Ingrid Solano, PhD

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Diversity


“There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.” Maya Angelou.

Cultural responsiveness is essential to effective therapy. Sensitivity to racism and oppression, a deep understanding of the impact of discrimination, and awareness of how socialization shapes identity all contribute to meaningful, respectful, and effective care. Empathy that’s informed by lived experiences—both individual and collective—creates a safe, affirming space for exploration and healing.

When working with diverse and marginalized clients, I draw from both clinical expertise and cultural knowledge to adapt evidence-based treatments in ways that honor your identity and lived context. My approach integrates clinical best practices with a commitment to cultural humility, ensuring your experience is validated and your progress is fully supported.

We are all individuals, and we can all learn from each other.

  • LGBTQIA+ - Affirming Therapy

    Affirmative therapy intentionally embraces human diversity—recognizing differences in identity and lived experience as essential, not peripheral, to psychological well-being. This approach actively affirms LGBTQIA+ identities and experiences, rather than viewing them through a pathologizing or heteronormative lens.

    Only in recent decades has the mental health field begun to acknowledge the significant disparities in mental health outcomes between LGBTQIA+ individuals and their cisgender, heterosexual counterparts. Affirmative therapy doesn't shy away from these tensions—instead, it invites thoughtful exploration. In our work together, we will examine and challenge the beliefs, assumptions, and societal expectations that have become burdensome or limiting. Therapy becomes a space not just for healing, but for empowerment and self-affirmation—for you and your relationships.

  • Shame and Concealment

    We all long for deep, meaningful relationships built on intimacy, connection, and acceptance. Yet, many of us fear that if others truly knew us—our past, our struggles, or our true selves—they might turn away. This fear often leads to hiding parts of who we are in an effort to protect ourselves from rejection. But this self-concealment can become a painful cycle, leaving us feeling isolated and unfulfilled.

    Research shows that hiding our authentic selves is linked to increased depression, anxiety, emotional distress, and even disordered eating. In our work together, I provide a safe, affirming, and nonjudgmental space where you can begin to explore these fears openly—at your own pace. Therapy offers a chance to reclaim your voice, reconnect with your identity, and build the kind of relationships where you feel truly seen and accepted.

  • Context is Everything

    Each of us is a unique individual shaped psychologically, socially, and culturally through our relationships and life experiences. We are more than just our thoughts, feelings, or behaviors—we are the sum of our experiences within our intimate relationships, families, workplaces, and communities. Our identities and roles shift depending on the context and evolve over time. In therapy, exploring the intersectionality of these identities highlights the importance of recognizing that our overlapping identities are interconnected and cannot be separated.



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