I believe in the healing power of connection and community. The decision to engage in mental health services is a radical act of self-care and hope for a better future. When we work towards understanding and healing ourselves, we also lay the foundation for understanding and healing our relationships and communities. As a first generation Mexican-American, bisexual, femme, I draw strength from my intersecting identities and do not subscribe to the idea that therapists should remain a blank slate. While I won’t tell you my life’s story, I do believe that it is important for clients to know who they are working with so that we may build a therapeutic relationship based on mutual respect, trust and accountability. Outside of doing my own therapy, other ways in which I engage in self-care are spending time with loved ones, getting lost in a good book, being silly and laughing until my stomach hurts, attending live shows/concerts, and going on nature walks.

My primary goal as a therapist is to meet you where you are and utilize my skill set to collaboratively work towards achieving your goals. Think of me as your emotional and psychological guide helping you discover, map, and interpret your inner landscape to better understand your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. I have two primary therapeutic approaches. The first is Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), which focuses on using mindfulness to foster self-compassion and self-commitment in the service of living a life in line with your values. The second is Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), which offers practical strategies to help you restructure unwanted cognitive, emotional, and behavioral patterns. I also utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Prolonged Exposure (PE) therapy.

I have worked extensively with adults from all walks of life in helping them navigate depression, anxiety, grief, psychosis, panic, trauma, bipolar, neurodivergence (ADHD, autism), relationship issues, and life transitions. I see my work in the mental health field as a practice in hope and liberation, and as such am dedicated to working with traditionally underserved communities such as BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, Persons of Color), LGBTQIA+ & GNC (gender non-conforming persons), poly/kink persons, disabled persons, monolingual Spanish-speakers, and immigrants. I look forward to helping you embrace and celebrate your authentic self. Visit my website for more information nokdutherapy.com/