Mi nombre es Elsa and I identify as a first-generation Mexican-American female. I enjoy a good cup of coffee in the morning and I am a sucker for pop-culture. I was born and raised in Los Angeles, majored in Sociology, and earned my Master of Social Workin order to learn how to address the disparities I witnessed within my community.
I have a passion for servicing marginalized communities through mental health guidance. I specialize in treating trauma, depression, anxiety, and identity/ role confusion through the use of empowerment and resilience based methods.
Having my own experience as a first-generation Latina, I have a strength for working with tweens (ages 10-12), youth (13-18), transitional aged youth (18-24) and adults with a particular focus on girls/women.
My sessions are structured in a conversational and strength based method. I believe in highlighting peoples’ strengths and guiding them through the discovery of their inner guerrera (warrior).
Education
I graduated from California Polytechnic University, Pomona with my Bachelor’s in Sociology. I received my Masters in Social Work from California State University, San Bernardino with a specialization in Mental Health.
Treatment Methods and Philosophy
I prioritize the client’s level of comfort to reassure we create a trusting foundation to our therapeutic relationship. I am the co-pilot to your journey and help you navigate life while teaching you skills to help manage everyday challenges.
I use the Trauma Resiliency Model (TRM). To teach, you how to “restore” your nervous system into a state of natural balance while increasing awareness of your internal responses to high stress situations. I have used this model on individuals that live with symptoms of trauma, anger, anxiety, and depression.
I believe in a mind-body approach and incorporate a holistic perspective into treatment. I have training in Nutritional Psychology which allows me to provide psychoeducation the relationship between food and mental health. I have completed a training with UCLA’s Mindfulness Awareness Practices which focuses on mindfulness exercises and techniques.
Other treatment methods in my background include, garden-oriented activities, play, art, cognitive behavioral therapy, and motivational interviewing.