Erika Banuelos

Hello, I'm Erika Banuelos, a licensed clinical therapist with a Master of Social Work degree from California State University of Dominguez Hills. As a bilingual therapist fluent in both Spanish and English, I specialize in helping individuals from diverse backgrounds overcome emotional and psychological challenges. My focus areas of practice include anxiety, depression, adjusting to change/life transition, grief, crisis intervention, and working with autistic children. My approach is client-centered and grounded in evidence-based practices such as Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Mindfulness, Solution Focus Therapy, Grounding Techniques, Play Therapy, Mediation, and Behavioral Therapy.

My approach

As an LCSW, my therapeutic approach is client-centered and grounded in evidence-based practices. I prioritize building a strong therapeutic relationship based on trust, empathy, and respect, and I tailor my approach to the unique needs of each individual. I believe that everyone deserves to live a fulfilling and happy life, and I am passionate about helping people overcome emotional and psychological challenges. In my work, I use a variety of theoretical approaches, including Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Mindfulness, Solution Focus Therapy, Grounding Techniques, Play Therapy, Mediation, and Behavioral Therapy. These evidence-based practices have been shown to be effective in helping individuals overcome a range of mental health issues, such as anxiety, depression, grief, and crisis intervention. My approach is compassionate, non-judgmental, and supportive, creating a safe space for clients to explore their thoughts and feelings. Being bilingual, fluent in Spanish and English, allows me to provide therapy to a wider range of individuals from different cultural backgrounds. I have extensive experience working with adolescents, young adults, the elderly, and dialysis patients, which has taught me how to adapt my approach to meet the unique needs of each individual. Overall, my therapeutic approach is client-centered, evidence-based, compassionate, and tailored to the unique needs of each individual. I am committed to helping my clients achieve their therapeutic goals and develop the skills and tools they need to overcome their challenges and live their best lives.

My focus

As an LCSW, I work with clients from diverse backgrounds, including adolescents, young adults, and the elderly. I am comfortable treating a range of mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, grief, and crisis intervention. Additionally, I have experience working with autistic children and dialysis patients. My focus is on tailoring my approach to meet the unique needs of each individual client and helping them achieve their therapeutic goals.

My communication style

As an LCSW, I strive to create a warm and supportive environment for my clients. I believe that building a strong therapeutic relationship is essential, and I prioritize trust, empathy, and respect in my communication style. Working with me would feel like a collaborative process, where clients are encouraged to share their experiences and work together with me to develop a personalized treatment plan. I am committed to creating a non-judgmental and compassionate space where clients feel comfortable and safe to explore their thoughts and feelings. By prioritizing the unique needs of each client, I strive to empower them to achieve their therapeutic goals. Overall, I believe that effective communication is at the heart of any successful therapeutic relationship. Through my warm and supportive approach, I aim to create an environment where clients feel heard and understood, and where they can work towards living their best lives.

My journey to mental healthcare

As a licensed clinical therapist, my journey to becoming a therapist was driven by a deep passion for helping people overcome emotional and psychological challenges. I have always been drawn to the field of mental health, and I feel that my personal experiences have given me a unique perspective and empathy for those struggling with mental health issues. Throughout my life, I have witnessed friends and family members go through difficult times, and I have seen firsthand the positive impact that therapy can have on one's mental health and overall well-being. I wanted to be a part of that process, to help others navigate the challenges of life and find hope, healing, and resilience. What drives me to do this work is the knowledge that I am making a positive difference in the lives of my clients. Seeing my clients grow and overcome their challenges is incredibly rewarding and reminds me of why I became a therapist in the first place. I am committed to helping my clients achieve their therapeutic goals and develop the skills and tools they need to live their best lives.

My goals for you

As an LCSW, I approach goal setting with clients in a collaborative and individualized way. I believe that the best goals are ones that are tailored to each client's unique needs, values, and circumstances. To start the process, I work with clients to identify their strengths, challenges, and desired outcomes. This helps us to set realistic and achievable goals that are meaningful to the client. I also work to break down larger goals into smaller, more manageable steps, which can help clients feel more motivated and empowered to make progress. Throughout the goal-setting process, I aim to be flexible and responsive to clients' evolving needs and progress. I check in to see how they are feeling about their progress and to make any necessary adjustments to the goals or the approach. Ultimately, my goal-setting approach is focused on helping clients achieve positive change in their lives. By working collaboratively and tailoring the goals to each client's unique situation, I strive to help clients feel more in control of their lives and more hopeful about their future.

My first session with you

As an LCSW providing mental health therapy, I want clients to feel comfortable and supported from the very first session. During the first session, I will typically start by asking some questions about the client's background, their reasons for seeking therapy, and any specific goals they may have. I believe that it is important to establish a strong therapeutic relationship based on trust, empathy, and respect, so I encourage clients to share as much or as little as they feel comfortable with. I also provide a safe space for clients to explore their thoughts and feelings, free from judgment or pressure. I may also ask some questions about the client's current symptoms, coping mechanisms, and support systems, to get a better understanding of their overall mental health and well-being. At the end of the first session, I typically provide some feedback and recommendations for next steps. This may include setting some initial goals or discussing potential treatment options. My ultimate goal is to help clients feel empowered and motivated to take positive steps toward improving their mental health and well-being. Overall, clients should expect a warm, supportive, and collaborative environment during their first session with me. I strive to make the experience as comfortable and beneficial as possible, so that clients feel motivated to continue their therapeutic journey with me.