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Hola, I am Colijia Feliz, and am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). I am based in Visalia, CA (The Central Valley, just south of Fresno, CA) and work statewide via telehealth. I am a woman of color, (mixed race), half Black and half Mexican. My approach to therapy is to help individuals understand how their past and traumas affect their present and decision-making, help them to realize their inner strengths, and how these issues also affect families, friends, etc.
My approach
I base my approach depending on the needs of the client. I do not believe there is one solution that would fit all people's needs. I focus on Humanistic and Person-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness, and Strength-based therapy.
My focus
I work with victims of discrimination, racial and social injustice, youth/adolescents, foster care, parents, depression, anxiety, stress, sexual abuse, and human trafficking, childhood trauma and abuse, family and couple issues. I have worked with youth and students struggling with depression, self-identity, and sexual orientation, lack of self and family acceptance.
My communication style
I like to create a calm environment with an understanding, compassionate and empathetic tone. Working with me feels like having someone who understands, who has been through similar things, and has not had an easy past.
My journey to mental healthcare
I have always been the family member and friend people have come to talk to when something is going wrong. I decided to work for Child Welfare Services and heard about a program that would help me to get my MSW for free. During this time I really began to see people who were struggling with childhood and past trauma. I wanted to do more than just be their social worker. After getting my MSW, I felt I could help youth and famiies even more by doing therapy with them and began working on my hours to become a Clinical Therapist. It took about four years to complete the hours and take the state exam but I have accomplished that. I have worked as a School Social Worker and helped provide therapy and counseling to students to help them get through school and gain the proper education. Seeing people understand their core issues, how they affect their present and change their future endeavors as well as their personal self-image drives me to continue in this work.
My goals for you
Prior to the end of sessions, I like to set goals with clients to work on until the next session and discuss ways to try and accomplish those goals. There may be times of checking in to ensure clients work toward their goals.
My first session with you
A first session will include learning about the client, what they are currently dealing with, and gaining an understanding of why they may feel they need therapy and what they expect out of it.
