Dear sensitive spirit(s), welcome to this peaceful clearing full of calming chamomile in life's wild woods...

Do you feel called to shed old leaves, roots, and patterns that obscure your true unique essence? Whether navigating your path individually or hand-in-hand with your partner, are you yearning to explore the depths of your inner forest, to unearth the healing and authentic connection that lies within?

As an integrative therapist with a culturally informed, humanistic, attachment lens, I honor your complete story and how life's challenges have shaped your journey. I specialize in supporting neurodivergent individuals, couples navigating relationship dynamics, and those healing from trauma. I offer a safe space particularly attuned to LGBTQ+ communities and neurodivergent experiences, helping you rediscover your relationship with yourself and the world around you.

We'll explore how societal expectations, familial patterns, and cultural influences have shaped your growth - What's in your roots? What's in your soil? Together, we'll reshape your relationship with mental health, building on your natural strengths while developing communication tools that honor your authentic self. Our work together is collaborative and consent-based, creating an environment where secure attachment, growth, and authenticity can flourish.

Let's explore your unique landscape - how does your neurodivergent mind and body experience the world? What attachment and relational patterns have you inherited? How has intergenerational trauma influenced your growth? What patterns do you wish to nurture, and which ones are you ready to transform?

Monique is currently providing teletherapy services to all in-state California residents.

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Learn More About Me

My Specialties:

Neurodivergent, LGBTQ+, & Trauma Couples Specialist

Neurodiversity is the beautiful truth that our brains naturally grow and bloom in different ways. Like varied species in a forest, these brain and body differences aren't deficits—they're natural expressions of human diversity, each offering unique gifts and perspectives that enrich our world.

Our society's narrow definition of 'normal' is rooted in systems of white supremacy and capitalism, which prioritize productivity and conformity over authentic human expression. Yet in a world that often demands masking—hiding your true nature to fit in—many neurodivergent folx carry deep wounds. You might feel exhausted from trying to prune yourself into societally expected shapes, struggling to feel accepted and understood in your community.

Our work together creates a safe clearing where you can gradually shed these masks and discover your authentic self.

Here, you'll learn to:

Cultivate deep self-compassion, especially for your younger self who had to adapt to survive
Explore and embrace your unique neurodivergent qualities
Develop coping strategies that honor your natural ways of being
Build confidence in advocating for your needs and accommodations—whether in relationships, work, academia, or other spaces
Transform the pain of masking into self-understanding, radical self-acceptance, and growth

In this space, your neurodivergent voice isn't just heard—it's celebrated. Whether you experience your neurodivergence as a source of challenge, strength, or both, we'll tend to your authentic growth with understanding and care.

Like trees growing together in the same grove, each partnership has its own unique rhythm and way of relating. For neurodivergent couples and mixed-neurotype partnerships, traditional relationship therapeutic approaches often feel like trying to fit a wildflower into a perfectly manicured garden.

When one partner steps in as the relationship's executive functioning bridge, when sensory sensitivities impact intimacy, or when division of labor feels unbalanced—these aren't relationship failures. They're invitations to explore more authentic ways of partnering that honor your natural ways of being.

Our work together creates a safe clearing where your unique relationship patterns can be understood and tended to with care.

Here, we'll explore:

How different neurotypes influence your connection, communication, and care styles
Ways to navigate intimacy and sexual connection that honor each partner's sensory needs and sexual trauma backgrounds
Creative approaches to sharing life's responsibilities and division of labor that work with, not against, your natural strengths
How to transform executive functioning differences from sources of tension into opportunities for collaborative support
Tools for healing relationship wounds while honoring neurodivergent experiences
Building clear, consensual communication practices that respect each partner's processing style
Cultivating healthy boundaries that protect both partners' energy and needs while nurturing connection

In this space, there's no 'right' way to be a couple. Whether you're dealing with intimacy challenges, working through trauma, or seeking to better understand each other's neurotypes, we'll nurture your relationship's growth in ways that feel authentic to both of you. Together, we'll create patterns of relating where consent, boundaries, and mutual understanding flow as naturally as a forest stream.

