Rakiya "Rocky" Ruiz

Hi, I’m Rakiya (you can call me Rocky)! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who is passionate about helping people find balance, purpose, and renewed energy in their lives. I specialize in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) and trauma-informed care for individuals navigating PTSD, nightmares, depression, anxiety, or burnout. I also use Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy for trauma, depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions. I work with adults from all walks of life who are ready to feel more grounded and in control of their emotional health.

Before becoming a therapist, I worked as a police officer and a flight attendant. These two careers gave me a firsthand understanding of stress, resilience, and human connection. Those experiences deeply inform my work and help me meet clients with authenticity, respect, and calm presence.

In therapy, I take a warm, compassionate, and easy-going approach to understanding your thoughts, emotions, and habits that keep you stuck. The goal of therapy is helping you build a life that feels steady, meaningful, and aligned with your values. Sessions are collaborative, practical, and tailored to your needs.

I provide a welcoming, affirming space for LGBTQ2SIA+ and BIPOC clients. You don’t need to have everything figured out before starting therapy. We’ll do the work together, one step at a time!

My approach is collaborative, affirming, and compassionate. I use evidence-based methods like CBT for Insomnia, IRT for Nightmares, EMDR, Written Exposure Therapy for PTSD, Interpersonal Psychotherapy, (IPT) and other modalities to help you feel calmer, more confident, and in control of your emotional well-being.

Our first session is about understanding what brings you into therapy. We’ll see if I am a good fit for you. If not, I'll help you find someone who is. I'm ready to help you take that first step towards becoming the best version of yourself!