Yoana Urbina, LMFT
Licensed marriage & family therapist
Specialties
Trauma & Complex PTSD
Anxiety & Depression
Life Transitions & Burnout
Cultural Identity & Acculturation
Boundaries & Assertiveness
Self-Esteem & Confidence
Latinx Mental Health
Inner Child Work & Attachment
First-Generation & Bicultural Experiences
Who I Work With
Works with Individuals, Young Adults, Adults, Women, Men, LGBTQ+ Clients, First-Generation, First-Generation Professionals, Latinx Clients, Children of Immigrants, Couples.
To help them heal from trauma, build self-trust, manage anxiety, strengthen relationships, navigate identity and cultural stressors, and live more empowered and fulfilling lives.
About
Becoming a therapist stemmed from my personal experience of the profound impact of feeling seen and understood. My initial path in college as a human biology major was driven by external expectations rather than my true calling. Despite the academic and emotional challenges I faced, this period provided a crucial understanding of the interconnectedness of human biology and mental well-being, which now significantly informs my holistic approach to clients. Therapy became my lifeline during that time, guiding me back to myself. This experience ignited a deep fascination with the human mind, the intricacies of emotions, and the power of untold stories, leading me to switch my major to psychology and add a Spanish minor to enhance my connection with Spanish-speaking communities.
As a therapist, I bring this firsthand understanding, along with curiosity, compassion, and a strong sense of purpose, into my sessions. I am particularly passionate about working with individuals navigating identity issues, cultural pressures, generational patterns, and the enduring effects of trauma. I strive to create a safe space for the complexities and uncertainties that often accompany the healing process.
Clients often describe my approach as warm, grounded, and gently guiding. My therapeutic style is collaborative, culturally sensitive, and trauma-informed. I integrate various techniques, including grounding exercises, attention to the mind-body connection, and psychodynamic insights, to help clients develop self-awareness, cultivate emotional safety, and achieve meaningful personal growth.
Ultimately, my primary goal is for my clients to feel less isolated, more deeply connected to their authentic selves, and empowered to build the lives they truly desire.
Off the Clock
Outside of sessions, I cherish moments spent connecting with my heritage through music, delicious food, and quality time with the people I love. You can often find me savoring a good cup of coffee and embracing my creative side through DIY projects and bringing joy to celebrations with party planning.
Education
M.A. in Counseling Psychology from Mount Saint Mary’s University with a Certificate for Enlaces! to service the Spanish speaking community
B.A. in Psychology with a minor in Spanish from UC Merced
Certifications
Trained in EMDR
Trained in TF-CBT
Cultural Competency