Like intertwined vines growing in harsh conditions, LGBTQ+ relationships have always found ways to bloom despite societal shadows. In these particularly challenging and terrifying times, your partnership's safety and wellbeing are my utmost priority. As a Queer and Trans Affirming Professional, I've dedicated myself to creating a sanctuary where your relationships and identities can begin to flourish.

Without models or templates for healthy queer relationships to guide us, many couples find themselves creating their own path through uncharted territory. Whether you're exploring identity shifts within an established relationship or navigating a mixed-sexuality partnership, you'll find a space where every aspect of your relationship is honored and celebrated.

Here, couples can:

Navigate transitions and identity explorations together, supporting each other's authentic growth
Deepen intimacy and connection across different sexualities and gender expressions
Process family dynamics while maintaining your bond
Transform relationship patterns shaped by internalized shame into radical self-acceptance
Develop tools for moving through the world together
Build resilience against societal pressures and find ways to advocate together for change

I also welcome individuals and teens seeking support in their personal identity journeys, especially while navigating relationship dynamics.

Together, we'll tend to the full garden of your experience—your shared joys, struggles, rage, numbness, and everything in between. This means creating space where both partners can grow authentically, whether you're exploring gender and sexuality together, supporting a partner through transition, or deepening your connection across different identities and expressions.

As someone thoroughly trained in supporting Queer and Trans folx through relationship dynamics, identity exploration, and healthcare navigation, I understand the intricate patterns of queer relationships in our current cultural landscape. Your journey of authentic connection deserves a space as unique and beautiful as your love—whether that journey involves transition, coming out, or simply growing deeper together.

My Services:

One-on-one for pre-teens, teens, and adults for teletherapy services via a HIPAA compliant video platform to all in-state California residents.

I am also able to provide in-person services at our office in Los Alamitos, though availability is limited.

I offer a complimentary 15 minute phone consultation where I can learn more about what you are needing out of therapy as well as share with you my therapeutic approach.

50 min | $185

2 or more partners for teletherapy services via a HIPAA compliant video platform to all in-state California residents.

I am also able to provide in-person services at our office in Los Alamitos, though availability is limited.

I offer a complimentary 15 minute phone consultation where I can learn more about what you are needing out of therapy as well as share with you my therapeutic approach.

50 min | $185

Families of origin, chosen families, and intergenerational families for teletherapy services via a HIPAA compliant video platform to all in-state California residents.

I am also able to provide in-person services at our office in Los Alamitos, though availability is limited.

I offer a complimentary 15 minute phone consultation where I can learn more about what you are needing out of therapy as well as share with you my therapeutic approach.

50 min | $185

I do not take insurance directly due to the limitations placed on type and duration of treatment. However, for those with PPO plans, I can provide a monthly superbill for potential reimbursement.

I offer spots for a sliding scale system/partial scholarship to create accessibility (inspired by Alexis' Cunningfolk's healing activism article).

Please inquire to see if spots are still available**:
- 50 min | $125-$150: for those who are able to meet their basic needs but have little-to-no expendable income. Paying for these sessions may qualify as a sacrifice but would not create hardship.
- 50 min | $100-$125: for those who have less expendable income. Paying for these sessions would be a significant hardship but still manageable.
- 50 min | $75-$100: for those who struggle to meet basic needs and paying for these sessions would create a considerable hardship.

Book with Me

About Me:

Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (#124796)

Supervised by Dr. Mary M. Read (LMFT#25112)

Employed by the Institute of Advanced Studies

Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Women and Gender Studies from California State University, Fullerton
Master of Science in Counseling with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy from California State University, Fullerton
Completed my practicum with individuals from varied and diverse identities and lived experiences at Orange Coast College, Student Health Center in Costa Mesa.

