Harlene dela Torre-McIlwain, MA

Are you often self-critical, with a negative or harsh voice in your head? Do you experience shame, “not good enough-ness”, and unworthiness? Maybe you’ve had these feelings and thoughts for a long time, learned from past traumatic experiences or an unsupportive environment you grew up in. These experiences are painful and can stop you from living a more rewarding life. If this sounds familiar, I understand and I’m here to help. I specialize in working with anxiety, shame, self-criticism, relationship difficulties, life transitions, sexuality, and gender. As a queer, first-generation immigrant of Southeast Asian descent, my passion is working with BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, immigrants, neurodivergent populations, and people living in marginalized bodies. My therapy is gender and neurodivergent affirming. It is tailored to your needs while recognizing the broader sociocultural systems you live in. No matter where you are in your life, I will meet you with curiosity, compassion, and humor. Together, we’ll create a safe and accepting space where you can bring your whole, authentic self and all parts of your experience. My hope for you is to feel free, to engage in patterns and relationships that support your potential, and to help you feel comfortable in your body and safe in your community. My therapeutic framework is attachment-based and trauma-informed. I use a combination of methods, including somatic, mindfulness-based, parts work, and psychedelic harm reduction and integration therapies. My approach is grounded in the idea that presence, trust, and connection are the essential elements for any healing relationship. As a member of the psychedelic community, I am deeply interested in the potential of psychedelics, such as psilocybin, to facilitate personal transformation and healing. I have training in and am involved in harm reduction education, preparation, trip sitting, and integration support. If you are here, know that you are already doing a wonderful and courageous job! I’d be honored to work together and to be part of your journey.