Inclusive therapy for BIPOC & LGBTQ+ adults in Texas & Virginia
You don’t have to carry it all alone anymore.
You feel like you’re carrying the world on your shoulders, while everyone else just expects you to keep going. You’re “the strong one” in your family, the one everyone turns to. Maybe you can’t even remember the last time someone actually asked how you were doing.
What if you could finally let go of everyone else’s burdens and feel free to live for yourself– confident, supported, and no longer defined by others’ expectations without losing the relationships you value so much.
What if you could finally be valued for who you are, not just for what you do for others?
Does any of this sound familiar?
It’s Friday, you’re exhausted from the week, and you want to sleep in tomorrow, but your sister just asked for your help and you feel guilty because you want to say “no.”
You always bank up weeks of PTO and intend to take a vacation, but you never do because you fear that your team will fall apart without you there.
You long for a different life, but feel guilty when you think about all of the sacrifices your immigrant parents made for you so you just keep living the life you know they expect of you.
You try to share your struggles with a loved one, but hear, “It’ll be okay…because you’re the strong one.”
If you’re like so many of the folks I support and you’re feeling…
Drained from being the one everyone relies on, with no space to rest for yourself
Invisible, even though you’re constantly showing up for others
Caught between wanting change and fearing it will mean disappointing the people you love
I want you to know that it can be different.
What if you could honor your loved ones’ needs without sacrificing your own, all while staying grounded in a steady confidence about who you are?
Together, we’ll create a space that allows you to…
rediscover yourself,
build meaningful boundaries, and
step into a life rooted in balance and self-acceptance
…all while finding meaningful ways to stay connected and let go of the guilt that keeps you tied to old patterns with your loved ones.
Hi, I’m Monica.
I help BIPOC, LGBTQ+ folks, and adult children of immigrants who feel responsible for everyone else’s happiness to let go of the burden of being “the strong one” and create meaningful connections—with the people you love and with yourself.
Together, we’ll uncover what’s holding you back and create a life where you feel grounded and free to be your true self. I’ll guide you to build self-compassion and set boundaries that honor your needs, so you can find balance and fulfillment—without the constant fear of disappointing loved ones.
I get it. I know what it’s like to feel the push and pull of honoring your family’s hopes while trying to carve out space for yourself. To wonder if you’re disappointing the people you love by wanting something different. To carry the weight of expectations that sometimes feel impossible to meet.
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’re looking for a therapist who shows up fully—bringing heart, intuition, and evidence-based practices together to honor your unique journey.
You want a therapy experience with tía/auntie vibes—someone warm and understanding, who brings realness and challenge. You’re looking for a partner and cheerleader who can hold you with softness and call you forward when it’s time.
You need an approach that reflects your culture and identity, with someone who understands that your experiences don’t fit into a one-size-fits-all solution. You want a therapist who truly sees you and tailors every step of therapy to your story.
Perhaps you can’t even picture what it might be like on the other side of ONLY ever being there for others…
Let me paint a picture for you.
Imagine a life where you’re not constantly carrying the weight of everyone else’s needs—where focusing on your own happiness doesn’t come with a side of guilt.
Picture yourself confidently setting boundaries, knowing that it strengthens your relationships instead of straining them.
You wake up feeling balanced, energized, and ready to be there for others without bending yourself into shapes that don’t fit who you are.
Rooted in self-compassion, you’re finally living in a way that respects both your culture/family/ancestors AND your own well-being—creating a future that feels fulfilling, authentic, and entirely yours.
Still not sure? I get it.
I know you’ve been down this road before—maybe you’ve tried therapy, read all the self-help books, and practiced every grounding skill out there. You’re strong, resilient, and likely already know how to get through the day.
But even with all that, it still feels like something’s missing, right?
Too often, therapy can fall short, especially when it doesn’t fully see you—as a BIPOC, a queer person, or a child of immigrants who carries the weight of family expectations along with your own dreams.
The difference here?
You won’t have to explain the unique challenges of honoring where you come from while finding your true self.
I understand the push and pull of carrying your family’s hopes while also wanting space for your happiness. Together, we’ll create a space that fully honors you and your story, so you can move beyond just coping and into lasting change that reflects who you are at your core.
All without sacrificing your relationships and value to your family.
Are you the sort of person that really wants to know how OTHERS see my work? I get it, I read ALL the Google reviews! While I can’t share specifics (protecting my clients’ privacy is my top priority!), I can tell you generally what my clients often say about working with me.
“You really get me in a way that my previous therapist didn’t. I don’t have to explain how hard it is to navigate my immigrant parents’ values while having my own values.”
“I feel really safe with you to laugh together at the ridiculousness and to be in the hard stuff together. I know that you accept me however I show up.”
“Our sessions are such a relief. It’s the one place that I can count on where I can be unfiltered and messy and you won’t judge me.”
You don’t have to carry it all alone.
Together, we’ll build a path to relief and balance, where you feel confident, supported, and valued for who you are—not just for what you do for others.
Taking the First Step Can Feel Uncertain—That’s Okay
If you’re saying to yourself, “Yeah, but I shouldn’t spend the time or money on therapy for me,”
I absolutely validate that worry! It's completely natural to feel a little guilty about focusing on yourself, especially when you’ve spent so long prioritizing everyone else.
But investing in therapy is an investment in YOU—and taking this time isn’t selfish. In fact, it’s essential for showing up for others with true strength and balance.
Therapy can provide tools and insights that positively impact many areas of your life, helping you care for yourself and honor your loved ones without feeling torn.
You might be thinking, “Yeah, that sounds good, but I’ve been to therapy, and it wasn’t enough.” I completely understand your hesitation.
This time, it will be different.
Together, we’ll go beyond surface-level coping skills, diving deeper to uncover the root of what’s holding you back and create meaningful, lasting change.
My approach is not “one-size-fits-all”—it’s intuitive, culturally sensitive, and tailored specifically to you.
Therapy with me is more than a temporary fix—it’s a transformative journey to help you reconnect with your true self in a way that feels empowering, supportive, and deeply authentic.
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 haven’t scheduled yet?
You might be thinking, “This sounds like a good idea—I’ll reach out next week.”
But I want you to know that Future You is asking you not to wait—whether that means working with me or finding support somewhere else.
You don’t have to keep carrying this alone. You deserve better.
Therapy focuses on releasing the weight of everyone else’s expectations—so you can finally live for yourself without the constant guilt of letting others down.
You are more than just what you can do for others.