Raphael Alfaro

I have over 10 years of experience as a therapist, with five years as a licensed professional. My background includes work in inpatient facilities addressing addiction and mental health concerns. I hold a Master's in Counseling Psychology with a focus on social justice, which has strengthened my cultural competence and ability to connect with individuals from diverse backgrounds. I primarily use talk therapy and psychoeducation to help clients understand the impact of mental health from both social and biological perspectives. My approach encourages clients to challenge unhelpful thinking patterns and find acceptance as whole individuals. I also support clients facing medical challenges, helping them build resilience and move forward despite difficult circumstances.

I use a mix of Person-Centered Therapy, CBT, and DBT to support you as a whole person. We will work together on ways to manage your emotions and thoughts, so you can handle tough experiences. These skills can help you feel less overwhelmed and more confident in facing daily challenges.

In our first session, my goal is to help you feel at ease and get clear about what you want to achieve. We’ll talk about why you’re seeking therapy, what you hope to accomplish, and what has or hasn’t worked for you in the past. If this is your first time in therapy, I’ll walk you through what to expect and how you can use the skills we discuss in your everyday life. We’ll also look at ways to recognize your feelings and find people who can support you. By the end of our session, we’ll come up with a plan together. This might include journaling or small steps to work on between sessions, so you can keep making progress.