Blanca I. Estrada

I was born in Nicaragua and emigrated to the United States at age 10. My life journey is what led me to study Psychology and, finally, to pursue a Master of Science in Counseling. Since 1996, I have worked with various populations, cultures and age groups. I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Florida (MH 10876), a Licensed Professional Counselor in Pennsylvania (PC003364) and a Licensed Professional Counselor in Virginia (#0701010754). Lastly, I am a National Certified Counselor (NCC #78353) under the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) and I am Certified as a Clinical Trauma Professional Level 2 (CCTP I & II: #742109). I have always been intrigued by the human psyche (mind/body/soul) and its ability to heal even from the deepest trauma. My desire to improve myself as well as to understand and help others is what led me to become a clinician. In recent years, I have immersed myself in the study of trauma, to help people of all ages recover and grow from their pain and suffering. Experts in the field of trauma, show that the brain is impacted by overwhelming traumatic events. Trauma affects the brain and the body, causing all sorts of problems for the individual, including the following: loss of control, rage, anxiety, the inability to concentrate, imagine and plan a future for themselves, trust others and form relationships. When we feel out of control, unfocused, angry, and detached, we are also unable to heal. I believe that everybody experiences trauma at one point or another and the impact of trauma varies by individual. I strongly believe in focusing on interventions that do not require the re-telling of the individual’s trauma. I also believe that teaching people to feel calm, safe, and internally connected, can help them tolerate the unbearable emotions they have been carrying inside and ultimately access the trauma beneath the surface. Throughout my career, I have specialized in working with children and young adults, ages 2-19. I have also worked with adults and couples. I have also worked in a variety of settings (i.e., home, school, juvenile justice facilities, community mental health agencies) and provided individual and group therapies to children as well as adults. In addition, I worked as a Behavioral Health Assessor for Family Court cases of abuse and neglect and served as an expert witness in the same cases. My desire is to continue to work with all age groups and guide them through the healing process. My hobbies are reading, writing, spinning, weight training and baking. I enjoy learning about different cultures and trying different types of cuisine, traveling, the ocean and the sunshine. My goal is to help my clients find a path to growth and healing, as well as lead them to better understand the mind/body/soul connection.