I collaborate with people who want to heal, self-protect, let go of limiting expectations others have placed on them, and thrive. I do this work because I am tired of being silenced and kept small. I am tired of society placing unrealistic expectations, which we have to eat up. The expectations to be happy, glowing, quiet, and smiling weigh heavily on all. Let's break through the silence and get you feeling like yourself again.

​

My services are provided via online video counseling to help provide flexibility around your busy life. You will need a reliable internet connection and a private space to talk without interruptions. Babies and toddlers are always welcome in our space.

​

How I practice

​

I work with clients from a place of compassion and non-judgment, informed by how diverse the human experience can be. Here are some tools I use:

​

• Psychodynamic therapy centers on patterns of thinking and feeling that we develop from experiences throughout life, especially during childhood. 

• Mindfulness and self-compassion are based on talking and thinking about ourselves in the way we would someone we care about. 

​

I filter all my work through a decolonized and anti-oppressive lens. My goal is for services to meet your specific needs honoring your inner strengths, culture, ancestors, and future descendants.

​​

I am

​

An LGBTQ+ affirming therapist

Health at every size practitioner

An anti-oppressive & anti-racist practitioner

A poly-affirming clinician

and a kink-positive therapist

​

As an immigrant Latina and a person of color, we will create a space to explore any issues of biases, prejudice, privilege, and racism that apply to your life journey. After all, how we experience the world will inevitably affect our mental health and well-being. You might notice from my photo that I have Vitiligo. I often share that I am a formerly Brown person and that Vitiligo significantly changed how I navigated the world when I was about 28.

​

Some other things you should know about me: my pronouns are she/her, I curse, I believe Black Lives Matter, and I think authenticity is essential to creating good relationships and wholesome lives.

​

About Hummingbird Counseling

​

I named my practice Hummingbird Counseling in honor of hummingbirds’ special meaning. During a difficult time, I met an extraordinary mentor who guided me in seeing that I needed to create space for more joy in my life. The hummingbird represents joy, happiness, and beauty. Watching these special birds reminds us to actively seek the good in life and the beauty in every moment. This is a lesson that I hold close to my heart.

​

Hummingbird Counseling is a space of healing, connecting to joy, and finding the nectar of life. Within you is the capacity to create the life you want.

 

Educational & Professional Info

​

I have been working in mental health since 2006 and providing psychotherapy since 2009. I have a Doctorate in Social Work from Capella University and focused my research on anti-oppressive and anti-racist practices in mental health. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and graduated from FIU with a Master’s in Social Work in 2009. I have worked at various organizations, including a shelter for women and children, providing in-home therapy services and working with parents and young children impacted by trauma. I completed my infant mental health training at the Institute of Child and Family Health. I was trained in dyadic, child-parent therapy through the University of Miami’s Linda Ray’s Intervention Center. After working with parents and children, I became passionate about the specific needs of birthing people and young children. Thus, I obtained specialized training in perinatal mood disorders through Postpartum Support International's training programs. I am certified in Perinatal Mental Health.

​

I am skilled in psychodynamic psychotherapy, interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT), cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), play therapy, and EMDR. We will tailor your counseling depending on your specific needs. 

​

I enjoy systems work and collaboration with our communities. As part of my interest in impacting the systems families navigate, I sit on the Alliance for the Advancement of Infant Mental Health Board. I am also a certified Zero to Three expert faculty for the DC:0–5™ Diagnostic Classification of Mental Health and Developmental Disorders of Infancy and Early Childhood and a Facilitating Attuned Interactions (FAN) mentor and trainer for Cooper House. I am the former manager of the intern/extern clinical therapy program at Perinatal Support Washington.

 

I am a member of the International Association of Eating Disorders Professionals (IAEDP) AAEDP-BIPOC committee. I served as a Board member of the Washington Association for Infant Mental Health, Chair for the Florida Chapter of Postpartum Support International, on the Broward Chapter of the Florida Infant Mental Health Association committee, and as the past President of the Florida Association for Play Therapy. I am a member of the National Association for Perinatal Social Workers, the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, and IAEDP. These are great organizations to follow and support if you are looking for further resources.

​

​

You are not alone, you are not to blame, and with help, you will get well.