About Me

Hi, I'm Alyn (ah-leen), a Latina and fully bilingual (Spanish/English) Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). I hold a Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from St. Edward’s University, a CACREP accredited program.

My personal journey and lived experiences have profoundly influenced my dedication to supporting the diverse populations I serve. This deep-seated passion drives me to provide therapeutic services rooted in social justice, cultural affirmation, and inclusivity. As a survivor of complex trauma, I am particularly committed to the delicate work of honoring and healing the inner child. I work with individuals across the lifespan, from children to adults, guiding them through their unique stages of life and emotional development with sensitivity and care.

Recognizing the importance of cultural connection, I offer therapy in Spanish, drawing strength and insight from my Mexican heritage. It is paramount to me as a therapist to deliver services that are deeply culturally affirming and respectful of each client's background.

Furthermore, as a neurodivergent individual, I possess a unique understanding and attentiveness to sensory processing needs within the therapeutic space. I strive to create an environment that is comfortable and conducive to healing for all clients, with particular consideration for neurodivergent experiences.

Finally, I am acutely aware of and deeply sensitive to the specific challenges and needs faced by queer and transgender individuals. Prioritizing their well-being and offering affirming support is central to my practice. My aim is to create a safe, validating, and empowering space where all clients feel seen, heard, and supported on their journey toward healing and growth.

Areas of Clinical Focus and Expertise

My clinical practice is deeply rooted in several key areas of specialization, allowing me to provide comprehensive and tailored support to individuals and families navigating a range of challenges. I possess extensive training and experience in the understanding and treatment of childhood trauma, recognizing the profound and lasting impact that early adverse experiences can have on development and well-being. My expertise extends to complex trauma, which involves prolonged or repeated traumatic events, often within interpersonal relationships. This specialization equips me to address the intricate patterns of emotional, behavioral, and relational difficulties that can arise from such experiences.

In addition to my work with individuals, I am dedicated to supporting parents and families. I offer guidance and therapeutic interventions to help families navigate challenges, improve communication, strengthen relationships, and create a more nurturing and supportive environment for all members. My approach is collaborative and tailored to the unique needs and dynamics of each family system.

My clinical practice specializes in treating childhood and complex trauma. I am extensively trained in EMDR for reprocessing trauma and IFS for understanding the internal self. I also provide support to parents and families, focusing on improving communication and strengthening relationships.

Who I Work With

With a holistic and strengths-based approach, I am dedicated to supporting children, adolescents, and their families in navigating a wide spectrum of life's experiences. I find immense fulfillment in assisting new parents as they adapt to the joys and challenges of parenthood, and in fostering a sense of safety and trust in children's relationships with others. The journey of pre-teens and teenagers as they grapple with complex identity formation is another area where I feel passionately driven to provide guidance and support. Furthermore, I have a deep connection and understanding when working with queer and neurodivergent individuals, and I am committed to creating a therapeutic space where they can explore and embrace their authentic selves. My practice is centered on empowering individuals to define their identities and articulate their unique narratives. I firmly believe that the foundation of healing and growth lies within the power of a nurturing and collaborative therapeutic relationship.

My Goals for You

Drawing upon a foundation of compassion, empathy, and creativity, my therapeutic approach is deeply rooted in the desire to facilitate profound healing, cultivate hope and bolster inner resilience within. My overarching goal is to actively empower you on your journey towards self-discovery and well-being, guiding you in the creation of dedicated space for introspection, the achievement of greater equilibrium in your life, the mindful allocation of your time and energy, and the development of inner strength. This empowerment will enable you to navigate life's complexities with increased clarity and fortitude, fostering the ability to thoughtfully process and wholeheartedly embrace your individual needs and experiences.

Furthermore, I strive to assist you in cultivating a greater sense of ease and acceptance when confronted with challenging or uncomfortable emotions and situations. By gently guiding you to explore the edges of your comfort zone, we will work together to thoughtfully expand your window of tolerance for distress, thereby diminishing the intensity and impact of difficult experiences. This process is intricately linked to the enhancement of your emotional intelligence, to help better understand, manage, and express your own emotions, as well as to develop a deeper understanding and empathy for the emotional experiences of others. Through this comprehensive and supportive process, you will be equipped to lead a more fulfilling and emotionally attuned life.

How I Work

A cornerstone of my work, particularly with children, is the integration of play therapy and creative play. I believe in the inherent capacity of play to facilitate communication, emotional expression, and healing for individuals of all ages. Through the use of various play-based techniques and creative modalities, I create a safe and supportive environment where clients can explore their inner world, process difficult emotions, and develop healthier coping mechanisms.

I am also extensively trained and proficient in the use of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), a powerful and evidence-based psychotherapy approach for the treatment of trauma and other distressing life experiences. EMDR therapy facilitates the brain's natural healing processes, allowing individuals to reprocess traumatic memories and reduce their emotional impact. 

Complementary to EMDR, I utilize the Internal Family Systems (IFS) model, which offers a compassionate and empowering framework for understanding the internal landscape of the self. By recognizing and working with the various "parts" within us, IFS helps individuals to cultivate self-compassion, promote inner harmony, and foster greater self-awareness.

Another approach I integrate into my practice is Somatic Experiencing (SE). Recognizing the mind-body connection in trauma, SE facilitates the release of trapped stress and physiological responses in the nervous system. Through gentle awareness of bodily sensations, SE supports the body's self-regulation and promotes integration and resilience. This body-centered method complements other therapeutic techniques.

Outside of Therapy

Beyond my professional endeavors, my personal interests include music, video games, comic books, art, and Halloween season. I highly value experiencing new places and diverse cultures, as these encounters broaden my perspectives and foster a deeper respect for cultural differences. I deeply enjoy literature from a variety of cultural backgrounds.