My name is Sonia Torres and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in Austin, TX. As your therapist, I am responsible for providing a safe space free of judgment to you and anyone seeking therapy with me. I work hard to continue my growth as an individual and therapist to provide you with the best care. I work with adolescents and young adults and specialize in working with individuals who have experienced various forms of trauma.
My approach
I like to use a collaborative approach to therapy, where my clients and I come together to set goals for our sessions depending on their needs. I like using an integrative approach to therapy to create the best care for my clients. Some of the therapeutic modalities I use are Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and Mindfulness-based practices.
My focus
I feel passionate about working with individuals who are struggling with depression and anxiety due to experiencing traumatic events in their lives. I find that my style and approach fit best with these challenges as I focus on building a strong therapeutic relationship with my clients and I prioritize creating a safe space for them to process their experiences.
My communication style
I work hard to provide a safe and comfortable space for each of my clients, one where they can express themselves without any judgment of their story. I do this by using a communication style that is direct, honest, and gentle. I also encourage my clients to be honest and transparent with me about how they feel in the therapy space. I am open to my client's feedback and about making changes that are needed in order for my clients to feel safe.
My journey to mental healthcare
When choosing a career path, I knew that I wanted to offer assistance to people who looked like me and had experienced similar life circumstances. Ever since I can remember, I have been fascinated by people’s stories, specifically about their upbringing and cultural practices. My love for storytelling and the adversities I faced led me to become a therapist. I chose to study social work because I felt a connection to the social justice and advocacy aspect of the profession, especially providing resources and advocacy to marginalized communities just like the one I grew up in. I have worked in various mental health settings, such as a residential treatment facility, a child advocacy center, the juvenile justice system, and the school system. Through these experiences, I have learned skills to provide quality mental health services to anyone seeking therapy with me. I feel incredibly lucky to hear my clients’ stories and truly enjoy providing a safe place to anyone seeking services with me.