You’re Here Because
slowing down feels hard, you’re always holding it together, and looking out for others – but inside you’re feeling the weight and exhaustion of it all.
specialties
You might be here because you’re starting to notice patterns—how stress, silence, caretaking, or survival shaped the generations before you and now live quietly, or loudly, in your own life. This work is an invitation to meet your history with curiosity, compassion, and choice—so you can relate differently to yourself, your relationships, and your lineage.
Have you ever wondered why certain reactions, patterns, or emotional responses feel bigger than the moment—especially in relationships or during stress?
Early experiences carry a profound impact on shaping the way we relate to ourselves and others. Childhood trauma isn’t always about what happened, but also about what was missing—safety, consistency, emotional attunement, or support.
Have you ever noticed that one experience—or a series of experiences—changed the way you relate to safety, trust, or your own body?
Whether trauma occurred through a single overwhelming event or developed over time through repeated stress, neglect, or instability, its effects can linger long after the moment has passed. Trauma doesn’t only live in memory; it shapes the nervous system, emotional responses, and relationships. This work is an invitation to understand how trauma shows up in your life, meet those patterns with compassion, and begin creating new ways of relating that support safety, choice, and healing.
Have you ever felt like you had to parent your own parent, or that your emotions were never fully seen or valued?
Growing up with emotionally immature parents can leave lasting imprints—shaping how you set boundaries, express yourself, and connect in relationships. You may notice patterns of caretaking, people-pleasing, or self-doubt that trace back to childhood. Together, we can work towards understanding those experiences and exploring new ways of relating to yourself and others that honor your needs and growth.
LEARN MORE ABOUT ADULT CHILDREN OF EMOTIONALLY IMMATURE PARENTS
Do you find yourself drawn to the same relationship challenges over and over, no matter how different the people are?
Often, our adult relationships reflect patterns formed in early attachment—how we learned to give and receive love, trust, and safety. You might notice repeating cycles of anxiety, avoidance, or intense closeness that leave you feeling stuck, frustrated, or disconnected. Understanding these patterns can help you recognize inherited or learned relational habits, build healthier connections, and relate to yourself and others with greater awareness and choice.
Additional Areas I’m Passionate About
Grief & Loss
Divorce
Identity Exploration
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
If you’re a first-gen, cycle-breaker, or high-functioning adult, you may know what it’s like surviving in silence. Generational patterns and early life experiences can leave a mark, often showing up as:
- Trauma Responses
- Overworking
- Avoiding Conflict
- Anger
- Anxiety
- People-Pleasing
- Perfectionism
- Numbing Out
- Guilt or Shame
- And others . . .
all of which may have been passed down through generations or are rooted in childhood. Breaking cycles can be difficult – it is not impossible. This is the start of releasing what isn’t yours to carry, reclaiming your voice, and creating space for healing with clarity and authenticity.
Ivette Aldana
MS, LPC, NCC
I’m Ivette – and I’m glad you’re here. I work with individuals navigating unresolved trauma, especially wounds rooted in childhood experiences and family patterns carried across generations. Many of my clients are high-achievers or caretakers who appear to have it all together, but inside feel the weight of family expectations, emotional neglect, or cycles of pain that repeat themselves. I am a first-generation Latina – my cultural background shapes my work and fuels my passion for supporting those navigating generational and immigrant trauma. I find meaning in working with clients from diverse backgrounds, identities, and life experiences who are committed to their personal growth and therapeutic process.
You may see yourself as the one in your family who notices the patterns and pain that others avoid.
Depth Oriented + Trauma-Informed Therapy
To process and heal from childhood wounds and/or generational burdens.
Psychodynamic Therapy
. . .read about psychodynamic therapy. . .
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
Trauma Therapy in Houston, TX
In-Person Sessions
Offered in a warm, private setting designed to foster honest expression, growth, and deep exploration.
Virtual Sessions
Available to all Texas Residents – offering flexible, intentional therapy whether you’re outside of Houston, managing a full schedule, or simply prefer to connect from home.
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