Emmanuel Velasco
Associate Marriage & Family Therapist | AMFT #153361
Supervised By: Stefanie Smith
Client Focus
Athletes
Latinx Community Members
First-Generation Americans
Specialties
Anxiety Management
Sports Performance Psychology
Self-Esteem Development
Trauma Recovery
Stress Management
Treatment Methods
Collaborative Therapy
Strength-Based Approaches
Parenting Support
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Psychodynamic Therapy
Emmanuel offers culturally responsive therapy as a Latinx therapist who understands firsthand the complexities of navigating between cultures, family expectations, and personal identity development within the Latino community.
His experience as an athlete provides unique insight into performance anxiety, competitive pressures, and the mental aspects of athletic success, creating authentic connection with clients in sports contexts.
Emmanuel's strength-based approach consistently helps clients identify and build upon their existing resources and capabilities, fostering resilience and self-empowerment that extends beyond the therapy room.
"To me, being a therapist means serving others by walking alongside them as they work towards healing and personal growth. I believe in creating a safe, supportive, and strength-based environment where clients can boost their self-esteem, recognize personal strengths, and reclaim the power in their lives. I ensure that the client remains at the center of the session while remaining curious and recognizing that the client is the expert in their own lives."
- Emmanuel Velasco
Emmanuel Velasco is an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist who brings both professional expertise and lived experience to his work with athletes and members of the Latinx community.
As someone who has personally navigated the unique challenges faced by these communities, Emmanuel creates a therapeutic space where clients feel genuinely understood and culturally affirmed. He is particularly passionate about helping athletes manage performance pressures while addressing the mental health barriers that can impact both their athletic pursuits and personal well-being. His deep connection to the Latinx community allows him to provide culturally informed care that honors clients' heritage while supporting their journey toward healing and growth.
His therapeutic approach integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), collaborative techniques, and psychodynamic principles within a consistently strength-based framework. Emmanuel's methodology centers on recognizing that clients are the experts in their own lives, while he serves as a curious and supportive guide in their healing process. What distinguishes his practice is his ability to weave self-esteem building and strength identification into all therapeutic work, regardless of the presenting concern. This approach helps clients not only address immediate challenges but also reclaim their personal power and recognize their inherent resilience.
With a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from UCLA and a Master's in Marriage and Family Therapy from California State University, Northridge, Emmanuel brings strong academic foundations to his clinical work. His educational journey reflects his commitment to serving his community with excellence, combining rigorous training with personal insight gained through his own experiences as a first-generation American and athlete. This unique blend of professional preparation and lived experience enables him to connect authentically with clients who share similar backgrounds and challenges.
Outside the therapy room, Emmanuel maintains his connection to the athletic community through playing soccer, expressing his creativity through drumming, and nurturing his collector's passion for various items that bring him joy. His love of music reflects his appreciation for rhythm, harmony, and creative expression—qualities that inform his therapeutic approach as well. These interests demonstrate his belief in the importance of maintaining personal passions and connections that ground us in our authentic selves.