TANYA SALAZAR

CLINICAL INTERN

Balancing your identity, whether it be gender, sexuality, or culture, on top of daily responsibilities can be stressful. You may be avoiding conflicts and putting the comfort of others before your own need to express your true self. Possibly letting others' words, emotions or reactions seep inside you and take the space of your own. This can leave you feeling drained, exhausted, or simply not good enough. It can be painful and scary to go through this alone. You may find yourself daydreaming of a better reality but afraid to step away from the norm. You matter too. You deserve to have the life you wish to live. 

As a first-generation Mexican-American, queer woman of color, I know how upsetting it can feel not to see ourselves represented or recognized in the world. I know how frustrating it can be living in a cultural limbo, balancing between high expectations and the fear of disappointment. I am committed to providing a multicultural, trauma-informed approach to therapy that is inclusive of all identities. I care deeply about helping people unpack the internalized weight of generational fears, hopes, or trauma. I know how important it is to feel understood. I believe that creating “connection” is the root of being able to better understand and empathize on a deeper level.

My experience in leadership roles and counseling others taught me how a gentle approach in stressful situations helps us open up and explore our true feelings. I became a therapist to encourage people to have patience with themselves and help them recognize that they are not responsible for anyone's happiness or satisfaction, just their own. I am dedicated to cultivating a healing space through a culturally sensitive lens and providing reliable, resourceful, supportive care where we can explore our unique experiences, perspectives, and obstacles.

As an art therapist, I’m devoted to patiently guiding people towards new ways to express themselves. I believe creativity can make hard-to-talk about topics easier to tackle, especially when we feel that words fall short or feel too heavy. When we engage in art-making, and blend body awareness with the therapeutic process, it allows us to explore internal strengths and uncover hidden emotions in a holistic way. Together we can paint, draw, scribble, clay sculpt, and even destroy our art as part of this experience.

I know what it feels like when the cruelties of the world feel out of your control or your most basic human need of feeling heard and seen is unmet. Every part of you deserves to feel recognized, accepted and appreciated. With personalized care and creative resources, you can build a life you enjoy. I am here to help you realize you are the expert to your own healing. Whether we explore your experiences through art, the expressive process or if it's just talking, I want to assure you that I will help you along the way no matter what life throws at you. Let’s connect today.

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As a trauma-informed art therapist, I providings services to children, adolescents, emerging adults, and adults in both English and Spanish. I specialize in complex trauma, intersectionality, LGBTQIA struggles, intergenerational trauma, chronic stress, depression, anxiety, self-harm, life transitions, racial identity and acculturation. I derive tools from a combination of different modalities including but not limited to: Art Therapy, Experiential Therapy, Person-Centered Approach, Queer Theory, Femenist Theory, Gesalt Therapy, Adlerian, mindfulness, and somatic techniques.