Hi, I'm Esmeralda Cruz, a bilingual Licensed Professional Counselor-Associate (LPC-Associate) who is passionate about helping individuals navigate life's challenges, better understand themselves, and create meaningful change. My professional background includes extensive experience supporting children, adolescents, and families in educational and community settings. These experiences have deepened my understanding of the emotional, behavioral, developmental, and relational challenges individuals face throughout different stages of life and ultimately inspired my passion for mental health and counseling. Building on this foundation, I pursued a career in mental health and have gained two years of clinical experience providing counseling services through my practicum, internship, and current work as an LPC-Associate. These experiences have strengthened my commitment to helping individuals feel heard, understood, and empowered to navigate life's challenges. I work with children, adolescents, and adults experiencing anxiety, OCD, depression, ADHD, autism, trauma, relationship difficulties, life transitions, and emotional or behavioral challenges. My therapeutic approach is eclectic, collaborative, and client-centered. I believe there is no one-size-fits-all approach to therapy, which is why I tailor treatment to each client's unique needs, strengths, experiences, and goals. My primary therapeutic modalities include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment