While many therapists offer trauma treatment, few have built their entire practice around the specific needs of communities that often find themselves underserved in traditional therapy settings. Existnow Therapy, an online private practice, has spent years developing expertise in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy specifically for Latine, neurodivergent, and LGBTQ+ adults.
The practice founder brings a unique combination of credentials to the work: two master’s degrees—one in marriage and family therapy from Alliant International University and another in English literature with a Gothic studies focus from National University—plus a doctorate in progress at The Chicago School. There’s also a diploma from Le Cordon Bleu Peru in Peruvian gastronomy, though the connection between culinary arts and therapy might not be immediately obvious, the degree further helps to enhance the provider’s cultural competency.
Building Expertise Through Practice and Presentation
Since starting in the mental health field in 2015 and becoming licensed in 2020, the therapist behind Existnow Therapy has consistently shared knowledge with the broader professional community. A 2017 presentation at the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy as a student was followed by conference talks on immigration, access to care, and decolonizing therapy practices—topics that directly inform the current practice focus.
The clinical work centers on EMDR, a trauma therapy approach that uses bilateral stimulation to help people process difficult experiences. After three years specializing in this method and earning EMDRIA-approved certification, the therapist is now an EMDR Consultant-in-Training, a designation that allows for mentoring other clinicians while maintaining a client caseload. Membership in Psi Chi, the international honor society in psychology, rounds out the professional credentials.
Bilingual Access and Future Expansion
What distinguishes this online EMDR therapy practice is the intentional focus on cultural and linguistic accessibility. Sessions are offered in both English and Spanish, allowing clients to work through trauma in whichever language feels more natural. The entirely online format removes geographical barriers while offering privacy and scheduling flexibility.
The practice has clear plans for expansion beyond individual client work. Completing full EMDR Consultant certification is on the near-term horizon, which would enable offering both individual and group consultation for therapists developing their own trauma treatment skills. The vision includes creating what the practice describes as a “bilingual hub for trauma recovery” alongside educational resources like webinars and workshops aimed at making EMDR more accessible to the general public.
For adults from Latine, neurodivergent, and LGBTQ+ backgrounds seeking trauma-focused therapy services, the practice offers what it calls a “warm, collaborative” approach paced to individual needs. The emphasis on culturally sensitive care reflects both professional training and lived experience, creating what many clients in these communities report wanting: therapy that doesn’t require them to translate their identity along with their trauma.
As mental health care continues moving online and clients increasingly seek therapists who understand their specific cultural contexts, specialized trauma treatment approaches like this one represent a growing segment of private practice work—one that prioritizes both clinical expertise and cultural competence.
