Elena Vasquez

Elena Vasquez is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor who has dedicated her 11-year career to working with survivors of trauma, particularly those who have experienced domestic violence, childhood abuse, sexual assault, and complex trauma. She holds a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Boston University and has completed advanced training in trauma-focused therapies including Somatic Experiencing, Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, and EMDR. Elena’s approach is deeply trauma-informed, meaning she understands how trauma affects the brain, body, and nervous system. She recognizes that traditional talk therapy alone often isn’t sufficient for healing deep trauma because traumatic memories are stored differently than normal memories—they’re fragmented, wordless, and held in the body. Her sessions incorporate somatic techniques that help clients reconnect with their bodies, release stored tension, and complete defensive responses that were interrupted during traumatic events. This might include tracking bodily sensations, noticing movement impulses, or using grounding exercises to help clients feel safe in the present moment. Cultural sensitivity is a cornerstone of Elena’s practice. She works extensively with Latina women and other marginalized communities, understanding how cultural factors, language barriers, immigration status, and systemic oppression intersect with personal trauma. She offers services in both English and Spanish and is knowledgeable about community resources for survivors including legal advocacy, housing assistance, and financial support. She helps clients navigate systems that can be retraumatizing and advocates for their needs when necessary. Elena creates a therapeutic environment characterized by safety, trust, and empowerment. She recognizes that many trauma survivors have had their autonomy violated and works to ensure that therapy is collaborative rather than directive. She moves at each client’s pace, never pushing them to discuss details before they’re ready. Her warmth and genuine care help clients rebuild their capacity for trust and connection. She also provides psychoeducation about trauma responses, helping clients understand that their reactions are normal responses to abnormal circumstances. Many of her clients describe therapy with Elena as the first place they’ve ever felt truly seen, believed, and supported.