Healing Is a Detox: Showing Up for the Hard Work Together
An interview with Yubi Aranda-Sandoval, MS, LCMHCA, NCC
Psychotherapist
I recently invited Yubi Aranda Sandoval to respond to a few prompts to help potential clients get a feel for what therapy with her is like. Though Yubi is a new addition to our practice as a licensed clinician, she’s no stranger to Banyan Tree Counseling & Wellness—she completed her internship with us and has been part of our community for some time. Read on to get an inside look at Yubi’s approach, passions, and what grounds her in this work.
- Who do you typically work best with (in terms of clients)?
I work best with couples and individuals who want to transform their lives and are willing to do the hard work together.
- Are there specific concerns, identities, or life experiences you feel especially called to support?
I was once undocumented, and have gone through several of the facets of the immigration process, from DACA recipient to becoming a permanent resident through my marriage, to finally becoming a U.S. citizen. I would be honored to work with individuals who are navigating the hardships of being undocumented and those who are caught in the immigration process. I understand how overwhelming this process can be and how slow it is. Other identities I embrace and would love to support are new mothers going through perinatal challenges, mothers going through life transitions, couples facing communication challenges, and Latine individuals navigating the challenges of life transitions, acculturation, assimilation, and cultural identity.
- What’s one thing you’d want a potential client to know before reaching out?
I am easy-going, open-minded, and understanding. However, I am also gently firm with clients and keep them accountable for the treatment plans we build.
- If therapy were a metaphor, how would you describe it?
It's like a cleansing/detox process. We know it is the right step to take to become a better version of ourselves. Yet we postpone it as much as we can. It takes time for us to see positive outcomes; many times, we feel like we go back a few steps before moving forward. However, once we begin to see traction, we want to maintain health and move forward.
- What’s a small joy or ritual that helps you reset?
Songs. Connecting to songs that bring my emotions out helps me reset, especially when the emotions are challenging.
- Coffee, tea, or…?
Coffee in the morning (pick me up) and tea at night (wind me down)
- What’s your therapy "superpower"?
My therapy superpower is empathy. It helps me connect with clients and grounds me by understanding their hardships.
