Monica Gutierrez, MS, LPCDoctoral Psychology Intern

Monica works with adults who may appear to be functioning well on the outside while internally feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, uncertain, or emotionally exhausted. Many of the clients she supports have become accustomed to carrying a great deal for others, questioning their own needs, or minimizing the impact of difficult experiences. Her work often focuses on helping clients understand how those patterns developed, how they continue to show up in the present, and what it might look like to respond to themselves differently. As a Licensed Professional Counselor and doctoral candidate in clinical psychology, Monica brings an established clinical background into her doctoral training.

Her areas of focus include trauma, anxiety, depression, women's mental health, relationship difficulties, self-worth, boundaries, life transitions, and the long-term effects of emotionally painful or invalidating experiences. Monica is especially interested in the connection between past experiences and present-day patterns. She helps clients examine how trauma, attachment experiences, relational dynamics, guilt, fear, or self-doubt may influence the way they communicate, make decisions, set limits, respond to conflict, or evaluate themselves. Rather than viewing symptoms in isolation, she considers the broader story surrounding them.

Her approach is thoughtful, relational, and collaborative. She is warm and supportive while also willing to gently challenge patterns that may be keeping a client stuck. Monica values honesty in therapy and believes meaningful progress often comes from becoming more curious about oneself rather than more critical. A central part of her work is helping clients strengthen their sense of self.

This may include learning to recognize personal needs, trust internal cues, communicate more directly, develop healthier boundaries, and make choices that feel more consistent with their values. Her doctoral interests include trauma and women's mental health, with particular attention to psychological responses following traumatic childbirth and the role of trauma-informed care. She also holds advanced certification as a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional, Level II, and certification in Narcissistic Abuse Treatment. Monica is drawn to work that helps people move from simply getting through life toward feeling more intentional, grounded, and confident in who they are becoming.

Outside of the office, Monica enjoys reading, creative projects, and interior design. She appreciates activities that give her space to slow down, reflect, and create. She is also a huge foodie, loves dining out, and treasures spending time with her cats, Bowie, Rumi, and Starbies.