284: Balancing Cultural Expectations & Personal Growth - with Dr. Yanira Hernandez, Licensed Clinical Social Worker & Consultant

Dr. Yanira Hernandez is a First Generation bilingual, bicultural, trauma-focused Licensed Clinical Social Worker, consultant, speaker, educator, and clinical supervisor. She earned her Bachelor’s degree from the University of California, Los Angeles and both her Master’s in Social Work and Doctorate in Education from the University of Southern California.

For the past fourteen years, Dr. Hernandez has dedicated her work to empowering historically disenfranchised communities through clinical work, education, and community leadership. She is the Founder and Director of Pa’lante Therapy, Inc., where she focuses on supporting BIPOC individuals, with a particular emphasis on Latine communities, through trauma-informed, intersectional, and decolonial approaches. Dr. Hernandez specializes in working with First-Generation professionals, undocumented and immigrant individuals, and Latinx families. Additionally, she provides bilingual clinical supervision to associate clinical social workers in school-based settings, emphasizing the development of culturally and linguistically responsive practices. 

Dr. Hernandez offers consultation services to nonprofit organizations, K-12 schools, higher education institutions, and community groups. She provides expert guidance on culturally-responsive, anti-oppressive mental health practices, and facilitates mental health trainings, professional development workshops, and support groups across the country. Deeply connected to the populations she serves, Dr. Hernandez is committed to decolonizing mental health by integrating Indigenous knowledge systems, ancestral healing practices, and community-centered approaches into her work.

In this episode, we discussed the complexities of navigating cultural identity and family relationships, particularly in first-generation individuals and children of immigrants. We explored the feelings of guilt, gratitude, anger, grief, and more that comes with balancing cultural expectations and personal desires. We also discussed the nuanced feelings around starting therapy, viewing healing as a process and not a destination, working with immigrant communities and incorporating culturally competent care, and more.

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WEBSITE: https://palantetherapy.com/

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