Mayra Gutierrez

Hello, my name is Mayra Gutierrez! Hola me llamo Mayra Gutierrez! I am a bilingual Spanish-speaking Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 12 years of experience working with adults, families, and children. As a whole-hearted and professionally committed mental health therapist, I take pride in being a person-centered clinician by meeting my clients where they are in their therapeutic journey. Whether it may be your first therapy session or whether you've experienced therapy services in the past, as a mental health professional it is of utmost importance to me that you feel safe and validated while sharing your personal narrative with me and other mental health professionals. I pursued a career in clinical social work because I truly enjoy working with people and seeing my clients evolve through the stages of change as they work through social issues, improve their coping skills, and thrive! I am passionate about the clinical work I do with my clients and I demonstrate cultural humility and compassion.

My approach

My theoretical framework and therapeutic approach stem from cognitive behavioral, person-centered, social learning, psychosocial, solution-focused, problem-solving therapies in combination with motivational interviewing, and mindfulness. I am sensitive to my client's lived experiences and recognize that everyone has an individual worldview that has been shaped by a person-in-environment perspective. I am here to walk alongside your journey of self-awareness and to offer coping skills through your healing process. My clinical approach is empathetic, motivational, and person-centered with unconditional positive regard. I believe in a collaborative client-therapist relationship to help identify treatment goals.

My focus

The clients who fit well into my practice are the ones who are looking to reflect on areas of straightening and growth and to improve their self-awareness and confidence throughout different aspects of their lives. My focus areas of practice include navigating major life events, situational adjustments (i.e. job stress/new social roles), intersectional and intergenerational trauma, normalizing first-generation impostor syndrome, treating adults who struggle with a parentified childhood, understanding traditional cultural norms and how they impact mental health in the Latinx and BIPOC communities as well exploring psychological effects and resilience of adults who grow up in a non-traditional family household and/or immigrant family household.

My communication style

My natural tone is calm, inviting, engaging, respectful, and with a positive demeanor. I incorporate motivational interviewing and create a safe environment for my clients to express their needs, to feel heard, and validated. I am patient and I work towards building a trusting client-therapist relationship. I am also open to feedback from my clients and what they find is beneficial to treatment.

My journey to mental healthcare

I received my Bachelor of Arts in Urban Learning Teacher Preparation from California State University Los Angeles. Upon graduation from CSULA’s Charter College of Education, I experienced first hand the social problems that emerge in urban public schools such as food insecurity, and socio-economic disadvantages which lead to barriers to accessing public health care and mental health. Being faced with social issues that were greater than the span of my classroom awakened within me a strong calling towards the social work profession. I was empowered to pursue a Master of Social Work degree from Azusa Pacific University by a school social worker and colleague. My clinical experience ranges from community-based mental health outpatient programs, inpatient psychiatric social work, non-profit organizations, field-based community mental health, social service coordination, outpatient, primary care medical social work, homeless outreach, and military social work.

My goals for you

I set goals collaboratively with my clients. I ask my clients directly about what they expect to gain from the therapeutic process and what areas they have identified as areas of strength or continued development. I guide my clients in developing goals that are specific, measurable, attainable, and time-sensitive.

My first session with you

During the first few 4-6 sessions with me, I will primarily be focused on establishing rapport and getting to know my clients. I complete my intake by getting to know my clients asking about personal interests and hobbies, and sharing my personal clinical background and experience as a clinician.