Today we’d like to introduce you to Suyapa Ulloa
Hi Suyapa, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
This journey of mine started long before I even thought about college or what I wanted to do “when I grew up”. At around the age of 10, my little sister was born and she was born with Opitz Syndrome. My family had also adopted my younger brother right before my sister was born. As a family unit, we had a lot going on simultaneously. I witnessed social workers, physical therapists, and occupational therapists coming in and out of our home. My little sister needed various operations and we practically lived in and out of the hospitals for the first few years of her life. At such a young age, this essentially started to mold me into a “helper”. As I grew into young adulthood, I knew I wanted to be in the helping field, I just did not quite know exactly what. I attended Cal State University of Fullerton for undergraduate studies and was undeclared for the first two years. At my third year, my college advisor stressed how I need to declare a major or else I could not enroll. With his help, I was able to choose Human Services as my major. It was one of the most life changing and best decisions I have made. Not only did I grow professionally but, the real reward was my personal growth. After I graduated in 2009, I decided to pursue my Masters in Social Work at University of Nevada – Las Vegas and graduated in 2013. I became a licensed clinical social worker in 2018. From 2013-2023, I worked for various non profits, government and county funded places. Then in late 2023, I decided it was time to make professional aligned choices and decided to start my own private practice in helping folks that were just like me – Latine adults that have disabled sibling and/or sibling struggling with mental health and/or substance misuse.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
This journey by no means has been a smooth one. However, I do believe that the lows are sometimes more significant than the highs. At least for me personally, when I have encountered the lows, those are the moments that I have learned and grown the most. Being a Latina, eldest sister of a disabled sibling and another sibling that is challenged by their own mental health issues and substance misuse, has been a tough journey to navigate while still working on my individual life. During my first year in solopreneur, I got a divorce from an emotionally abusive marriage and had to really lean into my community for support and care. Asking for help, receiving help, and admitting that I needed others was a feat of its own. As an eldest Latina Sib, we usually don’t do that. We are known to be very independent and not rock the boat. I’ve had a lot of unlearning, incorporating faith and spirituality, reacquainting myself with self-trust and embracing my ancestors to get to where I am today. It would not have been like that if I didn’t face these various challenges in life.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
I am a Spanglish licensed clinical social worker with 14+ years of experience supporting adolescents, families, and adults from diverse backgrounds. My practice centers on inclusivity, social justice, and an anti-oppressive lens. I provide trauma-focused therapy using EMDR and Brainspotting, specializing in complex trauma, complex grief, and anxiety. Additionally, I offer clinical supervision to associate-level clinicians, fostering culturally attuned, client-centered care.
I work with BIPOC adults, particularly those with disabled siblings or siblings facing mental health/substance challenges, and Latinas unlearning “calladita se mira más bonita” and similar cultural narratives. My focus is on healing from machismo, marianismo, and people-pleasing to embrace authenticity with confidence.
As the eldest sibling of two disabled siblings, I bring personal insight into caregiving, resilience, and setting culturally aligned boundaries. This lived experience informs my culturally attuned approach, addressing intergenerational trauma and systemic oppression within BIPOC and Latina/o/e/x communities.
I’m proud to defy the notion that professionals must be “neutral” or diluted to succeed. My practice celebrates empowerment, authenticity, and liberation, providing a safe space for clients and supervisees to embrace their identities without judgment. My mission is to help individuals heal, break free from societal expectations, and thrive unapologetically.
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
I absolutely love San Diego (Kumeyaay land) and all that if offers. The breathtaking sunsets, the sound of the waves, the hikes, the city life, and amazing food. The thing I like the least about the city is how expensive it is to live here.
Pricing:
- Individual Therapy – $180/5om
- Clinical Supervision – $125/hr
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.suyapasutherapist.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/suyapasutherapist/
