Elena Contreras Aguilar
Graduate Student Therapist
Clients: adults
Rate: $50 50-min session
About Me
Sometimes the greatest obstacle to moving forward isn't a lack of motivation. It's holding onto patterns that once helped you cope but no longer support the life or relationships you want today. Whether you're navigating anxiety, relationship challenges, life transitions, or feeling stuck in patterns you don't fully understand, therapy offers an opportunity to gain insight, build practical skills, and create meaningful, lasting change.
As a Clinical Mental Health Counseling Intern practicing under the supervision of a licensed clinician, I work with adults (18+)and couples seeking greater self-understanding, healthier relationships, and personal growth. Clients often come to therapy for support with anxiety, relationship challenges, communication difficulties, self-esteem, identity development, life transitions, and emotional distress. I have a particular interest in helping individuals and couples strengthen communication, navigate life's challenges, deepen emotional connection, and build healthier relationships with themselves and others.
As a bilingual clinician-in-training, I am passionate about working with adults from diverse backgrounds and am especially committed to expanding access to culturally responsive mental health care within the Latino community. I have a particular passion for supporting Spanish-speaking clients, first-generation individuals, undocumented immigrants, DACA recipients, and mixed-status families. I recognize that navigating multiple cultures, immigration experiences, and systemic barriers can bring unique challenges while also highlighting the resilience and strengths individuals and families carry. My goal is to create a warm, collaborative, and nonjudgmental space where you feel genuinely heard, understood, and comfortable exploring difficult emotions without fear of judgment.
Who I help
I work with adults (18+) and couples who are ready to better understand themselves, strengthen their relationships, and create meaningful change. Whether you're facing a current challenge or carrying patterns that have followed you for years, therapy can provide a supportive space to heal, grow, and move forward.
I commonly support clients who are experiencing:
Anxiety & chronic stress
Relationship challenges and conflict
Communication difficulties
Life Transitions
Low self-esteem and self-worth
Identity exploration and personal growth
Emotional Overwhelm
Attachment wounds and unhealthy relationship patterns
Intimacy and sexual wellness
Family and cultural relationship challenges
I have a special interest in supporting:
Spanish-speaking clients
Bilingual and bicultural individuals
First-Generation adults
Undocumented immigrants
DACA recipients
Mixed status families
Individuals navigating cultural identity, acculturation, and intergenerational family dynamics
Couples looking to improve communication, rebuild trust, and strengthen emotional connection
My Approach
My approach is rooted in curiosity, compassion, and collaboration. While my work is primarily informed by psychodynamic and relational theories, which explore how early relationships, attachment patterns, and life experiences continue to shape the way we think, feel, and connect with others, I tailor therapy to each client's unique needs. I also draw from evidence-based approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), to help clients strengthen coping skills, improve communication, and create meaningful change in their daily lives. I believe lasting growth comes from balancing deeper self-understanding with practical tools that support change outside the therapy room.
I am currently completing specialized training through the Sexual Health Alliance (SHA) toward certification as a Sexual Health Educator, further expanding my knowledge of human sexuality, intimacy, relationships, and sexual wellness.
Outside of the therapy room
I enjoy spending time with my two Ragdoll cats and my English Labrador, staying active through my newfound passion for fitness, and investing in the relationships that matter most to me. I believe meaningful relationships, lifelong learning, and caring for ourselves are essential to living a fulfilling life, and I strive to bring those same values into my work with every client.
Interested in working with Elena?
Schedule your first appointment today and take the next step toward healing, personal growth, and healthier relationships. Elena looks forward to walking alongside you with compassion and support throughout your therapy journey.