I Support the Latinx Community by Offering New Ways to Express Emotions
Learn About Me and How I Can Help
Esmeralda Estrada, LPC
Bilingual Psychotherapist
Hello, my name is Esmeralda Estrada and I’m a bilingual psychotherapist at Latinx Talk Therapy. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and Registered Art Therapist (ATR). I like to include psychoeducation, Spanglish, and art in sessions. I take an empathetic and strength-based approach when helping clients. We must work as a team as I honor building a genuine therapeutic relationship with my clients. Words have power but they might not come easily which is why having the tools necessary to express your story is key; not only for sessions but for everyday life and I feel Art Therapy is a powerful tool for this process. My theoretical approach is Trauma-focused Cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT), person-centered and psychoanalytic. However, each client is unique, there is no one size fits all so I find it important to keep in mind my clients’ experiences, preferences, and needs when looking at what will work best for my clients.
I understand the importance of creating a safe space to help us better understand ourselves and how life experiences have affected us. Our community has been able to adapt and survive but I want to see us thrive and I believe caring for our mental health is a big part of this process as it connects to various aspects of our lives. It is important to connect with the past as it lays the foundation for the present. Helping you express, and connect with yourself, you will be able to look at the past /present, and negative/ positive patterns so you can focus on solutions, and create your mental health toolbox.
- I meet with clients virtually.
You Don’t Have to Face Your Struggles Alone, I Am Here to Help
I have worked with children, young adults, and families navigating depression, anxiety, grief, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), medical diagnosis, physical disabilities, trauma, and the juvenile justice system. I have seen the ups and downs one can experience in life and in the therapeutic setting. Reaching out is the first step in the journey. As a team we will create a safe space that will help you reach your goals.
Get to Know A Little Bit More About Me
I was born and raised in the south side of Chicago in a predominantly Latino neighborhood. As a young child, I found myself drawn to the arts, and in my adolescence, I experienced firsthand how healing the arts can be. I learned about art therapy and saw it as an amazing way to bridge not only the arts and mental health but also a new way to introduce mental health services without the stigma. As a first-generation college student, I am familiar with the anxiety and stressors of stepping into the unknown. I began my path in mental health by volunteering at Lurie Children’s Hospital later working at the Boys and Girls Club while interning in the art therapy program at Lurie Children’s. After obtaining my master’s degree from Adler University I began working with migrant youth later moving on to work with youth in the juvenile justice system of Cook County. Being a Latina and therapist, I have both experienced and witnessed the lack of resources and the effect of mental health stigma. I continue to feel committed to providing culturally competent services to the BIPOC community. The more we talk about mental health, the more we can push past the stigma.
My Specialties
I have specialized training in Art Therapy, trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT), and Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). I have mostly worked with youth and young adults and their families. Areas of specialty in navigating depression, anxiety, grief, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), medical diagnosis, physical disabilities, trauma, the juvenile justice system immigration, cultural identity, and other life stressors.