Culturally Affirming Therapy in Ontario, CA
Therapy for BIPOC, First-Gen, and Multicultural Adults Navigating Burnout, Identity, and Cycle-Breaking.
Therapy That Actually Gets Your Lived Experience
I focus on being culturally affirming because it is my strong belief that nothing is ever black or white—it’s mostly gray. A lot of what we do wouldn't make sense unless we look at the whole picture. Being culturally affirming is my promise that I want to understand you as a whole so I can best support you. It’s not for me to decide what works for you and what doesn’t; I simply don’t live the same life as you.
What I do know as a brown, Latino man, child of immigrants, bilingual, and first-gen grad is that there are a lot of rules and expectations that vary depending on the individual. So, what is your family like? What was said and unsaid? What is okay in your culture? How does your expressed gender impact you? Is your sexuality accepted? These are all great questions that give context and meaning to your struggles and behaviors.
How the Pressure Actually Shows Up
At Work or School: You may feel alone or like you don’t belong, carrying the fear that “you didn’t earn it.” Your peers or colleagues might say things that are insensitive or flat-out inappropriate, but you keep quiet because it's all about the grind and moving up. Yet, you feel unsatisfied. You just wish you could be yourself, unrestrained by all these invisible rules.
With Your Family: You love them, but when you want to do your own thing, you instantly respond with guilt and shame. Part of you wants to be proud of who you are as an individual, but you also know you’re part of something bigger. Balancing the two is incredibly hard.
In Your Head & Body: You’re probably constantly worried, overthinking what the right move is, and burned out from juggling who you are in different spaces. Your body might even feel foreign. You change how you speak, avoid certain clothes, and just don't quite feel like yourself because other people's voices have made a home in your head.
The Hidden Weight of Breaking Cycles
I used to believe it would be easy to just not care what others think. As I’ve gained wisdom and experience, I see things differently. It’s more that we need to be willing to acknowledge that we do care, and that is okay. It is knowing that you care about your parents' beliefs, even when you are making choices that might create some distance between you. But you will also learn to bridge that distance in new ways. Healing isn't just about setting boundaries; it's about building bridges and creating new paths. It’s not easy work, but we can do this together.
How We'll Work Together
Finding the "You" That Doesn't Change: Learning that there is a version of you that stays constant, no matter what setting or room you're in. We’ll untangle from rigid mental rules and expectations, figure out what is actually important to you, and envision what that really looks like.
Tapping Into Inner Wisdom: We will nurture a compassionate voice and draw on the wisdom that has always been inside you. For many, this also means honoring the strengths of those who came before you and reconnecting with a deeper sense of community.
Honoring Your Background: Utilizing the medicine and healing practices that have been in your family without judgment. We can integrate your faith and beliefs, creating a space for true acceptance of yourself and your experiences.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Not necessarily. Therapy can help you clarify what kind of relationship you want, set boundaries, and make choices that protect your wellness. The goal is not to force distance but to help you relate to family in ways that feel more honest and sustainable.
-
It is incredibly common to feel like you are betraying your family by talking to a professional. I won't just tell you to stop feeling guilty. Instead, we will make space for it together in session. We'll work on how you can respect where your family is coming from while still giving yourself permission to get the support you need.
-
Not at all. While my own lived experience is Latino and first generation, I work with adults from all backgrounds. Whether you are navigating multicultural identities, dealing with workplace burnout, or just want a space where you don't have to constantly explain yourself, there is room for you here.
-
Yes. I am in-network with Aetna, Anthem, and Blue Shield of CA, and provide superbills for out-of-network reimbursement.
Related Specialties
Navigating the challenges of high school or carrying the weight of traditional family duty. Read more about Teen Therapy and Men’s Therapy.
Schedule Your Free Culturally Affirming Therapy Consultation
If you’re ready to stop carrying this on your own, let’s talk. We’ll use 15 minutes to see if we’re a good fit.