About Me
Welcome! My name is Sofia. I was born and raised in Mexico City, Mexico and I immigrated to the United States at the age of 18. You will find the therapeutic space to be safe and non-judgmental to explore who you are with an emphasis in change through acceptance. I am fluent in both Spanish and English.
How I Work
When working with me, I see the person within the different environments they have been and currently find themselves in. I aim to understand the individual through a comprehensive outlook in which I take into consideration the different parts (e.g., religion, gender, culture) that make us who we are, and how these impact the process of relating with others and ourselves.
Education and Training
I graduated with a BA in Psychology from American University in 2017. Then, I obtained my Masters in Clinical Social Work at Columbia University in 2022 in which I received training in Dialectical Behavior Therapy. I have experience providing individual, family, and couples’ therapy.
Specializations
Anxiety: Excessive worry, nervousness, or stress; intense discomfort in social settings; sudden and intense feelings of panic; physical symptoms such as rapid heartbeat, sweating, or trembling.
Attachment: Understanding and healing patterns of insecure attachment; addressing difficulties in forming and maintaining healthy relationships; coping with feelings of abandonment, fear of intimacy, or trust issues; exploring past experiences and their impact on current relationship dynamics; fostering secure attachment styles through therapy and developing healthier, more fulfilling connections with others.
Depression: Persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, worthlessness, or guilt; loss of interest or pleasure in activities; changes in sleep, appetite, and energy levels; difficulty concentrating or making decisions.
Distress Tolerance: Building the capacity to endure and cope with emotional pain and crises without resorting to harmful behaviors; learning techniques to navigate difficult situations and intense emotions effectively; developing skills to remain grounded and calm during periods of high stress or emotional turmoil; utilizing practices such as mindfulness, acceptance, and problem-solving strategies to improve resilience and emotional stability.
Emotion Regulation: Developing skills to manage and respond to intense emotions effectively; reducing impulsive behaviors and emotional outbursts; enhancing self-awareness and understanding of emotional triggers; learning techniques to increase emotional resilience and stability; promoting healthier ways to cope with stress, frustration, and negative feelings through practices such as mindfulness, cognitive restructuring, and behavioral strategies.
Mindfulness: Enhancing awareness and acceptance of the present moment; managing stress, anxiety, and emotional dysregulation through mindful practices; fostering resilience and emotional balance; improving focus and attention; promoting overall well-being and a greater sense of peace through techniques such as meditation, mindful breathing, and body awareness exercises.
Relationship Conflict and Dynamics: Frequent conflicts, disagreements, or misunderstandings with a partner; feeling unheard, disrespected, or emotionally disconnected; struggling with jealousy, infidelity, or lack of trust; decreased intimacy and shared enjoyment.
Stress: Feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, or tense due to demanding situations; physical symptoms such as headaches, muscle tension, or digestive issues; difficulty relaxing or managing time effectively; decreased motivation and productivity.
Contact
You can email me at sofiaisrael26@gmail.com. I look forward to getting to know you better.