Aurora Bacallao, Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern

You might be standing at the edge of a major life change, feeling the weight of a world that wasn’t built for the way your brain works. Whether you are a student preparing for a demanding graduate program, a parent watching your child struggle to regulate, or an individual navigating the heavy echoes of past trauma, it is common to feel like you are constantly bracing for the next wave. I am here to help you find your footing and realize that transition does not have to mean depletion. When you work with me, you will find a space that is both deeply supportive and practical. My approach is person-centered. I believe you are the expert on your own life and my role is to provide a nonjudgmental environment where your story is honored. Because life often requires tangible tools alongside deep insight, I integrate dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) and trauma-informed strategies into our sessions. We will focus on building the emotional regulation and distress tolerance skills that can help with attention-deficit hyperactivity (ADHD), healing from trauma, or getting through high-pressure life chapters. I also work extensively with children, adolescents, families and couples to shift from cycles of conflict to patterns of understanding. For couples, we work to bridge communication gaps and rebuild a foundation of trust. For families, we look at the whole picture to help everyone feel seen and supported. My process is collaborative and proactive, helping you move beyond just “getting by” and toward a life that feels authentic, manageable and resilient. I look forward to helping you navigate your next chapter without losing yourself in the process.