Extensive scientific research supports Teresa’s belief that the single most important component of effective counseling is the relationship between counselor and client. She also believes that every person is the best expert about themselves and, with the right support, can chart their own best course for their lives based on their own values. For these reasons, she uses a collaborative, client-lead approach and strives to always hold unconditional positive regard for every person she has the privilege of working with. She is passionate about mental health advocacy and de-stigmatization, practicing with an intersectional and liberatory lens. 

The foundation of Teresa’s therapeutic approach is the understanding that each of us is part of a web of influences: our bodies, minds, hearts, beliefs, habits, relationships, families, communities, environments, cultures, heritage, history, and more. Understanding how somebody arrived at their present state of health – and what might help them move towards better health – requires taking all relevant influences into account. With that, she uses a broadly inclusive systemic approach to both case conceptualization and treatment. Likewise, her theoretical orientation is integrative, and she flexibly shifts between and combines modalities, including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, family systems/parts work, attachment and psychodynamic theories, mindfulness, and somatic work, among others, to best serve each client’s unique situation and goals. 

In-Network Insurances

• UHC/Optum  
• Kaiser Permanente PPO  
• CIGNA 
• Low Fee Therapy