Girasol Counseling, PLLC

These are a few identities that influence how I interact / experience the world around me, and stories attached to them: past and present. In my therapeutic work, I continue to decolonize both my healing practices and myself.

My parents are El Salvadoran immigrants. They migrated to the U.S. during the El Salvadoran civil war and made their new home in South Central Los Angeles. I was born and raised in Los Angeles with a large Central American refugee community. My formation there naturally led me to healing work for myself, family, and community.

In 2011, I moved to Washington State and I began sprouting roots throughout King and Pierce County. I graduated with an A.A. in Psychology from Highline College, a B.A. in Psychology with a minor in Law, Societies and Justice, and a Master of Social Work with a Latinx Specialization from the University of Washington. I am an Associate Licensed Clinical Social Worker under the supervision of Diana Mena, LICSW.  

In 2018, I co-founded C.O.M.I.D.A. (Comunidad Orgullosa Más Ideal De Las Americas): a Central American healing and empowerment youth program rooted in connection through traditional foods.

In 2021, I founded Girasol Counseling, PLLC, where I provide case management, family/community advocacy, and therapy for marginalized populations and communities of color. I have worked with nonprofit agencies, school systems, and in community mental health for over seven years.

My work aims for the de-stigmatization and decolonization of mental health; and advocates for collective healing practices that are grounded in liberation, culture, and spirituality. I am a firm believer in collective healing: the power of connection, belonging, and love. Like a Girasol, I believe that we must look to each other for our collective liberation.

Mentors & Teachers

Pat Thompson

Diana Pena

Shalom Agtarap 

Michael Williams

Lina Thompson

Bell Hooks

Thich Nhat Hahn

Martin Ignacio Baro

Oscar Romero

Martin Luther King Jr

Rev Angel Kyodo Williams

Lama Rod Owens

Latinx Counseling

Corazon Counseling

Esperanza Counseling

Girasol Counseling, PLLC is based on the traditional land of the Coast Salish and Puyallup people, past and present. We acknowledge that we are on stolen land. We give gratitude to the Puyallup people, the original keepers of the land.