Cristal Encarnacion, 

The Hispanic community has a rich and diverse cultural heritage that is heavily communal and family oriented. Much of their identity spans generations as families immigrate and settle down from their homeland to seek a better life for them and their children. It is not an easy feat, and often families who immigrate—or children of immigrant parents—find it difficult to reconcile their multiple identities and new intersecting backgrounds as Hispanic-American. 

This inability to express themselves can be seen intergenerationally, leaving families and individuals feeling as if they cannot truly connect with one another amid such change. Intergenerational trauma often manifests in patterns of behavior, emotions, and relationships that can cause suffering across generations. This can look like harmful family expectations, pressures, and traditions that are passed down and inherited in an effort to hold on to what is familiar in such a foreign place. 

I want to break this cycle by helping individuals and families find ways to integrate both their cultural heritage and their new environment, fostering a sense of belonging and identity that embraces both.

This integration involves working on communication skills, understanding historical and cultural contexts, and determining how to navigate a family systemthat differs so much from the individualistic culture of the United States. By improving communication, families can better understand each other’s experiences and perspectives, bridging the gap between generations.

Whether dealing with the lingering effects of colonization, migration, or systemic discrimination, I hope to provide a space to explore and address these issues in a culturally respectful manner. My goal is to help individuals and families heal from past traumas, understand the impact of their histories, and build a supportive community that honors their heritage while embracing their present realities.

After all, somos unidos en la lucha. We are in this together. 

Schedule an appointment today if you’re looking for a safe space where you can feel seen and heard without judgment.

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As a queer Latina, I recognize how navigating the journey of self-discovery and acceptance can be challenging. There is the fear of societal prejudice, familial rejection, and internalized homophobia – all of which can affect mental health and relationships. 

My goal is to provide a supportive and affirming space where individuals can explore their identities and families can learn to understand and support their loved ones.

For LGBTQ+ individuals, therapy is a place to express your true self without fear of judgment. It’s about finding your own voice and truth. 

Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, depression, or identity-related stress, I’m here to help you develop coping strategies that empower you to live authentically.

Therapy will look like:

1. Affirming Identity: Providing a safe space for you to explore and affirm your sexual orientation and gender identity.

2. Enhancing Communication: Helping families improve their communication skills to foster understanding and support.

3. Addressing Trauma: Working through past traumas and developing strategies to heal and move forward.

4. Building Resilience: Empowering you to build resilience in the face of adversity by cultivating self-compassion and finding supportive networks.

This work can be difficult, but you don’t have to do it alone. Embracing your true self is a powerful and courageous act. In this space, you are celebrated for who you are. Together, we can overcome the challenges and celebrate the unique strengths that make you who you are. 

You deserve to live a life that is authentic, fulfilling, and free from fear. Let’s take this journey together.

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For many individuals, spirituality is an integral part of their life, providing meaning, a sense of purpose, and comfort during difficult times. But reconciling spiritual beliefs with mental health challenges can be complex and daunting. 

Not only that, but many individuals have experienced religious injury or church trauma that has left them feeling abandoned by their church and their faith. This pain, coupled with the challenges of maintaining mental health, can lead to the belief that pain and spiritual strength cannot coexist. Yet it is often through facing and overcoming our struggles that one’s faith and inner resilience are strengthened. I truly believe that, in our darkest moments, God meets us where we are. 

With my pastoral education, I offer a unique, compassionate approach to integrating spirituality with mental health. Whether you are experiencing a spiritual crisis, seeking to deepen your faith, reconciling religious injury, or trying to find a balance between your spiritual beliefs and mental health, therapy through a spiritual lens can provide the guidance and support you need.

In our sessions, we will explore how your spiritual beliefs can be a source of strength and healing while also addressing any mental health challenges you may be facing. 

By integrating spiritual practices such as mindfulness, meditation, and prayer (if desired) with therapeutic techniques, we can work towards achieving a harmonious balance that nurtures both your spirit and mind.

If you identify with a specific religion, consider yourself spiritual but not religious, or are simply exploring your beliefs — my approach is inclusive and respectful of all faith traditions. My goal is to support you in finding a path that honors your spiritual journey, whatever that may look like. 

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