ABOUT ME

Welcome!

Hi! I'm Delmaris and I work as therapist in the state of California. I have my Associate Clinical Social Worker License #120303 through the California Board of Behavioral Sciences. I am currently practicing under the supervision of Maggie Shelton, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker #LCS9581 at The Relational Center in Los Angeles.

My name, Delmaris, is a combination of my mother and grandmother's names. I was born in Puerto Rico and fittingly enough my name means "of the sea" in Spanish. I have always been obsessed with the ocean. To me, the sea embodies healing, rest, peace, beauty, and awe. Growing up my mother always said the ocean water can heal anything. It has definitely been a source of healing in my journey.

My Story

Originally from Puerto Rico, I hail from a lineage of resilient, single women. My childhood led me to immigrate with my family to a small, rural town in north-central Florida. There, I grappled with learning English while encountering the pervasive influence of white supremacy culture in daily life.

I was raised amidst puritanical beliefs that reinforced notions such as my value as a woman being tied to motherhood and the expectation of submission to my spouse. Due to these pressures, I married at 23 only to find myself divorced by the age of 30.

My journey has taken me to various cities including New York City, Atlanta, and my current residence in Los Angeles. The vibrant diversity and culture of LA resonate deeply with me, making it feel like home. I've remarried and am a mother of three children, alongside seven cats and a dog, creating a life that often feels like controlled chaos.

Over the past decade, I've committed myself to healing the generational and childhood traumas I've experienced. Through this journey, I discovered a passion for supporting others on their paths to healing. Motivated by this calling, I returned to school to earn my degree in Social Work.

My Approach

I firmly believe that each client is the expert on their own lived experiences. In my practice of Relational Gestalt Therapy, I don't prescribe what should be done, how it should be done, or what one needs. Instead, we engage in a collaborative journey, where together we explore the present moment with curiosity rather than judgment.

Relational Gestalt Therapy places importance on embodiment, recognizing that this can be challenging for many individuals, including myself. My aim is to guide you towards greater self-awareness, self-acceptance, and ultimately, self-love. Through our work together, my hope is to facilitate your personal growth and development in a way that honors your unique journey.

I advocate for every individual's autonomy, including their rights to their bodies, choices, and preferred lifestyle. My approach is rooted in affirming sex positivity, promoting social justice, embracing diversity, understanding systems of oppression, and supporting LGBTQIA+ and neurodivergent communities. Additionally, I align with the abolitionist philosophy, recognizing the inherently carceral and punitive nature of current systems, both of which perpetuate oppression and violence.

DelMar