Although mental health therapy has been my truest calling for the past 12 plus+ years, my strongest internal motivation and utmost heart and passion are my love for dance! I've been dancing Jazz, Lyrical, Musical theater, Salsa, (and my absolute favorite: Hip-Hop) in total for the past 23 years and just completed my very first year of teaching! I just returned to the performance world (after 15 years) and will be performing my third hip-hop solo this month at my longest dance studios in Portland. As of last month I am the official business owner of "Superfly Dance Studio, LLC" and could not be more proud of myself pursuing my lifelong childhood dream! The never-ending grind, hustle, and literal sweat n tears pursuit has been a very tough journey to say the least! I constantly remind myself to never give up and view any closed door as an opportunity and fuel to persevere rather than a barrier or means to an end...My ultimate goal is to pursue dance as full-time as possible, and I could not be more grateful to all of the Brightways team for making this dream possible! A million thank yous and biggest huggies!!
My heartfelt intention is always working in alignment with my clients to help illuminate the path towards their treatment goals and desired outcomes...forming the strongest Therapeutic Rapport and providing the utmost empathy, kindness, advocacy, unconditional support and allianceship into practice. I bring honesty, authenticity, skillful self-disclosure, and compassion to each therapy session and prioritize creating an environment that fosters a sense of safety and security for each individual, couple, and/or family member. From day one we are working on diversifying their support system as well as identifying and highlighting their internal strengths to support one of the biggest predictors of change for treatment I always strive to bring warmth, openness, laughter, connection, and most importantly...having fun! As treatment can be an uphill climb and a very intense Journey...I want my clients to know that we can cater the sessions to their individual needs and bring creativity and livelihood to their treatment. I love to take clients for walks play games, engage in interactive play, art, making it feel very natural that honors the clients autonomy and agency. Lastly, my strongest encouragement for every client and family whom I work alongside is trust themselves and Trust the treatment process which jokingly I say, it's a very "Tall Order" which helps them feel supported that they can Embrace this journey with strength, encouragement, validation, and connection no matter what the journey brings. Gracias!!
I graduated from LMU with a Master's degree in Counseling (originally going for school counseling, but found my love for outpatient therapy!) I am currently licensed as an LPC and would eventually like to seek a certification in dance therapy (haha go figure) I think I've worked the entire gamut over the 12+ years in the field haha from Child and Family Therapy to couples work to group therapy, all ages and populations, Spanish speaking clients, Residential Tx, detention center, community and sex offense clients, community-based, court appearances as well as Outpatient, Group Practice and Community Mental Health. WHEW! HAHA Psychoeducation, Attachment Theory, and Emotionally focused treatment are my jams! I'm willing to work with any ages, all cultures and backgrounds, I love short-hand skills, and bringing anything creative or expressive to the therapy sessons - such as playing games, engaging in art, going for a walk, Journal writing, music/ lyrics... anything that strengthens our Therapeutic Alliance... although I'm not a social worker working in Community Mental for 8+ years Health gave me SO much experience with Case Management and Care Coordination However admittedly... it's not my favorite! (Haha more paperwork) however I'll always support and advocate for my client anyway that I can...I try not to limit myself with only one type of approach just bringing the therapeutic tools that may serve the client best for what they need during that session. I'm so excited to work for an agency with such a strong connection and tight-knit team. I know this is going to make the job that much more meaningful especially during the most challenging seasons, Muchísimas Gracias!!
