About Me
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and the owner of encourageHER Counseling Inc.® I have over 15 years of experience in social work, and I am licensed by the Board of Behavioral Sciences to practice in California. My career has focused on serving women and their families from all walks of life and from various cultural and economic backgrounds.
Education
Training
My PhilosophyMy life experiences, training and career opportunities have taught me that, as humans, we are constantly evolving and that life can bring great opportunity or challenges - sometimes at the same time. Those are moments when we need the most support and encouragement. This is especially true for women who are juggling multiple roles as professionals, caretakers and spouses and are often more prone to depression, anxiety and other mental health issues. Women of color can also suffer in silence because of stigma, discrimination and cultural norms that prevent them from obtaining support or feeling a sense of belonging. Being in these shoes can sometimes feel lonely and overwhelming.
This is what inspired me to create encourageHER Counseling Inc.® and provide therapy and resources to women and their families to support them during their own personal hardships. In my practice, I value taking the time to slow down, actively listen to your story and together decide what direction to move in treatment. I recognize that each person is unique as is their family unit and that a one-size-fits-all approach does not work, especially when we are at our most vulnerable. I am integrative in my clinical approach and implement interventions grounded in theory, research and practice. I also build on your strengths and current supports. My Clinical ExperienceMy clinical experience encompasses work with adults with a wide range of mental health needs and complexity. I have worked with individuals, couples and families in community clinic settings, and I have treated children in school-based settings with mental health needs affecting their academic success. In these settings, I have worked systemically to provide each person with individual support as well as support in each system they encountered (e.g., family, school, community). I also have facilitated expressive arts groups for women and children to increase support and provide an outlet for self-expression.
I am bilingual in English and Spanish, and I have extensive experience working with the Latine community and in understanding issues pertaining to family, education, immigration and the impact on mental health. In my practice, I offer a culturally responsive approach as I believe culture plays a positive role in our development as well as in our healing. My Work in the CommunityI have a long-standing passion for advocating and supporting women and their families in communities I serve. Most recently, I have focused my time in working on issues that move the field of social work forward and mentoring the next generation of mental health professionals.
Previously, I collaborated with MANA of San Diego and North County San Diego mentoring teen girls, writing curriculum to support them with developing a healthy self-esteem and teaching them how to handle conflict with their peers. I also partnered with VOCES in Michigan and created a bilingual women's art group to reduce isolation and promote creative expression. |
Specialty Areas
Treatment Approach
Professional Memberships
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encourageHER Counseling Inc.®
2890 Pio Pico Drive
Suite 200-A
Carlsbad, CA 92008
760-683-9407
2890 Pio Pico Drive
Suite 200-A
Carlsbad, CA 92008
760-683-9407
©2025 encourageHER Counseling Inc.® All Rights Reserved.