Hi, I am Paola!
Each individual is resourceful and has an internal healing fountain; I recognize this in each person who forms a therapeutic alliance with me. As an Afro-Latina therapist, I am attuned to the ways in which social-cultural norms and systems of oppression influence our life experiences. Such systems of oppression can insidiously affect our sense of belonging and self-worth. I have successfully supported both individuals and groups to modify destructive patterns of behavior, manage stress, cope with the aftermath of sexual assault and intimate partner violence, and navigate discrimination and marginalization.
I understand the vulnerability, trust and courage it takes to engage in psychotherapy and confide your deepest worries, fears and desires in someone. I also know that it can be challenging to nourish your self-esteem and experience positive emotions when you feel consumed by excessive worry and the recurrent distress of traumatic events. You don’t have to do this alone. Together we will work on developing the mechanisms you need to cultivate inner peace and harmony as you weather some of your life’s transitions.
When I am not practicing therapy, I spend time exploring hiking trails, experimenting with culinary recipes, tending to my own self-care and spending quality time with people who nurture my soul.
“The area where we are the greatest is the area in which we inspire, encourage and connect with another human being.”
— Maya Angelou
My Yoga Journey
I was first introduced to yoga over 10 years ago through community-based yoga classes. As my practice progressed, I developed a desire to share my knowledge, particularly with children and communities with limited access to yoga. This desire propelled me to complete a 200-hour yoga teacher training with Three Sisters Yoga in New York City. I am trained in Trauma-Informed Yoga methodologies and completed my Certification in Children’s Yoga with Asana Alphabet.
Yoga served as my first introduction to an active form of meditation. This practice helped to acquire the skills to silence my chatty mind as sitting meditation practices were initially challenging for me. If you are exploring meditation practices, I invite you to approach it with curiosity and patience because cultivating such skills is not a one size fits all approach.
Education
I have been practicing social work for over seven years. I obtained my Master of Social Work degree from Columbia University School of Social Work and attended The City College of New York (CUNY) for my undergraduate studies. I earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology with a minor in Sociology. I completed my Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) training at Parnell Institute for EMDR. I currently attend individual clinical supervision, EMDR consultation group and I participate in continuing education courses to build on my competencies as a provider.
If you are ready to explore your personal development and begin the process of enriching your life, let’s connect.
To schedule a complementary consultation, book therapy services or yoga services please use link below.*
*Free consultations only applies to new clients, one time only. No exceptions.