“Es amar así, cuerpo y corazón”

- Amar Asi, song by Bomba Estéreo 2017

A woman with dark hair, glasses, and a rainbow-colored QUEER & KINKY t-shirt, smiling and sitting near a stack of books at an airport lounge or train station. The background features metal architecture and blurred seating.

Learning to feel empowered and emboldened to genuinely love myself and others has been at the center of my growth. I am a first-generation Salvadoran-American from parents who immigrated to Los Angeles in the early '80s to escape a civil war. For years I struggled to find belonging and connection in a society that viewed me as “other.” While searching for a place to “fit in,” I found a sense of purpose by using my insights and struggles to help others find their voice. I have the greatest honor of using my voice to support people in living a meaningful life that is uniquely crafted by their own design.

As an EMDR trained Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Somatic Experiencing® Practitioner, I have over ten years of experience as a therapist. I have worked in the mental health field with various communities of diverse experiences and backgrounds. From working in residential treatment centers to group homes, to the classroom, to community clinics, and private practice, I bring a human-centered approach to my therapeutic style.

I offer you the opportunity to collaborate on a therapeutic process that matches your individual needs and goals. Sometimes we hear or see what others are doing and expect it to work for us. The reality is, our healing is a unique journey that we create moment by moment, breath by breath. I am here to assist you in identifying what that journey looks like for you. I am here to witness your healing and cheer you on even when it feels too hard.

I approach my work with empathy, authenticity, accountability, and humor. I believe in resourcing your support network, as your community is essential to healing. I have trained in various modalities and will individualize your treatment to reflect who you are and your needs. My goal is to empower you through our sessions so that you can advocate for your needs in all aspects of your life.

Congratulations on taking some steps to support and heal yourself! I am excited to be of service.

Colorful mural on a building wall depicting animals such as a cat, tiger, bird, and mouse, with vibrant abstract shapes and the words "Puchica Alegría."