Inclusive therapy for BIPOC & LGBTQ+ adults in Texas & Virginia

You’ve spent your life caught between two worlds:

honoring your family’s sacrifices while longing for a life that feels like yours.

You shouldn’t have to choose.

Does it feel like you’re living two lives, never fully belonging in either world?

You’ve spent your whole life caught between two worlds—translating, caregiving, keeping the peace. And somewhere along the way, you got lost in the shuffle.

You’re the family fixer. You’ve been handling paperwork, translating at doctor’s appointments, and making sure everyone else is okay since you were a kid. But when you need help, no one shows up in the same way for you.

Rest feels impossible. Any time you slow down, that guilt creeps in—Shouldn’t I be doing more? You tell yourself that once you reach the next milestone, you’ll finally take a breath. But somehow, that moment never comes.

You’re always code-switching. At home, you’re “too American.” Outside, the people who rely on you don’t fully understand the weight of your cultural responsibilities. It’s exhausting, constantly shifting who you are just to belong.

Boundaries feel like betrayal. Saying “no” to a family request isn’t just setting a limit—it feels like turning your back on everything your parents worked for. The guilt is overwhelming.

You love your family—but you’re losing yourself. You don’t want to disappoint them. But you also don’t want to spend your life chasing their version of success while neglecting your own happiness.

It’s not just weighing on you—it’s affecting everything.

You pour so much energy into keeping others happy that you have nothing left for yourself.

Work feels draining, and no matter how much you achieve, it never seems like enough.

Friendships and relationships can feel distant or surface-level because you’re so used to holding things in.

Even joy feels hard to access, like something reserved for people who don’t carry the kind of weight you do.

And now, you’re here.

Because you know something needs to change—but you’re not sure how to start.

What if caring for yourself wasn’t a betrayal—but an act of love?

You don’t have to choose between your happiness and your heritage.

Therapy isn’t about letting go of your culture or turning your back on your family—it’s about making space for you. It’s about learning to care for yourself without guilt, to set boundaries without fear, and to step into a life that feels true to who you are.

You don’t have to carry the weight of two worlds alone. Let’s build something different together.

Hi, I’m Monica.

I help adult children of immigrants—especially those in the BIPOC and LGBTQ+ communities—who feel trapped between family expectations and their own desires finally break free from guilt and build a life that feels fully their own—without fear, shame, or losing their connection to their culture.

Together, we’ll untangle the unspoken pressures that have shaped your life and help you step into a version of success, rest, and self-worth that actually feels right for you. I’ll guide you in setting boundaries that don’t feel like betrayal, letting go of guilt that isn’t yours to carry, and learning to trust that you don’t have to choose between honoring your family and honoring yourself.

I get it. I know what it’s like to be the one who holds everything together—the translator, the problem solver, the bridge between two worlds. To feel the weight of your family’s sacrifices in every decision you make. To wonder if choosing yourself means turning your back on where you come from.

I also know it’s hard to find the “right” therapist. Here’s how you’ll know I’m the right therapist for you:

  • You want a therapist who truly gets it—someone who already understands the guilt, the pressure, and the exhaustion of being the “strong one,” so you don’t have to spend your sessions explaining it.

  • You need a space where you can be real—with someone warm and understanding who will both hold space for your struggles and challenge you when you’re ready to grow. You’re looking for tía/auntie vibes—a therapist who shows up with heart, humor, and realness, offering deep compassion and a gentle push forward when you need it.

  • You want therapy that reflects who you are—an approach that honors your unique experiences, culture, and identity, instead of forcing you into a one-size-fits-all solution.

Imagine a life where…

Rest feels deserved, not indulgent.

You can take a breath, say no when you need to, and trust that your worth isn’t tied to how much you do for others.

Your relationships feel balanced.

You can love and honor your family without sacrificing yourself in the process. You set boundaries with confidence—without the crushing guilt.

You stop proving, pleasing, and performing.

Your success is no longer about meeting expectations—it’s about what you want for your life.

You feel at home in yourself.

No more shape-shifting, no more code-switching just to fit in. You belong—to yourself, to your culture, to your community—just as you are.

How therapy helps you get there

We’ll untangle the guilt. Together, we’ll explore the unspoken family expectations that weigh on you—and rewrite the story so that caring for yourself isn’t a betrayal.

We’ll practice setting boundaries—without fear. You’ll learn how to honor your family and protect your peace, with words that feel true to you.

We’ll help you reconnect with you. Therapy gives you space to explore who you are outside of obligations—what you want, what you need, and what brings you joy.

You don’t have to explain everything—I get it. No more spending half your session giving a cultural backstory. This space is already built for you.

You deserve to take up space in your own life. 

Therapy can help you get there—without guilt, without fear, and without losing the love of your family.

Here’s what we can work on together:

  • Untangle the unspoken family expectations that have shaped your life—and decide which ones you want to keep.

  • Release the guilt that tells you rest, joy, or setting boundaries means you’re being selfish.

  • Strengthen your relationships by balancing love and responsibility without sacrificing yourself.

  • Find peace in who you are—so you no longer feel like you have to perform or prove yourself to belong.

  • Prioritize your well-being in a way that honors both your culture and yourself.

