Sarai Perez

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) with extensive experience in school-based and community mental health settings. I hold a Master of Social Work and am currently pursuing a Doctor of Social Work (DSW), further strengthening my clinical and leadership expertise.

My background includes supporting children, adolescents, families, and adults navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, life transitions, behavioral challenges, and relational stress. I have experience in crisis intervention, safety planning, and social-emotional learning, and I work from a trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and strengths-based lens.

My approach to therapy is warm, collaborative, and grounded in cultural awareness. I understand that our identities, families, communities, and lived experiences shape how we move through the world and how we experience stress, trauma, and healing. Therapy with me is not just about symptoms; it’s about understanding your full story within the context of culture, relationships, and systems.

I work from a trauma-informed and strengths-based lens, integrating cognitive-behavioral strategies and person-centered therapy while remaining flexible to what feels most helpful to you. We’ll explore patterns, build coping tools, and deepen self-understanding, but at a pace that feels safe and respectful.

Most importantly, I aim to create a space where you don’t have to code-switch, shrink yourself, or explain your cultural reality. You deserve a space where all parts of you are welcomed, honored, and supported as you move toward healing and alignment.

In our first session, you can expect a calm, welcoming space where we focus on getting to know you — not just the challenges that brought you in, but your story, strengths, and goals. There’s no pressure to share everything at once. We’ll move at a pace that feels safe and comfortable.

I’ll ask questions about what’s been weighing on you, your background, important relationships, and any cultural or identity factors that shape your experience. This helps me understand you within the full context of your life, not just your symptoms.

We’ll also talk about what you hope to gain from therapy, answer any questions you have about the process, and begin outlining next steps together. The first session is about building connection, clarity, and a foundation of trust so you leave feeling heard, supported, and understood.