About Me

Hello, 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

My work is centered on empowering individuals to define their identities and articulate their unique narratives. I firmly believe that the foundation for healing and growth is a strong, nurturing, and collaborative therapeutic relationship. I use a holistic, strengths-based approach to help kids, teens, and adults through life. I love helping new parents adjust and building safety and trust for children. Supporting pre-teens and teens through identity questions is a passion. I also deeply connect with and understand queer and neurodivergent folks, creating a space for them to be their true selves.

My Goals for You

I'm all about helping you heal deeply, feel hopeful, and build up your inner strength. My approach is rooted in compassion, empathy, and creativity. We'll work together on self-discovery and well-being by creating a safe space for you to look inward, find better life balance, use your time and energy wisely, and tap into your inner power. This will help you tackle life's challenges with clarity and resilience, truly understanding and embracing what you need and what you've been through.

I also guide you toward finding more ease and acceptance, even with tough feelings and situations. By gently pushing your comfort zone, we'll actually stretch your capacity to handle distress (window of tolerance), making difficult experiences less overwhelming. This whole process increases your emotional intelligence—you'll get better at understanding, managing, and expressing your own feelings—and deepens your connection with others. Through this supportive work, you'll be ready to live a life that feels more fulfilling and genuinely connected to your emotions.

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 use 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

In my personal time, I enjoy a variety of interests such as music, video games, comic books, and art. I also love spending time with my family and dog. I highly value experiencing new places and diverse cultures, as these encounters broaden my perspectives and foster a deeper respect for cultural differences.