"Trauma is a fact of life. It does not, however, have to be a life sentence. " - Peter Levine

Born and raised in Los Angeles California, Raquel (she/her) is a first-generation, bicultural, bilingual mental health therapist, Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW 70124), with over fifteen years of experience providing therapy in Spanish and English in the state of California. Raquel has extensive knowledge working with adults experiencing different life challenges. As an EMDR certified and somatic therapist, Raquel works with clients experiencing anxiety, PTSD,  panic attacks, depression, grief, gender dysphoria, low self-worth, relationship problems, and who are seeking healing by learning new ways to deal with life problems. Her personal mission is to help her clients heal from the past to live a more fulfilling life and learn how to be in the present moment. In addition, Raquel is passionate about energy work and is a qualified Usui Reiki practitioner. In her practice she integrates mind-body-therapy interventions as a holistic approach focusing on spiritual, social, and emotional well-being as a whole. Currently Raquel works with her clients virtually in the state of California and has an office located in Encino, CA.

Education
California State University, Northridge Bachelor of Arts, Child & Adolescent Development
University of Southern California, Master of Social Work

Certifications and Trainings
EMDR Certified, EMDRIA International Association, current certification
Somatic Experiencing, Somatic Experiencing & Trauma Healing International
IFS Trained in Parts-Work, IFS Institute
Transgender & Gender Non-Conforming Gender Affirming Care Trained Clinician, under standards of WPATH
Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
TFCBT, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Brainspotting Phase 1 and Phase 2
Certified Anger Management Counselor
Clinical Yoga Practitioner (CYP 500), Trauma-Sensitive & Trauma-Informed Yoga, Clinical Yoga Institute

License
California Board of Behavioral Sciences
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) #70124