
BILINGUAL (Spanish), BICULTURAL, IMMIGRANT, BIPOC LICENSED THERAPIST
Cristina Deneve, MA, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
Licensed and EMDR Certified Therapist
If you are experiencing anxiety, self-doubt, and guilt, you might feel like no matter what you do, it’s never enough—or that you will never be truly happy. I get it. I’m Cristina, a therapist who understands what it’s like to feel stuck between two cultures and knows what it takes to find peace and confidence on the other side. As a biracial immigrant in a biracial marriage and a parent of three American children, I’ve been on my own journey of self-discovery. I left a career in engineering to become a therapist and finally feel certain, confident, and proud of who I am.
My journey to becoming a therapist and opening Empower U
I used to always follow what made sense and what was expected—both in my career and in life. But I reached a point where I realized that sticking to the “logical, right path” was not bringing me happiness. I was following a script that was written by others—my family, society, and even myself—but I felt disconnected from something deeper inside me.
Becoming a therapist meant stepping into the unknown and learning to trust my instincts. It meant committing to the journey of therapy—not just for others, but for myself—healing from anxiety, self-doubt, and the weight of unspoken expectations. I had to let go of the fear of starting over, of disappointing people, and of not knowing exactly where I was headed. But this process of self-discovery allowed me to reconnect with a part of myself that brings true fulfillment and inner peace.
Healing Others Begins with Healing Yourself
Through my counseling journey, I’ve learned that true healing comes from fully embracing your story—your struggles, your victories, your doubts, and your dreams. Many of us carry trauma, whether it’s intergenerational, familial, or tied to the experience of navigating two cultures. I’ve seen how understanding these experiences, working through past trauma, and addressing anxiety and depression can free you from patterns that keep you stuck.
Empower U: Honor Your Roots, Embrace Your Truth
My desire to help others find inner freedom, self-confidence, and peace—without sacrificing their truth or their heart—led me to create Empower U. I wanted to create a space where first- and second-generation Americans, immigrants, and anyone navigating cultural and familial expectations could feel empowered to live a life that’s authentic, meaningful, and true to who they really are. A life where you don’t have to choose between family loyalty and self-discovery but can find a way to honor both.
Let’s walk this path together.
My Philosophy: Embracing Diversity, Honoring Every Story
I bring a rich perspective shaped by my experience as a bicultural immigrant, along with a commitment to celebrating diverse identities, including BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and multicultural experiences to my work as a therapist for multicultural folks, people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, Immigrants and anyone navigating cultural expectations, seeking self-discovery, or experiencing anxiety, self-doubt, and a sense of disconnection from themselves.
My Therapeutic Approach to Treat Transgenerational Trauma
I believe that healing comes from understanding your story—not just your struggles, but also your victories, your context, and your relationships. That’s why I work from a Narrative therapy foundation, a practice that honors your experiences and looks at problems within the broader context of your life, rather than jumping straight to a diagnosis. In this approach, you are the expert of your own story, and together, we’ll explore with curiosity how challenges emerge and how you can find your path forward with more clarity.
I also integrate a variety of tools and frameworks to support your journey:
DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy): To help you build vital skills for navigating your emotions and regulating your nervous system, something many of us weren’t taught but is crucial for a balanced life.
CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy): Practical tools and strategies to handle daily challenges with clarity, resilience, and purpose.
IFS (Internal Family Systems): I use IFS to help you understand and heal the different parts of yourself. Often, we have various inner voices or “parts” that serve different purposes but end up being in conflict. IFS allows you to approach these parts with curiosity and compassion, fostering self-leadership and inner harmony. This approach helps you find balance, make decisions that align with your true self, and cultivate self-acceptance.
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing): When you’re ready, I use EMDR to address and heal the root causes of your challenges, creating lasting change.
Together, we’ll draw on these approaches to find a path that empowers you to live authentically, confidently, and at peace.
FAQs
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What truly sets Empower U apart is the combination of evidence-based therapies and a culturally sensitive, narrative-focused approach. I don’t just diagnose problems—I explore their context and help clients rewrite their stories to feel empowered and aligned with their true selves.
I also integrate a variety of therapeutic methods, including EMDR for trauma healing, DBT for emotional regulation, CBT for practical skills, and nInternal Family Systems (IFS) for navigating relationships and understanding internal dynamics. This personalized approach allows me to address both the root causes of challenges and day-to-day struggles effectively.
Above all, Empower U is about creating a safe and supportive space where you feel heard, valued, and empowered to embrace your identity, heal from the past, and build a fulfilling future.
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I specialize in working with transgenerational trauma and complex trauma, which often lie at the root of feeling torn between two worlds and struggling with a sense of identity. These issues are especially common among immigrants and adult children of immigrants, who navigate the challenges of balancing cultural expectations, family loyalty, and personal growth.
Transgenerational trauma—the passing down of unresolved pain and patterns through families—can create feelings of obligation, guilt, and internal conflict. Complex trauma, often stemming from repeated stress or emotional wounds, can amplify these struggles, making it hard to feel truly at peace within yourself or connected to others.
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Cultural sensitivity is at the heart of my therapy practice. As an immigrant myself, I understand how deeply cultural values, traditions, and family dynamics shape our experiences and identities. I approach every session with respect for your unique cultural background and the ways it influences your worldview, relationships, and challenges.
In my practice, cultural sensitivity means: creating a safe space, addressing cultural and generational gaps, tailoring approaches and recognizing transgenerational trauma.
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No, I will not try to change your values. My role as a therapist is to honor and respect your beliefs and cultural values while helping you navigate challenges and explore what feels authentic to you. Therapy is about creating a safe space for you to reflect, heal, and grow—not about imposing my views or encouraging you to abandon your values.
Together, we’ll work to align your choices and actions with what matters most to you, ensuring that your cultural identity and personal goals are fully respected throughout the process.
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II earned my Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University. During my practicum, I was selected to train under Dr. Wigg, the director of the Master’s program in psychology and the clinic, in Narrative Therapy for six months. This experience significantly shaped my understanding of how to explore and reframe clients’ stories within their unique contexts.
After graduating, I completed a two and a half years internship at Laura’s House, a domestic violence agency, where I worked with survivors of abuse and gained extensive experience in trauma-informed care and complex trauma. I later became certified in EMDR to provide powerful trauma-healing interventions and am currently working toward becoming an EMDR consultant.
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Yes, my native language is Spanish, and I am fluent in both Spanish and English. As a bilingual therapist, I am able to offer therapy in both English and Spanish, which allows me to connect with a wider range of clients and better understand the nuances of cultural and linguistic backgrounds. Being bilingual helps me support clients more effectively, especially those who feel more comfortable expressing themselves in their native language.
I am so passionate about helping Multicultural Individuals
As an immigrant myself, I deeply understand the challenges that come with adapting to a new culture, navigating family dynamics, and overcoming generational trauma. I’m passionate about helping immigrant families and adult children of immigrants reconnect with their roots while embracing their new identity. It’s incredibly rewarding to support individuals in healing from the stress, anxiety, and emotional wounds that often accompany the immigrant experience.
Get started with therapy with Cristina today
You don’t have to live with anxiety, self-doubt, and guilt. Therapy can help you find peace and reconnect with your true self. My Irvine, California therapy practice specializes in helping multicultural individuals heal. To start your counseling journey, follow these simple steps
Step 2
Meet with Cristina for an intake session
Step 1
Contact Cristina
Step 3
Start reconnecting with your true self and rediscover or propel your dreams, overcoming the fear of being invalidated or criticized. Find peace as you navigate family dynamics and cultural expectations.