodiverse folks including those who are impacted by past trauma, and enjoy helping clients of all ages gain feelings of safety and security while being in the driver’s seat of their own life. I often use treatment modalities of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavior

Therapy, with a trauma-informed and neuro-

affirming approach and oftentimes incorporating

mindfulness or other experiential forms of learning.

I have over 10 years of social work experience and have worked with individuals from various backgrounds, from youth to the elderly. I have been a medical social worker for the larger part of my career, with an emphasis on geriatrics, dialysis, kidney disease, and transplant. I am passionate about social justice and equity issues and working with underrepresented and minority groups. Our culture can be a big part of who we are and how we identify, and I am very proud of my Hispanic heritage.

I am a licensed mental health counselor and substance use disorder profession in the state of Washington with over 35 years of experience working in various community clinics, treatment centers, hospitals and private practice. I am also a geriatric mental health specialist. I have worked with hundreds of people with a wide variety of concerns, including addiction/recovery, depression and anxiety, PTSD, stress management, LGBTQ-related issues, family systems, codependency, self-esteem, relationships of all types, grief and loss, and issues related to abuse and trauma.

My approach is person-centered, focusing on you, the client, and the moment-to-moment engagement, discovering insights together. I can help you discover insights into barriers, and the constructive solutions to overcoming those barriers. Each person has the right to live a life free of negative thoughts and experiences—a life of healthy well-being.

If you are looking for someone to help you sort through an issue or situation, I have been accompanying people on their personal journeys for 15 years. I believe deeply that part of how we navigate life is by being seen and heard well. Whether you are going through a transition personally or professionally, wanting some insight into a situation or feeling, and/or facing an obstacle to growth, we can work together to bring some sense of resolution to your immediate issue. As Therapist (I am also a Certified Life Coach), I work in Shorter Term Solution Focused ways to accompany you in the next step of being your best Self. I have MA in Counseling Psychology from The Seattle School of Theology and Psychology and a BA in Psychology from Wheaton College. I am also a Certified Life Coach.

About Me

Struggling with PTSD, anxiety, depression, and/or chronic illness and still feeling stuck? Many of my clients have done years of talk therapy but continue to feel disconnected. You understand your patterns intellectually, but your nervous system hasn't caught up yet.

In my 22 years of clinical practice, I have found that nervous system dysregulation sits at the crux of all chronic illness, trapping the body in survival mode and blocking true physical and emotional healing. As a University of Washington graduate, I provide culturally sensitive, evidence-based care specializing in trauma resolution, discovering your true life purpose, and helping individuals make meaning out of tragedies. My approach balances academic and clinical rigor with a highly intuitive style, integrating somatic work and core beliefs to create deep, lasting relief. I describe myself as a direct, compassionate "soul sister" with a humorous, no-nonsense style—because let's face it, the human plight is nuts! Beyond individual therapy, I extend this transformative work to the community by offering interactive public workshops designed to help people get out of their heads and step into integrated change.

Hello! I'm a therapist and clinical supervisor with over a decade of clinical experience. I work with kids and teens ages 10-19, with a focus on LGBTQIA+, disabled, and BIPOC youth. I received an MS in Couples and Family Therapy from the University of Oregon, a BA in Psychology from Western Washington University, and I'm a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in Washington State.

I understand depression and anxiety from both the client and therapist point of view. I know what it is like to feel sad for no apparent reason. I bring my personal and professional experience to help my clients to live happy, productive, and purposeful lives.