39 year old cisgender, bisexual woman
Biracial, fourth generation Mexican American and white. I have Spanish, Portuguese, Southern European, Eastern European, and Mexican Indigenous ancestral lineage.
I embrace myself as a deep feeler, an empath, an HSP (highly sensitive person), neurodivergent person, and an INFJ.
Aquarius sun, Cancer rising, Pisces moon

Authenticity is one of my core values. It is vital for safety, connection, and nervous system attunement. Being authentic means being consistent and congruent across all spheres of my life.
For those with interpersonal trauma, like myself, it can be especially activating when someone isn’t being authentic. If someone’s expressions, body language, inner self, and actions don’t match up, that feels dangerous. It’s not that we’re always going to be authentic and aligned in everything we do. It’s about increasing your awareness to be able to hold yourself accountable for what you bring to any interaction, environment, and the world -are you being aligned in how you show up? Authenticity is a consistent ongoing practice. If I’m not doing my own depth work, I cannot possibly expect you to feel safe enough to go deep as well. My goal is to continue to do my work so that I can show up for you as regulated as I am able to provide you a safe and harmonious space.
I believe that therapy is inherently political -we cannot separate that. Every lived experience is full of a multitude of identities that are impacted by the social and cultural contexts in which they occur. I integrate discussion and acknowledgment of the significant and traumatic effects of insidious, systemic marginalization and oppression as these factors cannot be overlooked.
My approach is rooted in the belief that healing unfolds like a forest path—the journey itself holds as much wisdom as the destination. As a process-oriented therapist, I honor the natural rhythm of growth and change, focusing on how we move through our experiences rather than rushing toward predetermined outcomes while maintaining consistent checkpoints along our journey together.
Like the interconnected roots of a thriving ecosystem, I bring an integrative and holistic perspective to both individual depth work and relational healing. Whether working with individuals, couples, or families, I create space for the deeper layers of experience to emerge and be tended to with care.
I believe that my role as a therapist must extend into active participation through therapeutic advocacy that includes learning and listening to others, providing resources, being a community leader, challenging the -isms, and being congruent across all spheres of my life.
I believe in advocating based on your strengths -not everyone can be on the frontlines. Not only am I a healer and a guide in my work, but my strength is being a weaver where I have the ability to see through-lines of interconnectedness between organizations, networks, and communities. I have a skill of organizing information and resources and directing folx where to go.

See more:
- Social Change Ecosystem Map by Deepa Iyer, Senior Director of Strategic Initiatives at Building Movement Project
- See my resource guides

Getting to know one another and building the therapeutic relationship
Introductions - I share my clinical background and social locations and identities and request your background, what brought you into therapy at this time
Exploring your unique story -family dynamics, cultural background, and generational patterns
Understanding your relationship landscape - intimate partnerships, friendships, and community connections
Mapping your neurodivergent experiences and how they shape your interactions
Discussing your relationship with work, education, and personal growth
Exploring past therapy experiences and what has/hasn't worked for you
Understanding your current support systems and coping strategies
Identifying patterns in relationships and communication styles
Discussing your hopes and intentions for our work together
Creating space for questions and concerns about the therapeutic process
Beginning to explore your relationship with your body, sensory needs, and nervous system
Understanding your cultural, spiritual, and ancestral connections
Establishing collaborative goals while honoring the process-oriented nature of our work

Social Locations/About Me

"One day when you wake up, you will find that you have become a forest. You have grown roots and found strength in them that no one thought you had. You have become stronger and more beautiful, full of life giving qualities. You have learned to take all the negativity around you and turn it into oxygen for easy breathing. A host of wild creatures live inside you and you call them stories. A variety of beautiful birds rest inside your mind and you call them memories. You have become an incredible self sustaining thing of epic proportions. And you should be so proud of yourself, of how far you have come from the seeds of who you used to be."

Nikita Gill, You Have Become a Forest