Growing up as a Mexican American kid moving between London, Mexico City, and suburban Cincinnati, I quickly learned how creatively we adapt to the environments we’re in. Despite my best efforts to fit into a simple narrative, it never quite worked. I carried many identities, and people always wanted to pin me down to just one—a question as simple as “Where are you from?” would lead to a cascade of more questions, never quite giving the neat and tidy story others expected. This sparked my curiosity about how we make sense of who we are, and how we navigate the parts of ourselves that don’t always fit.
We all hold conflicting parts—safety and adventure, longing and fear—and often manage them by shutting down. Whether it’s overeating, drinking, or putting up walls, I help clients reconnect with their emotions, so they can listen to and learn from them. Rather than being led by should or supposed to, I help you cultivate self-trust and intuition to guide you in life and relationships.
Hi, I’m Luisa
My approach to therapy
Compassionate inquiry.
Culturally-affirming.
Trauma-informed.
At the heart of my work is a humanistic perspective: I trust that each person is inherently good, and just like an acorn contains everything it needs to grow into a mighty oak, you already have what you need to build a stronger sense of self and lead a meaningful life. My job is to help you reconnect with your own wisdom and potential for healing.
I earned my master’s degree in clinical psychology from the California Institute of Integral Studies in San Francisco. My approach emphasizes the connection between mind, heart, and spirit, while also considering how power, gender, race, and socioeconomic factors shape identity, well-being, and health.
Before becoming a therapist, I had a 12-year career as a product designer in Mexico City and Silicon Valley. In that time, I honed the ability to simplify complex ideas and communicate them clearly—skills I now bring to my work as a psychotherapist. Outside of therapy, I practice Vipassana meditation, enjoy reading, and love exploring the Oakland hills with my dog.