About Me
Welcome! I’m Dez Rodriguez, LMHC (she/they), a queer Mexican-American psychotherapist, mental health educator, and activist based in New York City. Originally from California’s Central Valley, I am a first-generation college graduate and a proud Latina.
My personal experiences have deeply shaped my worldview, guiding me toward an inclusive approach to healing—one that honors the unique identities of every individual.
I believe psychotherapy can allow us to compassionately explore our personal history, deepen our understanding of ourselves in the present, and discover the strength to transform our future.
I offer virtual therapy for adults and couples, specializing in anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship challenges, and self-esteem. I am deeply committed to supporting women of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, and adult survivors of childhood trauma, helping them find safety, strength, and liberation on their healing journey.
How I Work
My therapeutic style is warm, nonjudgmental, and rooted in the belief that you possess inherent strengths and wisdom. I prioritize building a safe, respectful, and empowering therapeutic relationship based on mutual trust and care.
Together, we'll gently explore your past and present to understand your unique journey. We'll examine not only your challenges but also your capacity for love, creativity, and dreams. Through mindful attention to your experience, you'll develop the self-compassion and practical tools needed to thrive in your life.
My practice is informed by trauma-informed care, anti-racism, feminism, queer theory, disability justice, psychodynamic therapy, mindfulness, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and somatic embodiment (SE). I integrate these approaches to address the mind-body connection and facilitate deep healing tailored to your unique needs.
Education and Training
I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in New York State. I earned a BA in Psychology and BA in Education from the University of California, Irvine (2017), followed by a MA in Mental Health Counseling and EdM in Counseling Psychology at Teachers College, Columbia University (2021).
My commitment to identity-affirming and trauma-informed care is reinforced by advanced post-graduate training in Advanced Trauma Informed Care via New York University (2022) and a Certificate in Somatic Embodiment & Regulation Strategies via Linda Thai (2023).