Marcela De La Cruz, M.A., ACSW #114980

Associate Clinical Social Worker

Bilingual Trauma Therapist (Spanish)

EMDR Practitioner 

Supervised by Michelle Newcomb, LMFT 104721

Phone: (805) 830-9638

marcela@irimiyacounseling com

!Hola! My name is Marcela De La Cruz and I am trilingual. I speak English, hablo Espanol, and I speak Spanglish (a mix of both together).

Experiencing trauma can often leave you struggling with challenges such as low self-worth, trust issues, relationship difficulties, people-pleasing tendencies, hypervigilance, stress, depression, anxiety. I’d be honored to provide you with the support and guidance you need. My therapeutic approach centers on creating a safe and open space where you can comfortably embark on your healing journey.

We all carry our own unique stories, and for some, those stories encompass trauma and struggles that continue to affect our daily lives. I am deeply passionate about helping others, particularly first-generation individuals, teens, those navigating life transitions, and those who have experienced trauma, sexual trauma, or childhood abuse.

As a passionate therapist specializing in working with teens, I understand the unique challenges and experiences that come with adolescence. This is a time when young people are navigating not only their emotions and identities but also their relationships with family, friends, and the world around them. My goal is to create a safe, non-judgmental space where teens can feel heard, supported, and empowered to explore their feelings and experiences.

I use a variety of therapeutic techniques, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), EMDR and talk therapy to help adults and teens build coping skills, improve emotional regulation, and develop healthier perspectives on the challenges they face. I also collaborate with parents and caregivers to provide guidance on how to support their teen in their journey toward self-awareness and emotional resilience.

My approach is empathetic, outgoing, and understanding, with a focus on building trust and rapport. I encourage open communication and aim to empower teens to be active participants in their own healing and growth.

  • Marcela has an extensive amount of clinical experience in community-based mental health. She is a Bilingual Clinician that utilizes strength-based, experiential, somatic techniques, CBT and talk therapy strategies to assist clients in their healing journey.

    Prior to joining Irimiya, Marcela was at VCBH, working in the Child Welfare Services department with youth impacted by various trauma. She is highly familiar with crisis management, at-risk youth and safety protocols. Prior to VCBH, she worked for Aspiranet in COEDS as a family case manager. Marcela completed her MSW internship at Ventura County Medical Center Social Services Department and Wraparound Program at Casa Pacifica. She has facilitated intensive outpatient alcohol and drug treatment programs for teens 14-17 years old utilizing evidence-based Matrix Model and evidenced-based programs such as Strengthening Families and Familia Adelante in English and Spanish to teach parenting skills, youth life, and refusal skills.

    Marcela has a long history working with families, parents and youth and is passionate about working with this population. She is also passionate about intergenerational trauma and first gen population and also loves working with the Latino community and doing sessions in Spanish!

    • Sexual Trauma/Assault 

    • Domestic Violence

    • Trauma, PTSD and C-PTSD

    • Depression and Anxiety

    • Peer and Family Conflict

    • Self-esteem and Confidence 

    • Co-dependency and Boundaries 

    • Relationship Issues

    • Life Transitions 

    • First-generation 

    • Undocumented/Immigrant Folx

    • Stress and Academic Pressure

    Population: Tweens / Teens (10 - 17), Young Adult, Adults, Family (Parental Support).

    Affirming Therapist for LGBTQ+, Neurodiversity, and BIPOC.

    • Trauma Focused CBT

    • IFS Informed “Parts Work”

    • EMDR 

    • Person-Centered

    • Strength-Based

    • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

    • Mindfulness

  • $135 / 50-minute session 

    Aetna, Gold Coast Healthcare Plan / Medi-cal, Optum, United Healthcare, UMR, Ventura County Healthcare Plan, Victims of Crime

  • In Office- Mon, Wed and Fri

    Telehealth- Tuesday & Thursdays

  • California State University Northridge

    2020, Master of Social Work

    California State University Sacramento

    2015, Bachelor of Arts in Social Work