Cel Gonzalez

I love so much about being a clinician. I appreciate clients who show up ready to engage, it is such a privilege to cross paths with someone through therapy where I may see a glimpse of their inner world. As a Latinx therapist, I often think about the spaces in our culture where healing emotionally is a community mechanism that I find in so many people and places, and I appreciate being able to step into this community role. In my work, I am very honored to develop therapeutic relationships with others and to watch their internal shifts.

My journey to becoming a therapist has had a number of various influences. When I was younger, I actually chose to attend university in the forest with the intent of studying wildlife, animals, ecosystems, and their behaviors. However, as I began working with various non-profit organizations and movements in college, I became very passionate about supporting people in creative ways. Studying Psychology and Biology allowed me to consider the vast ecosystems of our inner world, our cultures, our bodies, and how our interpersonal ecosystems interact with others in our life and communities. I became very passionate about this line of work and I fell in love with doing therapy with others while working as a reproductive health specialist at Planned Parenthood. There, I found a lot of power in connection and voice.

As a therapist, I often ask my client’s what grounds them: what do they enjoy doing for fun or  pleasure, what moments and events in life speak to them. I also always ask for honesty. When speaking with me, no one needs to feel the pressure to answer “hiking and meditation” unless this is true for them. For myself, I also strive to be an honest person with clients. When I am not working I am often hanging out with my community, friends, and family. I enjoy artwork and projects like painting, building legos, and collecting tattoos. More than anything, I enjoy going to the beach to nap in the sand or swim in the waves. Like many others, I enjoy a good meal and film or show,  finding connection to others through various forms of storytelling.