MEET ALAYN ORTIZ, LCSW
An open-minded space to allow yourself to feel.
Therapist In-Person in Long Beach & Online Across California + Nevada
Therapy with me is…
Culturally responsive.
As a bilingual Latina, I understand that different cultures approach life through different lenses. For those of us balancing our family’s values, traditions and culture with living in American society, relationships with family members can be impacted by the expectations they’ve set for us. Mental health isn’t always prioritized in these environments, but I’m here to tell you seeking therapy doesn’t make you “crazy”—it makes you a person open to breaking generational patterns.
Compassionate.
Whatever you’re bringing to the table when you come to therapy, I’ll meet you where you are with compassion. In our sessions, my number one priority is that you always feel seen, heard, and understood. Sometimes the things that have led us to seek therapy—like fights with a partner or loved one, drinking more than you’d like to, or dark thoughts—come with a feeling of shame or guilt. While I can absolutely understand that reaction, you’ll never have to worry about being shamed or criticized here.
Affirming.
Nahui Therapy is a safe space for the LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC communities. In my practice, you never have to worry about whether your identity will be respected or affirmed. I recognize that members of these communities are marginalized and am committed to creating an inclusive environment for people of all races, ethnicities, genders, and sexual orientations. You’re always welcome to show up as your whole self to our sessions, and I will do the same.
Relational.
You might be coming to therapy because of struggles in your relationships. Maybe you’re feeling disconnected from your partner, having a hard time communicating with your family, or can’t seem to make or maintain close friendships. The work we’ll do together can help you understand your role in relationship dynamics, show you tools and skills to manage your feelings, and help you define what you need in relationships so you can communicate this more clearly to others.
Helping you bridge the gap between mind + body so you can finally move forward.
My approach to therapy involves more than just talking about feelings—I use somatic (AKA body-based) methods like Brainspotting and EMDR, which allow for deeper, long-lasting healing and change.
Some things are hard to move past or “get over.” It’s like no matter how much you talk about them, they still affect how you feel. Sometimes, this happens because the memory gets “stuck” in the body in the form of physical sensations. In these cases, thoughts of the event or memory will make your body react as if it’s happening in the present rather than the past. You might feel a knot in your stomach, pressure in your chest, tenseness in your shoulders, or some other physical manifestation of the stuck feelings.
Somatic methods like EMDR and Brainspotting help your brain reprocess the memory or belief so your body will stop reacting so intensely.
EMDR engages your brain using eye direction or movement to help remind your body that it is in the present while we revisit the memory that’s troubling you. Brainspotting links a feeling to an eye position, and we’ll be able to target certain feelings by using specific eye positions.
I am also trained in more traditional talk therapy methods like CBT, Attachment Theory, and Parts Work. You and I will work together to determine which methods will most benefit you, and I can tailor my approach to your specific needs by combining any of these techniques, along with somatic elements, so you can truly start feeling better.
My Training & Education
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Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in CA 99110 & NV 11682-C
Master’s in Social Work, Cal State University, Long Beach
Community Mental Health Specialization
Bachelor’s in Sociology, Cal State University, Northridge
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Certified Brainspotting Therapist (BSP)
Trained in EMDR with an Express Arts Focus, CBT, Attachment Theory
BSP Trainings-Phase 1, Phase 2, Brainspotting & Parts Work, Dissociative Identity Phenomena (DIP), Attachment, Developmental and Traumatic Wounding and Parts, Master Class, Self-Esteem and Imposter Syndrome, Digging Roots, Money Spotting, Brainspotting with Children and Adolescents
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Empezando Contigo:Association for Latine Therapists