How We’ll Work Together

Therapy with me isn’t just about talking—it’s about understanding, healing, and doing. Together, we’ll go beyond surface-level coping strategies to unravel the deeper patterns keeping you stuck—while also giving you practical tools you can apply in your daily life.

  • If you feel constantly on edge or emotionally drained, you’re not “too sensitive” or “overreacting.” Using Polyvagal Theory, we’ll explore how your body responds to stress, overstimulation, and family dynamics—so you can recognize your triggers and learn body-centered techniques to bring yourself back into balance.

  • You are not just one thing. You are the child who wants to make their parents proud, the adult trying to define their own identity, and so many other complex parts. With Parts Work, we’ll help you understand and honor these different layers of yourself instead of feeling torn between them.

  • If old experiences still feel raw, even years later, we can use EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) to help fully process and release trauma—so it stops defining your present.

  • Insight is powerful, but real change happens in your life. That’s why I integrate practical, action-based skills you can use outside of sessions—whether that’s learning to regulate your nervous system, setting boundaries that feel possible, or responding to guilt in a new way.

  • You won’t have to spend half your session explaining cultural expectations or why setting boundaries feels impossible. I already understand the weight of family duty, the unspoken sacrifices, and the fear of disappointing the people who raised you. This space is already built for you.

Your well-being is worth investing in—because you deserve the same care and compassion you’ve always given to everyone else.

Wondering if therapy is right for you? Let’s talk about it.

  • A: Absolutely not. Therapy isn’t about turning your back on your family—it’s about learning how to have healthier relationships, both with them and with yourself. We’ll work together to help you set boundaries, communicate your needs, and find a balance that honors both your culture and your well-being.

  • A: I hear you. When you’ve grown up with the message that everything should be for the family, investing in yourself can feel indulgent. But the truth is, when you take care of your mental health, you’re better able to show up for the people you love—without burning yourself out in the process.

  • A: Yes. You don’t have to spend half your session explaining cultural expectations—I already understand the unspoken pressures, the generational sacrifices, and the guilt that comes with setting boundaries. We’ll start from a place of shared understanding, so you can focus on healing instead of educating.

  • A: This is a common fear, and you’re not alone in it. Many clients worry about how therapy will be perceived by their family. Our work together can include finding ways to talk about therapy (if you choose to) in a way that aligns with your values, or simply giving you a space where you don’t have to justify your feelings to anyone.

  • A: That’s completely okay. You don’t have to have all the answers before starting therapy. If you feel exhausted, unseen, or unsure of what’s next, that’s enough of a reason to reach out. Therapy is a space where we can figure things out together.

Finding the Right Therapist Matters—Here’s What to Know.

I am the therapist for you if…

  • You’re ready to go beyond coping and start untangling the deeper patterns that keep you stuck. You don’t just want to manage the weight of expectations—you want to release it.

  • You’ve been in therapy before and have the basics down, but you’re looking for something deeper. You’re done with surface-level fixes and want real, lasting change.

  • You want a therapist who gets it—someone who blends evidence-based practices with deep insight, intuition, and cultural responsiveness to truly honor your journey.

  • You’re looking for therapy with tía/auntie vibes—warm and supportive, but also real with you when it matters. You want a therapist who will hold space for your struggles and call you forward when you’re ready.

  • You’re a giver, a caretaker, the one who shows up for everyone else. Now, you’re ready to learn how to show up for yourself—without guilt or fear of disappointing others.

  • You want to feel seen in all the layers of your identity. While I welcome most humans into my practice, I’m especially passionate about working with BIPOC and LGBTQ+ folks who are tired of therapy that doesn’t take their lived experiences into account.

I am not the therapist for you if…

  • You’re in a place where managing daily emotions feels overwhelming, and you need more immediate, foundational support before diving into deeper work. (That’s okay—I want you to have the right support for where you are!) If this is you, you might consider:

    • Working with a DBT Therapist

    • A clinic setting with wraparound support, such as an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) or Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP).

  • You’re not yet using coping skills consistently or don’t feel ready to open up about your experiences and feelings. Therapy is most effective when you feel steady enough to explore those next layers.

  • You’re looking for a therapist who stays neutral and removed. I’m not a “blank slate”—I show up as my full self, with warmth, humor, and a willingness to walk this path with you.

  • You’re seeking a highly directive, step-by-step approach. My style is collaborative—I’ll guide and support you, but I believe in empowering you to take the lead in your healing journey.

If I’m not the right fit for you, that’s okay! I want you to find your perfect match.

Finding a therapist who feels right is so important, and there are a few ways to connect with someone who’s the best fit for you:

  • Directories: Search platforms like Inclusive Therapists using filters such as Specialties, Provider’s Identity, or Therapeutic Approach. Read through descriptions—trust your instincts when you feel the vibe of someone who gets you.

  • Insurance Panels: Check your insurance list, then do a little research—Google, directories, or even their social media or website can help you get a sense of who they are and how they work.

You don’t have to figure this out alone.

You’ve spent a lifetime balancing expectations, keeping the peace, and showing up for everyone else. But now, it’s time to make space for you.

Therapy can be the place where you finally exhale—where you don’t have to explain everything, prove anything, or hold it all together. A place where you can explore who you are, what you need, and how to create a life that feels like yours.

If this resonates with you, let’s connect. Schedule a consultation to see if we’d be a good fit—I’d love to support you on this journey.