ABOUT ME
My Story
I’m Kaira, a NYC-based psychotherapist and psychedelic guide specializing in supporting Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) individuals and adult children of immigrants. I provide a unique approach to therapy, integrating psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy and sacred plant medicines as powerful tools for deeper healing.
Having lived in a perpetual state of disconnectedness and operating on auto-pilot for far too long, I embarked on a profound journey of self-inquiry. I struggled with persistent brain fog, dissociative episodes, and uncontrollable anger, leaving me unable to form emotional connections with those around me. Within the confines of my own constructed walls, I felt utterly alone.
What initially seemed like hitting rock bottom became the catalyst for my personal healing and transformation. In the process, I discovered that true healing was attainable, but only by bravely confronting the pain I had been hiding from within myself. Through this journey, I realized the immense joy of accompanying others on their own paths towards wholeness.
About My Experience
I obtained both my Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) and Master of Social Work (MSW) degrees from New York University. Moreover, I've completed comprehensive training in psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy through esteemed institutions such as the Integrative Psychiatry Institute and the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS). Within these programs, I concentrated on refining my expertise in MDMA-assisted psychotherapy and psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy. Additionally, I have been certified in ketamine-assisted psychotherapy through the Integrative Psychiatry Institute.
My professional background includes working with diverse populations across various settings. I've provided support to children in Buenos Aires, Argentina, served as a forensic social worker for individuals involved in the criminal justice system, and assisted adults in community mental health, group practice, and retreat settings throughout New York.
My experiences working with diverse groups have provided me with a deep understanding of how our present challenges often have roots in our past experiences. I firmly believe that childhood lays the groundwork for our subconscious, shaping how we navigate emotions, establish boundaries, understand relationships, and develop habits and behaviors.
In my interactions with individuals from diverse backgrounds, I've observed that many seek support in managing emotions, addressing relationship challenges, navigating identity struggles, and overcoming feelings of low self-esteem. While these issues may manifest differently on the surface, they often trace back to learned behaviors and patterns established during childhood. Recognizing these underlying connections allows for a more comprehensive approach to addressing and healing from these challenges.
I identify as a cis-gendered, multiracial, queer woman, who navigates through various roles with compassion and understanding. I am a first-generation American born to a Filipino mother and Puerto Rican father. I was raised in a single parent, working class household — I intimately know the struggle all too well.
I serve as a social worker, therapist, and medicine woman in training, while finding joy in the nurturing role of a mother to my two tuxedo cats, Lunar and Lucy.
Central to my purpose is a steadfast commitment to uplifting communities of color, fostering healing and empowerment, and creating spaces where every voice is valued and every individual can reclaim their inherent worth.
If you think we are a good fit, please feel free to self-schedule a free 15 minute phone consultation with me here.
