CLINICAL INTERN
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
I was drawn to the counseling field through both professional and personal experiences that highlighted the importance of emotional support, human connection, and accessible mental health care. Throughout my work in public service, crisis response, equity initiatives, program coordination, and community engagement across government and nonprofit settings, I witnessed how trauma, systemic barriers, culture, and life experiences can impact emotional well-being and access to support. These experiences strengthened my passion for helping foster trust and connection so individuals feel safe seeking the support and care they deserve.
As a veteran, Latina-identifying person, and a mother, I understand the importance of resilience, support, and feeling genuinely heard during difficult periods of life. I am especially interested in working with veterans, first responders, individuals navigating grief and loss, and those experiencing depression, anxiety, stress, or major life transitions. I strive to create a compassionate, culturally responsive environment where clients can explore their experiences openly and at their own pace.
My counseling approach is trauma-informed, person-centered, strengths-based, and grounded in cultural humility. Influenced by feminist, Adlerian, and family systems perspectives, I value collaboration and believe clients should feel respected, supported, and empowered throughout the counseling process. Clients often describe feeling supported, validated, and encouraged in our work together.
As a clinical mental health intern, I work with individuals, couples and relational structures, and families. I am interested in supporting clients through life transitions, emotional regulation, stress management, grief, trauma recovery, identity exploration, and relationship challenges. My background in crisis intervention and suicide prevention also informs my commitment to creating a safe and supportive therapeutic environment for clients facing emotional distress or overwhelming life circumstances.
I am currently pursuing my Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Walden University with a specialization in military personnel and families. I also hold a Master of Public Administration through the National Urban Fellows program. I am a United States Marine Corps veteran and a Washington State Certified Crisis Intervention Specialist II (CCIS-II).
I believe healing happens through connection, compassion, and feeling seen without judgment. It is meaningful to me to walk alongside clients as they build insight, strengthen resilience, and move toward the life they want for themselves.
Outside of counseling, I enjoy mindfulness practices, yoga, advocacy work, and developing wellness resources focused on emotional regulation and suicide prevention.
Sylvia is a bachelors-level clinical mental health counseling intern at Twin Lakes Counseling supervised by Trisha Leonard (License LW61014335; NPI 1174841571).
