Ileana Hernandez

Starting therapy can feel like a big step, and I want my clients to feel comfortable being themselves when they walk into the room, even when that room is virtual. I provide virtual therapy sessions in a warm, supportive, and judgment-free environment.

I earned my Master of Social Work (MSW) from Rutgers University and have experience working with children, teens, families, and adults in both outpatient and school settings. I have supported clients with anxiety, stress, relationships, family concerns, self-esteem, and navigating different life transitions.

As an Afro-Latina therapist who is conversational in Spanish, I value the importance of culture, family, and personal experiences in the therapy process. I understand that our backgrounds and experiences can shape how we view ourselves, our relationships, and the challenges we face. I welcome conversations about culture, identity, family, and the experiences that may be influencing how you feel and how you navigate the world.

I take a nurturing but firm approach to therapy. I believe it is important to feel heard and understood, but I also believe in being honest, providing guidance, and helping clients work toward real change. Sometimes we need support and validation, and other times we need someone to gently challenge us or help us take that next step.

I also bring some of my own life experiences into the way I connect with clients. Becoming a new mom has given me a different perspective on the stress, uncertainty, and adjustment that can come with major life changes. While everyone's experience is different, I understand how helpful it can be to talk with someone who can relate to the ups and downs of balancing your own needs with the needs of others.

I want therapy to feel like a place where you can be honest without feeling judged. I will listen and support you while also helping you recognize patterns, work through difficult emotions, and make changes when you're ready.

My goal is to help you better understand yourself, manage anxiety and stress, build confidence, and feel more capable of handling the challenges in your life. We will work together to find strategies that are realistic and actually fit into your everyday life.

If you're feeling overwhelmed, stuck, anxious, or going through a transition and could use some support, I would be happy to work with you virtually and help you figure out what comes next.

Our first session is an opportunity for us to get to know each other and see if we are a good fit. I will ask questions about what brought you to therapy, what you have been experiencing, and what you would like to work on. We may also talk about your background, relationships, and anything else that feels important for me to understand.

Most importantly, I want you to feel comfortable. You do not need to have everything figured out before starting therapy or know exactly what you want to talk about. We can take our time, talk through what is going on, and begin identifying what you need from therapy.

My goal is for you to leave the first session feeling heard, understood, and with a better sense of how we can work together moving forward.