Hi there! I’m Emelin Arriaga, a Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist. I’m a first-generation college graduate and first-generation professional and I completed her master’s program at Pacific Oaks College, right here in Pasadena. I’m also the proud daughter of two hardworking and resilient individuals.
Having had the upbringing I had, I became aware of the challenges many ‘First Gens’ go through, ranging from challenges in the school system, to the community, and the extended society. Much of the work I have done before becoming part of Choices was working with first-generation children ranging from 5 years of age through 18 years of age providing a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) approach. Through my work with these children, I realized I truly enjoyed working with this age group because it allowed me to provide a holistic approach to my client and their families. I was able to work very closely with parents, guardians, and school staff to better support my clients.
In my work as a mental health therapist, I aim to provide a safe space where you are able to practice self-reflection and self-care through a collaborative approach – an approach that honors your experiences, needs, and goals.
Since starting with Choices, I have been intensively trained in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and have expanded my training and focus on individual DBT therapy, DBT skills groups, and modified DBT programs to serve specific populations such as adolescent residential group home residents. I seek to support my clients in understanding historical, cultural, and present moment contexts that can be getting in the way of the life they want to lead. My hope is to walk alongside my clients to build that Life Worth Living.
Emelin Arriaga, AMFT#143900 is under the clinical supervision of Patricia Gieselman, MFT#25498.