What is Espiritusantodentro?
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Spiritual Healing
I blend traditional therapeutic approaches with the power of spirituality to support your journey towards healing and inner peace.
My approach recognizes that healing isn't just about addressing mental and emotional challenges; it's also about nourishing the spirit. I believe that by integrating spiritual practices and beliefs into therapy, you can access deeper levels of understanding, resilience, and well-being.
In our sessions, I provide a safe and non-judgmental space for you to explore your spiritual beliefs, values, and experiences. Whether you follow a specific religious tradition or consider yourself spiritual but not religious, I'm here to support you on your unique path.
Through guided discussions, mindfulness exercises, meditation, prayer, and other spiritual practices, I help you connect with your inner self and tap into the wisdom and strength that resides within you. My goal is to empower you to find meaning, purpose, and fulfillment in your life.
If you're seeking a holistic approach to therapy that honors your mind, body, and spirit, Espiritusantodentro (Holy Spirit Within) may be just what you're looking for.
Contact me today to begin your journey towards wholeness and transformation.
Ricardo Peña, LCSW (he/him)
I provide services in Spanish + English.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Psychotherapist of Mesoamerica-Indigienous ancestry. My life exposed to community violence, trauma and intersecting oppressions has led me to the work of healing, self-discovery, exploration and ancestral healing.
I was raised in the SF Bay Area and I currently reside on the stolen lands of the Tongva peoples, colonially known as Los Angeles, California.
My lived experiences of being a person with intersecting identities, navigating the world and the trauma that comes with that, has led me to the practice of healing at a young age. I grew up with many years of witnessing (through family members + my community) severe mental illness, addiction, community violence, chronic suicidality, incarceration and domestic violence. Through my own stories and experiences, as a justice-oriented therapist, I aim to disrupt and dismantle these oppressive systems within myself and in my practice to make therapy a safe(r) space for folks who are targeted and made marginalized.
Therapeutic Approach & Treatment Focus
My focus is to help individuals heal, energize, and become aware of their inner strengths. I’m opening up space for you to incorporate another level of interpretation on your surroundings and life circumstances. I am committed to helping you identify challenges and create tools that will assist you in achieving your goals. I will support you in removing barriers to growth and change, so you align with your most authentic self! We achieve this by providing a neutral space, listening to your concerns, and customizing a individualized treatment plan.
By centering the mind-body-being connection, I have a holistic approach with my clients to help create an individualized treatment plan that works best for you. I am dedicated to providing a space that is warm, compassionate and accessible, where you feel safe to explore the ways in which you can build a more fulfilling life.
My approach to therapy is like the life I live, very diverse and utilizing concepts from the following treatment modalities: EMDR eyes movement desensition reprocessing, Narrative, Solution-Focused, Family Systems, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Existential Psychology as well as drawing ideas from Attachment Theory, Somatic (body) and Interpersonal.
Education & Experience
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW #80473) with the Board of Behavorial Sciences (BBS). I received my MA in Social Work (MSW) from California State University, East Bay and my BA in Psychology, Social Work & Raza Studies from San Francisco State University.
I am passionate about Trauma Informed Care, Restorative Justice and Harm Reduction. I've worked within these three frameworks throughout the state of California, predominantly in Bay Area and Los Angeles.
Since 2002, I have worked with adolescents, aging population, justice-involved individuals, victims (survivors) of crime, refugees, immigrants, gang affiliated individuals, single mothers and unhoused individuals. Throughout the years, I’ve provided therapy, intensive family work, clinical case management, court advocacy, comprehensive needs assessments, crisis intervention, collaboration with community partners, linkages to appropriate services, and implemented and treatment plans.
