Dr. Adriana Peña

I’m a therapist, but probably not the therapist you’d expect. I say that because I want to keep it real with you from the jump.

A lot of people seek therapy because they’re suffering, sometimes immensely, and hoping maybe there’s a chance someone out there will understand or be able to help. Not everyone will understand, and I can’t guarantee I will either. But hopefully my bio gives you enough of a sense of who I am and how I work to consider what’s possible.

I’ve worked with people from all kinds of backgrounds, including adolescents, people who’ve been involved in the legal system, and people dealing with trauma. I’ve also spent a lot of time working with people whose experiences and circumstances are often misunderstood or judged by others.

I don't expect people to come in fully trusting of me. There are plenty of valid reasons not to trust people right away, and I see it as healthy for people to take their time figuring out whether any give person (such as a therapist) can safely hold what they have to share.

My goal is to create a space where you can explore your fullest self without having to worry as much about being judged for how you live your life.

I'm not here to tell you what to do or what's unhealthy. Even though I have mental health expertise, you're the expert on your own life. My goal is to bring our expertise together to help your figure out a path forward that actually makes sense for you.

My approach draws heavily from Jungian/psychodynamic psychology and mindfulness with CBT when it makes sense. Sometimes that means exploring what's happening in the moment, sometimes it means exploring patterns or experiences on a deeper level such as looking at parts of yourself you may not fully understand yet.

I'm also an MC and poet, and I bring that into my work as a psychologist when helpful. For example, I've been known to use lyrical analysis, lyric writing, and freestyling to enhance the clinical process for clients who vibe with that frequency.

I'm here for real talk and healing.

Therapy doesn't have to be something you shudder at when you see you have an appointment coming up. Don't get me wrong, some sessions might be hard and some might be emotional. But it can also be where you finally get to lay it all out there and see what can be done with the pieces.

You don't have to come in knowing exactly what you need, have the right words, or even being sure therapy is for you. We can figure some of that out together including what healing might look like for you.