Hi, my name is Nadia Velasquez and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I was born and raised in San Antonio, Texas and have spent my adult life living in Austin, Texas. I identify as a Mexican American and as a first-generation College Graduate. As a young adult, I became aware of how systemic and cultural barriers may keep individuals from seeking out mental health services. I’m passionate about breaking down barriers to receiving mental health services and I incorporate a culturally sensitive/relational approach into therapy work.
Over the past 10 years, I have worked at various local Austin non-profits. I began my professional career in the field of grief and loss supporting individuals and their families who were recently given a terminal prognosis. My time doing this work was transformative and I continue to incorporate a grief and loss lens in all of my work.
about me
My Approach
We have an innate need to be seen, heard and intimately connected with other humans. When our connections end abruptly or get ruptured our existing problems get exacerbated and old ways of coping may no longer work. I use a grief and loss lens to work through all kinds of losses (including death and non-death). I’m here to hold space and work with individuals to find ways to carry their losses in a way that feels manageable.
Grief and Loss Lens
My approach takes into consideration how culture, race, ethnicity and other intersecting identities influence your well-being and present experience. I do not claim to be an expert on all cultural identities, but I am committed to understanding and acknowledging how your culture has impacted your lived experience.
Culturally Sensitive Therapy
We all go through challenging phases in our life and it can be hard to seek out help. I believe people choose to come to therapy when they are ready. Whether you are 19 or 91, there is no wrong time to work on yourself.
Lifespan Approach
I may be a good fit for you if:
· You have recently, or not so recently, experienced a loss and are needing and safe space to process and find ways to manage your grief.
· If you consider yourself a “Cycle Breaker” and are committed to confronting and changing generational trauma cycles in your life.
· If you are adjusting to challenging life transitions and/or experiencing relationship difficulties.
· If you are struggling to find healthy relationships because you never observed or experienced what a healthy relationship is.
Credentials
MSSW, Clinical Social Work, UT Austin
Licensed Clinical Social Workers, 62508, Texas
Board Approved Social Work Supervisor, Texas
EMDR Trained
American Society on Aging, RISE Fellow, 2023
Former Advanced Certified Hospice & Palliative Care Social Worker
