Growing up as a Mexican American moving between London, Mexico City, and suburban Cincinnati, I quickly learned how creatively we adapt to our environments. No matter how hard I tried to fit a simple narrative, it never worked—I carried many identities, and people always wanted to pin me down to just one. Even a question as simple as, “Where are you from?” would spark a cascade of follow-ups, never quite giving the neat story others expected.
This curiosity—about how we make sense of who we are and navigate the parts of ourselves that don’t fit—sparked my interest in therapy.
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, learn, and respond rather than react. Instead of following “shoulds” or “supposed to,” I guide you in cultivating self-trust and intuition to navigate life, relationships, and personal growth.
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 capable of growth and healing. Like an acorn that already contains everything it needs to become a mighty oak, you already have the wisdom and resilience to build a stronger sense of self and lead a meaningful life. My role is to help you reconnect with that inner guidance and potential.
I blend traditional talk therapy with mindfulness and somatic practices, emphasizing the connection between mind, body, and spirit. My approach is culturally affirming and trauma-informed, taking into account how power, gender, race, and socioeconomic factors shape identity, well-being, and health.
I earned my master’s degree in clinical psychology from the California Institute of Integral Studies in San Francisco. Before becoming a therapist, I spent 12 years as a product designer in Mexico City and Silicon Valley, where I developed skills in simplifying complex ideas and communicating clearly—skills I now bring to therapy to make growth accessible and actionable.
Outside of my work with clients, I practice Vipassana meditation, enjoy reading, and love exploring the Oakland Hills with my dog.