Reclaim Joy with Desta Therapy — Sessions from $55 to $175. Insurance Accepted.
Joanna Gutierrez, LMSW
Supervised By: Stephanie Parga, LCSW-S, RPT, PMH-C
Welcome! I'm Joanna Gutierrez, a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) based in San Antonio, Texas. As a proud Latina and bilingual therapist, I offer services in both English and Spanish to support individuals and families from diverse backgrounds.
I earned my Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a minor in Criminology from Texas A&M University-San Antonio in 2020, and completed my Master’s in Social Work at the University of Texas at San Antonio in 2024. With over three years of experience in mental health, I specialize in working with children, teens, and young adults (ages 4 to 30), providing trauma-informed care and behavioral interventions.
My therapy approach combines evidence-based methods with psychoanalytic and humanistic frameworks, helping clients understand how past experiences influence present behaviors and emotions. This integrative method supports self-awareness, emotional healing, and lasting change.
At Desta Therapy, I bring cultural sensitivity and humility into every session. Whether you’re facing anxiety, depression, trauma, or life transitions, I strive to create a safe and supportive space tailored to your needs. For those who value spirituality, I also offer Christian counseling and faith-based approaches to integrate mental wellness with spiritual growth.
I’m here to help you reclaim joy, find balance, and grow with purpose. Let’s start your healing journey together.
Area of Expertise
As a bilingual Latina therapist and child of immigrants, I deeply understand the cultural pressures, family expectations, and generational patterns that can cause us to suppress emotional struggles. In many communities, mental health support is often stigmatized — but I want you to know that your healing is valid, and your story deserves to be heard.
I specialize in providing culturally responsive, trauma-informed therapy to children, adolescents, and young adults (ages 4 to 30) facing challenges such as:
- Anxiety and depression
- Trauma and PTSD
- Grief and loss
- Behavioral concerns (including Oppositional Defiant Disorder - ODD)
- Relational and family conflict
- Life transitions
- Identity exploration and self-esteem
My approach is developmentally sensitive and grounded in evidence-based practices, including Positive Behavior Interventions, trauma-focused care, and principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) when appropriate. I work closely with families to create individualized behavior plans, enhance emotional regulation, and build strong, supportive relationships at home and in school settings.
As a faith-affirming therapist, I also offer Christian counseling and spiritual integration for clients who wish to align their mental health journey with their values and beliefs.
My goal is to meet you where you are, honor where you’ve been, and support your growth toward peace, joy, and a more connected sense of self.
Techniques I Use
My therapeutic approach is grounded in evidence-based practices that are compassionate, collaborative, and tailored to your unique needs. I integrate a variety of modalities to support clients in building emotional resilience, developing coping skills, and fostering meaningful change.
I primarily use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to help individuals manage anxiety, depression, emotional dysregulation, and unhelpful thought patterns. For clients experiencing behavioral or emotional challenges, I also incorporate Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to promote psychological flexibility and values-driven living.
To deepen insight and promote long-term healing, I blend mindfulness-based strategies, strengths-based approaches, and person-centered techniques. I also draw from psychoanalytic and humanistic frameworks to explore how early life experiences, attachment patterns, and unconscious beliefs continue to shape present-day behaviors and relationships.
This integrative approach allows me to meet clients where they are—offering both structure and flexibility to support growth, self-awareness, and lasting emotional wellness.
Demographic I Serve
Children - Teens - Adults
Rate Per Session
$125 (Individual) - $150 (Couples/Families)
Insurance Accepted
Yes
Service Setting
In-Office & Online
Contact Me
Rate Per Session
$125 (Individual) - $150 (Couples/Families)
Service Setting
In-Office & Online
Contact Me
Techniques I Use
My therapeutic approach is grounded in evidence-based practices that are compassionate, collaborative, and tailored to your unique needs. I integrate a variety of modalities to support clients in building emotional resilience, developing coping skills, and fostering meaningful change.
I primarily use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to help individuals manage anxiety, depression, emotional dysregulation, and unhelpful thought patterns. For clients experiencing behavioral or emotional challenges, I also incorporate Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to promote psychological flexibility and values-driven living.
To deepen insight and promote long-term healing, I blend mindfulness-based strategies, strengths-based approaches, and person-centered techniques. I also draw from psychoanalytic and humanistic frameworks to explore how early life experiences, attachment patterns, and unconscious beliefs continue to shape present-day behaviors and relationships.
This integrative approach allows me to meet clients where they are—offering both structure and flexibility to support growth, self-awareness, and lasting emotional wellness.
Demographic I Serve
Children - Teens - Adults
Insurance Accepted
Yes
Rate Per Session
$125 (Individual) - $150 (Couples/Families)
Service Setting
In-Office & Online
Contact Me