Meet the Therapists
At Inclusive Journeys Psychotherapy, our team brings over 45 years of combined experience, having served over a thousand clients throughout our careers. We are deeply committed to anti-racism, anti-oppressive practice, and valuing each client as the expert in their own life. Therapy is often seen as a space where the therapist holds the power, but we recognize that true power lies with our clients - the ones who take the courageous steps toward change. While our time together in session is brief, the real work happens outside of therapy, driven by our clients' own efforts and dedication to growth. We approach our work with cultural humility, knowing that healing is not a one-size-fits-all process. It is a privilege to be chosen as part of our client's journeys.
The team brings decades of combined experience, working with individuals from all walks of life while remaining rooted in anti-oppressive, affirming and client-centered care.
YULISSA VERA, LCSW, ADHD-CCSP (she/her)
Yulissa is a dedicated Clinical Psychotherapist specializing in neurodivergent-affirming care (ADHD and Autism). As the Founder and Clinical Director of Inclusive Journeys Psychotherapy, she provides affirming, identity-centered care that empowers neurodiverse adults to navigate life’s complexities. Her work is deeply rooted in supporting clients through identity exploration, executive functioning challenges, anxiety (generalized and social), trauma, and depression. She is a strong ally to the LGBTQIA2S+ community and offers gender-affirming care, including formal diagnostic evaluations and support letters for gender-affirming medical interventions.
Yulissa integrates a range of evidence-based and neurodivergent affirming approaches, shaping each session to the client’s individual needs. Her practice draws from Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) skills, mindfulness-based strategies, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Somatic Therapy, and Gestalt techniques, using reflective exercises, guided prompts, and experiential techniques to deepen self-awareness and facilitate meaningful change. Her therapeutic approach is non-pathologizing, focusing on the client’s inherent strengths as the foundation of the work. Therapy with Yulissa is client-led, emphasizing autonomy, self-exploration, self-compassion, and strengths-based growth. She prioritizes collaboration, allowing clients to engage at their own pace while fostering meaningful insights. When beneficial, she provides optional exercises between sessions to support ongoing reflection and development between sessions.
English & Spanish-speaking | Individuals, ages 18+ only
*ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS STARTING MAY 2025*
NOTE: All intake sessions will be completed with Yulissa no matter which therapist is selected.
JO BEAVERS, LMSW (she/her)
Jo is a highly experienced Psychotherapist and also the CEO of 4ward Inclusion, an organization dedicated to serving communities, youth, and educators through workshops on bullying prevention, substance use, racial trauma, and more. As a psychotherapist, Jo specializes in working with adults navigating life transitions, identity exploration, and healing from childhood trauma. With a focus on poverty, domestic violence, incarceration, and racial trauma, Jo provides a supportive, nonjudgmental space for clients to process their experiences, build empowerment, and foster self-understanding.
Jo takes a client-centered approach, integrating various evidence-based modalities to meet each client’s unique therapeutic journey. She primarily draws from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help clients identify and challenge unhelpful thought patterns while developing healthier coping strategies. She also incorporates Psychodynamic principles, exploring past experiences and early relationships to understand their influence on present-day behaviors, emotions, and interpersonal dynamics. Her work is trauma-informed, recognizing the profound impact of past experiences on current challenges. She may offer reflective exercises or guided homework to encourage self-exploration, strengthen coping skills, and support progress toward personal growth and healing.
English-speaking | Individuals ages 13+, couples
EDWARDO BRAVO, LMSW (he/him)
Edwardo is a Holistic Psychotherapist and Medicine Man. He specializes in identity, depression, anxiety, colonial / imperial / race-based trauma, sexual trauma, and complex trauma. His foundation is anti-racist, sex-positive, pro-LGBTQIA2s+, pro-women, pro-immigrant, pro-sex work, and anti-oppression. By centering Indigenous frameworks and seeing clients as humans first, Edwardo curates a sacred space for clients to prioritize healing, not fear getting a diagnosis or being policed. Through collaboration, you will create a healing formula to get to the root of the problem, not just treat symptoms.
Edwardo uses eclectic psychotherapy approaches including Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) skills, Psychodynamic Therapy, Somatic Therapy, and Spiritually Infused Psychotherapy (SIP), to help clients identify, navigate, and transform limiting thoughts, un-serving behavioral patterns and reclaim one’s true essence. He welcomes all Indigenous geo-cosmovisions and spiritualities, infusing them into your clinical work. You can expect journaling prompts and shadow work activities throughout your journey together.
English-speaking | Individuals ages 18+
LORELLA ALVARADO, LMSW, CASAC (she/her)
Lorella is a seasoned Psychotherapist with over a decade of experience in the field. Currently in a leadership role for a nonprofit organization in New York City, she is deeply committed to empowering professional women navigating the challenges of breaking the glass ceiling, confronting workplace discrimination, and overcoming systemic barriers of a patriarchal society. She provides a supportive space for women striving to assert themselves in position of power, helping them process workplace microaggressions, combat imposter syndrome, and develop strategies for success without compromising their well-being. She also supports individuals struggling with work-life balance and everyday stressors that impact their personal and professional goals.
Lorella utilizes a dynamic, evidence based approach to therapy, integrating Solution-Focused Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Person-Centered Therapy, and Strengths-Based techniques. As a Credentialed Alcohol and Substance Abuse Counselor, she brings expertise in working with individuals struggling with maladaptive coping strategies to manage high levels of stress. Through a trauma-informed and empowerment focused lens, Lorella helps her clients explore their readiness for change, develop health coping strategies, and realign with their personal and professional goals.
English & Spanish speaking | Individuals ages 18+
At a Glance
45+ combined
1,000+ individuals
13+
ADHD/Autism, Anxiety, Depression, Trauma, LGBTQIA2S+, Adjustment/Life Transitions, Racial Identity
Strengths-based, identity-affirming, client-centered, trauma-informed
CBT, DBT, Psychodynamic, Mindfulness-based interventions
Interested in Joining Our Team? – *At this time, we are NOT accepting new applicants*
Are you a LMSW or LCSW looking for a supportive, identity-affirming practice? Inclusive Journeys Psychotherapy is seeking psychotherapists who are committed to anti-oppressive, client-centered care. If you’re interested in joining our growing team, we’d love to hear from you!
Please send your resume to admin@inclusivejourneysny.com for consideration.
Inclusive Journeys Psychotherapy LCSW PLLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to creating an inclusive, diverse, and affirming workplace. We do not discriminate based on race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, neurodivergence, age, religion, or any other protected status. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply.
