Professional Experience

 

Aurena (she/her/hers) has been providing therapeutic services to individuals in Virginia and D.C. since 2021. She began her career providing outpatient therapy at the Viva Center, a trauma-focused practice based in Washington, D.C. She has worked extensively in the realms of loss, grief, and post-traumatic stress. She has also been a registered yoga instructor since 2017 and teaches movement with a trauma-informed approach. Aurena is a co-creator of the Planet Grief card deck, a resource for grievers and the people who love them. 
 

Aurena transitioned to her own private practice, Inner Compass Healing, in 2024. Aurena's services include diagnostic assessments and treatment planning; individual and group therapy; telehealth services; and crisis intervention. 

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Education

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1. Florida Gulf Coast University; Fort Myers, FL

Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling  

2. Christopher Newport University; Newport News, VA

Bachelor of Science, August 2017 (Psychology major/Spanish minor) 

Cum Laude 

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Additional Training

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Aurena has been trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Brainspotting (BSP), both of which are brain- and body-based approaches that support individuals in healing from trauma, mood issues, and attachment struggles.

 

Aurena is also trained in Internal Family Systems (IFS). This modality is based on the premise that as we move and grow throughout our lives, we develop different "parts" of ourselves - or aspects of our personalities - that help us to survive and adapt in our environments. Some of these parts can outlive their usefulness or become maladaptive. IFS supports individuals in recognizing their parts as distinct from their core selves, enabling them to release feelings of shame and create a more compassionate internal environment. This approach helps individuals to cultivate a deeper sense of inner peace and wholeness. For more information on IFS therapy, visit https://www.ifs-institute.com/.​​