Stop analyzing your life and start living it. 

LaDawnya Hooks Gonzalez, MSSW, LCSW-S

Depression, anxiety, trauma, and EMDR therapist serving BIPOC women in Colorado and Texas. 

 

Feeling unmotivated, unfocused, and uninspired?

Rekindle your fire for life.

Our first few sessions are an open forum for you to tell me who you are, how you live, and what you need to feel whole again. There is no agenda. After a lifetime of holding everything and everyone together, this moment is unapologetic self-care.

Together you and I will collaborate on what is most important and how to proceed. My therapeutic style is person-centered, which means I will empower you to take an active role in your healing journey. But don’t worry, I will be with you every step of the way. 

You’ve tried lotions, potions, bubble baths, and girlfriend get-a-ways...but have you allowed yourself the opportunity to be seen, safe, and supported as you lay down your emotional burdens?  

I came to clinical social work after many years of helping people find their voices in other arenas. Education and professional training merely formalized a body of knowledge I have gathered organically through lived experience.

  • When I worked in refugee resettlement, I helped smooth the shock of feeling like strangers in a strange land.

  • As a consultant for foreign-born medical professionals, I helped intellectuals tap into their humanity while learning to use the English language in a way that connects with patients.

  • Of course, as a Black woman on planet Earth, I know how exhausting it is to face microaggressions, fight blatant discrimination, and have to prove time and again that you deserve a seat at the Big Table of Life.

Think of me as a favorite Auntie. You know the one. She lets you get away with a little bit of trouble but will absolutely step in before you've gone too far. 

Our time will always be centered on your needs in a relaxed and relatable way. Life is hard enough without the added pressure of wondering if you are doing therapy right. I operate from the philosophy that most humans are capable of healing themselves, but we sometimes need a little guidance to find our way. If you are willing to show up and embrace the process of self-discovery, I have no doubt revolutionary change is possible.

SPECIALTIES

Training & Experience

Education & Licensure

  • Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, The University of Texas at Austin

  • Master of Science in Social Work, The University of Texas at Austin

  • Licensed Clinical Social Worker Supervisor in Texas - #66065

  • Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Colorado-#CSW.09927868

Training & Certifications

  • Certified Clinical Anxiety Treatment Professional

  • Certified in Cognitive Processing Therapy for PTSD (CPT Therapy)

  • Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR Therapy) 

  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Anxiety and Depression (ACT Therapy)

Professional Associations

  • Member of National Association of Social Workers (NASW)

  • Member of National Association of Black Social Workers (NABSW)

My Therapeutic Values

Collaboration

Although I am a mental health professional, you are the expert on YOU. I am committed to partnering with you on a course of treatment that you can believe in.

Transparency

I break through the wall of mystery by offering glimpses of my own mental health journey to demonstrate what is truly possible.

Humanity

You are not a diagnosis. You are a person with life experiences. I will focus on who you are now and help you become the person you want to be.

Diversity & Inclusion

This space is intentionally diverse and boldly inclusive. The intersection of all of your identities surrounding race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation and gender expression are enthusiastically welcome here.