Healing Bruja Counseling and Consulting

Frequently Asked Questions

Please reach us at HealingBruja@Proton.me if you cannot find an answer to your question.

What does Bruja mean?

Bruja is the Spanish word for “witch” or practitioner of occult arts. It’s usually considered a negative connotation of a woman, much like the words “witch”, “hag”, etc. I call myself a bruja because my Latine/Latinx heritage is an important component of my identity and I am fluent in both English and Spanish.

You’re a witch? Does that mean you’re a Satanist?

I am a practicing witch, yes, and I AM NOT a Satanist. That doesn’t mean there aren’t Satanist witches. I’m just not one of them. Witchcraft is exactly that, a CRAFT. A work. An action. The Craft, or the Work, is not about religion. I have met agnostic witches, atheist witches, Jewish witches, Christian witches (I was one at some point), folk magick practitioners, curanderos, espiritistas, and others who work with saints, gods/goddesses, spirits, etc. It is no more different than working with ideals, archetypes (see CG Jung), folk heroes (Paul Bunyan, anyone?), or heroes (How many of us have asked Queen Bey to bless our efforts in bouncing back after “Lemonade”?).

Witch Therapist? Isn’t that counterintuitive?

It’s actually not counterintuitive at all. Carl Jung – student of Sigmund Freud, psychoanalyst, psychotherapist, basically a major name in the mental health and psychology world—was also a student of esotericism and had interests in the paranormal and the occult. In my work with various modalities and interventions I touch upon aspects of Jung’s work such as the Collective Unconscious, archetypes, and shadow work, which are also addressed in much of the neopagan and rising spiritual movements outside of mainstream and traditional monotheistic religion.

Are you going to put a spell on me/hex me/ make me do something?

Absolutely not! Firstly, consent is a thing. I do not do any kind of workings without consent from the person. