Get to know your therapist:
My Approach
I will, above all else, try and be a complete and vulnerable human available to you. I have always valued genuineness in people and in the world-- As such, I will do my best to exemplify these values to you. This is important to me for several reasons-- I want you to feel safe and comfortable, I want you to know that someone cares for you, and I also want us to be able to work on the here-and-now. What I mean by the ‘here-and-now’ is our interactions in the therapy room. This otherwise unremarkable space between us can become a ‘practice’ for the real world, and often if there is an issue that presents itself in the therapy room between us, it is most likely manifesting in your life outside of the office as well.
What to expect
I bring my sense of wonder and hope for the human spirit. I bring my goodwill and eagerness to help. I bring my curiosity and openness and ask questions that will clarify things for the both of us. I might wonder out loud regarding a detail I think is important to point out explicitly. I will hold and be aware of my biases and blind-spots, acknowledging my privileges and abilities as I am.
I hope that you will bring your willingness to work hard in the face of difficult questions-- this can be demanding work at times. It isn’t easy to admit we might need change, and it’s hard to accept change-- even if that change is for the better.
Who am I?
Saludos— I'm a bilingual, bicultural male-identified therapist who has been devoted to guiding individuals on their journey to self-discovery and healing since 2011. Rooted in my diverse heritage, I bridge the gap between cultures, people, and perceptions to create a safe space for you to explore your own unique path.
Navigating the In-Between: As a Latino, as a white individual, as someone existing in the spaces between, I am intimately acquainted with the beauty and challenges that come with straddling multiple worlds. This "in-between-ness" has shaped my perspective, pushing me to understand the nuances that define us and the connections that unite us. Through embracing my own vulnerabilities, insecurities, and triumphs, I've come to realize that these experiences only enrich my ability to connect with and support my clients. I've walked the path of self-discovery, and I'm here to walk it alongside you.
Human Connection Through Shared Experience: "I have been there too" – a sentiment that often echoes within me during sessions. Your journey is uniquely yours, but it's one I can relate to deeply. The struggles, the doubts, the ebbs, and flows – they're familiar to me. I'm here to be a companion, a confidant, and a fellow traveler on your road to healing. You're not alone; we're not alone.
Bringing All of Me, Welcoming All of You: Therapy isn't a one-sided conversation. It's about connection, understanding, and mutual growth. Beyond the therapy room, I'm a passionate amateur photographer, a craftsman creating through woodworking, and an adventurer scaling both indoor and outdoor climbing walls. These experiences enrich my life, and I believe they can enrich our therapeutic journey too. I encourage you to bring your whole self – your joys, your interests, your stories. It's all relevant, and it all contributes to our shared exploration.
Education, Training and Experience
I hold the title of a licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in Washington State. My academic journey began with a BA in Psychology from the University of Washington, supplemented by a minor in Spanish. My desire for understanding and helping others led me to pursue a Master’s in Psychology from Seattle University. My tenure in the field commenced in 2010 at Consejo Counseling and Referral Service, taking me from Columbia City valley to South Park and White Center. A pivotal moment in 2016 brought me to Asian Counseling and Referral Service, expanding my cultural competence across diverse communities. From Wallingford to Kent, I've been fortunate to learn and grow.
A Humanistic Approach: Seattle University’s Masters of Arts in Psychology program reinforced my humanistic approach to therapy, where individuals transcend labels to become the center of their narratives. I value your personhood over any pathology, and our journey together will always emphasize your inherent worth.
Expertise and Learning: Complementing my core approach, I've pursued post-graduate studies in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, specializing in addressing depression, anxiety, and trauma. Additionally, my expertise extends to Motivational Interviewing – a tool that empowers you to explore and strengthen your internal motivations.
I'm honored to be a part of your journey. Let's navigate the complexities of life, self, and healing together. Remember, it's not just about the destination; it's about embracing every step of the voyage.
Bienvenidos
A Single Slice Reveals Them
An apple on the table
Hides its seeds
So neatly
Under seamless skin.
But we talk and talk and talk
To let somebody
In.
—Naomi Shihab Nye