Meet Dra. Yajaira S. Curiel, LMFT
My name is Yajaira S. Curiel (she/her/ella). I am a first gen, Mexican-American, Chicana living in Tongva land, mami de dos kiddos, and daughter of immigrants. I am a licensed couple and family therapist, bilingual and bicultural mujer.
From an educational standpoint, I completed my bachelor’s degree at San Diego State University, Go Aztecs!, in child and family development, then continued my master’s program at Syracuse University, New York, in Marriage and Family therapy. Finally, I moved to Philadelphia, PA where I completed my Ph.D., also in Couple and Family Therapy. My dissertation focused on the experience of manhood among first-gen, educated Mexican-American men. Throughout my career as a therapist and an educator, my work has been committed to working with marginalized communities, particularly black and brown folks. I have always been passionate about issues of social justice and care deeply about how larger systems of oppression impact the health and relationships of the most vulnerable. I believe it is important for Bipoc folks to have healing spaces that feels natural, compassionate, and understanding of the complexity of their current struggles.
I also have the profound experience of becoming a mom in recent years and understand the complexity of this identity, along with the many shifts and changes that occur in a family system to accommodate new life. These changes have deep rippling effects on each individual, on the couple, and the extended family. As a hardcore family therapist, I am extremely passionate and get excited about working with couples, especially those that are navigating relationship changes, possibly marriage, childrearing, and the many life cycle stages of life!
Clinically, I work from a social justice-informed, culturally attuned, and responsive, person-centered, relational approach. I value the wisdom of each client’s lived experience and strive to provide therapy that naturally helps each client see their own intrinsic value, worth, and resources to live a more centered, congruent, and authentic life.
Lastly, in my 10+ years as an educator, I have worked with many therapists in training, and it gives me immense joy to be a part of their development. I have a deep passion for helping both beginning and seasoned therapists continue to better understand the self(ves) of the therapist in order to best position themselves in all therapeutic encounters from a morally ethical, and culturally attuned perspective.
I see no greater honor than to sit with you throughout your healing journey and help you see the multitude of strengths and wisdom you already possess. It would be my absolute privilege to work with you.
