Suyapa Ulloa, LCSW
VIRTUAL Therapist specializing in complex family dynamics
Welcome to Suyapa Su Therapist & Collective—a space where culture, compassion, and healing come together. I'm Suyapa Ulloa, a Spanglish bilingual Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 14 years of experience supporting Latine/Latinx individuals navigating intergenerational trauma, family roles, and identity.
Rooted in lived experience as the eldest daughter in a household shaped by disability and addiction, my practice offers culturally responsive, trauma-informed therapy. I work with first-gen professionals, adult siblings of disabled or struggling family members, and those unlearning people-pleasing, marianismo, and generational cycles.
My approach integrates Brainspotting, EMDR, and somatic practices within an inclusive, 2SLGBTQIA+ affirming space—centering those often left out of traditional mental health care.
Together, we’ll build radical self-trust, practice boundaries, and honor your healing journey.
Who I Help
I work with individuals—especially first-gen, BIPOC, and Latine/Latinx adults—who grew up in households shaped by disability, mental health struggles, or substance misuse in a sibling. Whether you’re the eldest daughter carrying unspoken responsibilities, a sibling navigating the grief of “the brother or sister you once knew,” or someone who has felt overlooked in the family system, this space is for you.
I support those unlearning survival roles like the fixer, the overfunctioner, or the always-strong one. Together, we tend to the impact of growing up in environments where your needs were often put last—and begin to reconnect to your own voice, worth, and boundaries.
Lived Experience, Generational Weight
In homes shaped by disability, addiction, or emotional instability, childhood often meant growing up too soon. You may have learned early to stay quiet, be strong, and carry the emotional weight of others. My work honors the nuanced grief, guilt, and confusion that comes with loving someone while feeling unseen, or even resentful.
Culturally Responsive Support
Together, we explore how generational and cultural dynamics—like marianismo, machismo, and familismo—have impacted your sense of self, boundaries, and belonging. This is a space where you don’t have to explain the cultural context—because I see it, speak it, and hold it with you.
Healing from Isolation & Hyper-Independence
If you’ve felt invisible, emotionally parentified, or forced into a hyper-independent role, I offer a space to finally soften. We work on building self-trust, reclaiming your story, and learning how to honor your own needs—without guilt.
Finding Relief in the “And”
You can love your sibling and feel tired. You can hold compassion and set boundaries. You can honor your family and choose yourself. I help you hold the complexity with grace, while gently moving toward relief, wholeness, and liberation.
I want you to know that my empathy isn't just professional; it's deeply personal.
Approach
Cultural Sensitivity
Suyapa's approach is rooted in cultural sensitivity, recognizing and respecting the unique dynamics within Latine/Latinx households. She focuses on creating healthy boundaries that allow for personal growth, helping clients navigate mental health challenges with empathy and understanding.
Radical acceptance
Suyapa guides clients in becoming aware and accepting of the things they can and can't control. This practice is instrumental in setting realistic expectations for oneself and family members. Through this process, clients learn to let go of wishful needs, fostering a more profound and genuine connection within their familial relationships.
Brainspotting
Suyapa introduces Brainspotting, a therapeutic approach that taps into the intricate connection between the brain and body. Brainspotting facilitates a profound exploration of the mind-body connection. This transformative experience extends beyond traditional talk therapy, fostering resilience and understanding within the cultural context.
EMDR
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), a transformative psychotherapy approach, plays a crucial role in Suyapa's therapeutic toolkit. Through guided eye movements, EMDR facilitates the reprocessing of distressing memories, reducing their emotional intensity. This proves instrumental in alleviating the emotional burden associated with witnessing challenging family dynamics, allowing clients to reevaluate negative beliefs, enhance coping mechanisms, and embark on a holistic journey of healing. Within the cultural context of Latine/Latinx households, EMDR becomes a powerful tool in Suyapa's commitment to fostering resilience and understanding.