Celia Lugo (she/her)

My name is Celia (she/her), and I’m a queer, Latinx mental health therapist in ATX. In my work as a therapist I believe that we are made up of many intersecting identities and parts. We often judge these parts harshly, label them as bad, unproductive, or shameful and forget that they have helped us survive this existence. I create a safe space where you can experience radical acceptance and learn what it means to fully accept all parts of who you are. I use mindfulness, interpersonal neurobiology, EMDR, and other trauma-conscious modalities to help clients process traumatic and painful experiences. I work with clients coping with LGBTQ+ issues, identity exploration, anxiety, depression, dismantling shame, trauma recovery, stress, relationship problems, grief and loss, and racial identity work.

As a person and a therapist, I prioritize authenticity, connection, and inclusivity. The real you is enough. The real me is also enough. So, I practice authenticity by being the realest version of myself in therapy sessions. This might look like a bit of cussing, owning up to my mistakes, and avoiding too much therapy-speak, when possible (unless, of course, you’re into that!). The pursuit of meaningful connection, with self and others, guides my work and living. This means I’ll strive to make therapy a relational experience and not just a problem-solving session. As a queer, Latinx human, I’ve lived the struggle of coping with oppressive societal structures and relationships. That’s why inclusivity -- actively dismantling racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, ableism, fatphobia, and other inequities -- is an active, lifelong practice for me. I am committed to challenging my own privilege and how this shows up in my work and personal life.