Immigration/Acculturation

Being an immigrant woman, I know firsthand how difficult it can be to leave a whole world behind and find yourself navigating constant newness. I also know how key it can be to have a safe, compassionate space while undergoing that process in order to feel grounded and to successfully handle the transition to your new life. I have worked for many years with recent immigrants processing the exhilaration and at the same time the grief that often comes with the journey.

I specialize in exploring the unconscious impacts of immigration and acculturation. I help clients navigate the emotional complexities of identity, belonging, and cultural integration, uncovering how early experiences and internalized cultural conflicts shape their current struggles. Through this process, we work to integrate past and present, fostering a sense of self that honors both heritage and personal growth.

I was born and raised in the small, beautiful South American country of Ecuador, and immigrated to the United States when I was 17 years old. I am a Licensed Associate Counselor and completed my Master’s Degree in Mental Health Counseling at the University of Phoenix. I currently provide therapy for children (ages 6+), adolescents, adults, couples, families, and individuals from different populations. I am also a bi-lingual therapist fluent in Spanish and English.

I have the experience not only of having, myself, lived and worked in other countries in my adult life, but of having worked with refugees, immigrants, dislocated peoples, expats living abroad, and persons who have returned to their country of origin, as well as, those unable to return to the country of origin. I have an existential and person-centered non-pathologizing lens through which each person's lived experience is honored and is at the core of the therapeutic relationship.

Growing up in immigrant families often means straddling two worlds, which can create tension, confusion, and stress. I work with adult children of immigrants to help them navigate this complex identity and communicate openly with their families.

I am a culturally humble/aware counselor. this means that I am aware of my privilege as a white male and am aware that there are cultural differences that influence behaviors and individual's view of society and the world as a whole. I am trained in Hispanic culture and can apply my training to any culture when needed.

I have worked for many years life changes especially with the immigrant community and 2nd generation youths who may have recently arrived or came to this country.

Emotional challenges related to being an immigrant can feel insurmountable. A fast-changing political and socio-economic landscape can make it hard to open up unless you feel safe, and completely comfortable. Living as an immigrant can be stressful and often comes with its own set of unique difficulties. As an immigrant, I have a deep understanding of acculturative stress, and immigration trauma. Together we can navigate the emotional and psychological challenges faced by our communities.

Many of my clients are first or second generation citizens, or working here with a green card. Immigration/Acculturation is not usually the reason someone seeks therapy with me, but it underlies almost every conversation.

I completed an APA-accredited predoctoral internship at RAMS, Inc., a community mental health agency in San Francisco, California. As part of my work at RAMS, I completed clinical rotations at the Comprehensive Crisis Center, PAES Vocational services, and an outpatient clinic. The didactic part of my training at RAMS focused on cultural competency, which has been an essential part of my clinical work with first-generation immigrants in psychotherapy.

We'll delve into your cultural background and heritage, helping you embrace and preserve what's meaningful to you. Together, we'll address the stressors of adapting to a new culture, providing you with coping strategies and support. If you're experiencing challenges within your family due to cultural differences, we can work on improving communication and understanding.

I have a professional background in assisting immigrants as they navigate the complexities of their cultural identities while undergoing the process of integration into a foreign culture.

Emotional challenges related to being an immigrant can feel insurmountable. A fast-changing political and socio-economic landscape can make it hard to open up unless you feel safe, and completely comfortable. Living as an immigrant can be stressful and often comes with its own set of unique difficulties. As an immigrant, I have a deep understanding of acculturative stress, and immigration trauma. Together we can navigate the emotional and psychological challenges faced by our communities.

I'm an immigrant from Greece and the Middle East who is now naturalized in the United States. As someone who identifies as racially ambiguous, I'm passionate about serving immigrant communities and addressing cross-cultural dynamics. I know firsthand how branching out while maintaining a connection to your culture can feel impossible. In therapy, I will work with you through a culturally-humble and culturally-affirming lens to help you navigate these challenging dynamics.

I am an immigration evaluation therapist who has been conducting immigration evaluations since 2015. At this time, I offer immigration evaluations for the following types of cases: Hardship, Cancellation of Removal, Removal of Conditions, VAWA (for men and women), and U-Visa. I offer evaluations for clients located in the following states: Connecticut, Florida, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, and South Carolina.

I come from a unique background of spending my early childhood in South Korea and navigating the issues of adapting to a new culture after immigrating to the United States. I'm also passionate about raising awareness about the importance of therapy and destigmatizing mental illness in Asian American communities.

In addition to providing therapy, I also conduct Immigration Psychological Evaluations to assist individuals and families in their immigration process. If your attorney suggested that you obtain a report from an immigration evaluation therapist, you’ve come to the right professional. I have worked with individuals from diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds, and I’m experienced in conducting psychological assessments.

I grew up in Italy and moved to the U.S. over a decade ago to attend Columbia University, so I understand the challenges of adapting to a new culture while staying connected to your roots. I’ve also worked at a college counseling center in NYC, supporting international graduate and undergraduate students as they adjusted to life in a new country. Whether you're navigating cultural shifts, visa uncertainty, or feeling caught between worlds, I provide a space where all parts of you are welcome.