Understanding Therapy for the 1st Generation Professional
My mission is to provide compassionate support for the trail blazers in their family, often navigating multiple cultures and competing expectations, to live a life that is authentic.
Being the first professional in your family often comes with unacknowledged costs. People assume that due to your professional success, you "have it all" or are "put together". Yet, you may be carrying the hopes of your parents, family, and navigating multiple cultural expectations. You may be experiencing a combination of anxiety and depressive symptoms, childhood wounds, intergenerational trauma, self-doubt, fear of failure, and burnout.
Meet Dr. Ramírez


A compassionate therapist dedicated to helping you navigate being a 1st generation professional with cultural sensitivity and personalized strategies.
Dr. Ramírez is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist in California and Nevada. She has both lived experience and extensive knowledge and expertise in helping clients navigate the challenges of being a 1st generation professional.
Often, 1st generation professionals are navigating spaces and expectations that their family and communities are unfamiliar with. You might often feel alone, overwhelmed, and constantly trying to live up to everyone's expectations. You may feel like you are never enough despite your achievements, you may feel guilt prioritizing your needs and may feel like you don't really belong anywhere.
Dr. Ramírez is passionate about working with 1st generation professionals because she understands what it is like to struggle with a sense of identity and conflicting cultural expectations while navigating a career, relationships, and family responsibilities. Yet, through the process of therapy, clients are able to explore their identity and values, learn to set boundaries, navigate their unique challenges and take back control over their lives.
How Dr. Ramírez Can Help You
Understand how your upbringing impacts your drive for success and sense of responsibility
Develop a kind and compassionate inner voice
Safely Reconnect with your body, identity, and values
Take back control of your life
What Clients Are Saying
For privacy purposes, all testimonials are anonymous
I was going through a difficult time in my life when I began sessions with Norma. I was always very hesitant to start therapy due to believing that my struggles as an undocumented first-generation college student wouldn't be understood. She made the process of starting therapy so easy, which I really appreciated since it was my first time receiving therapeutic services. Throughout my sessions with her, my self-awareness increased, I was able to recognize my cognitive distortions, I improved my overall ability to emotionally regulate myself, and the most important to me was I felt validated. She met me where I was at and was patient with me. I appreciate Norma's ability to use a realistic approach with me. I learned many things throughout my sessions with her and I appreciate her. Thank you Norma for the skills and psychoeducational you provided me with!


Dr. Norma has been an essential part of my healing journey by helping me understand my own mental health and the trauma tied to it. I appreciate the way she takes the time to know what you need and provides space for changes as they arise. She is easy to talk to and makes sure to create a welcoming and safe environment for therapy. Dr. Norma is by far the best therapist I have ever worked with. Thank you so much for all your help and support!


★★★★★
★★★★★
Getting Started is Easy
Book your free 15-minute consultation
Meet with Dr. Ramírez
Start your journey to healing.
During the free 15-minute consultation, you'll share your reason for seeking therapy. For example, how have your depressive symptoms been affecting your life: home, work, school, relationships and what kind of change you are looking for.
Frequently asked questions
Is therapy confidential?
Yes, therapy is confidential. However, there are special circumstances that, for your safety or the safety of others, confidentiality can be broken. If you have any concerns about confidentiality, bring it up in the free consultation so that Dr. Ramírez can answer your questions.
How does therapy work?
The process of therapy is dynamic and will vary depending on the person seeking therapy, the reason for therapy, and their readiness to be in therapy. Typically, therapy is a place where a person can talk safely about their thoughts, feelings, needs, wants, and behaviors. It is also a place where you can be challenged in order to address your problems and meet your therapy goals.
What are your rates?
My rate is $225 per 50-minute session. This is an investment in your long-term well-being, relationships, and family legacy. I can provide superbills for Out-of-Network coverage. Treatment is usually once per week, however, it can be adjusted based on client's needs.
What kind of therapy do you offer?
I provide an integrated form of therapy consisting of: the body, mind, soul, biology, and culture. Therefore, I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help with understanding thoughts, feelings, behaviors, bodily sensations, and context along with developmental psychology, relational psychoanalytic therapies, and a trauma-informed lens.
How can I contact you?
You can reach me by clicking on the button below or filling out the form below.
Contact
All Good Things
Request a FREE 15-minute consultation with Dr. Ramírez to see if working together will be a good fit.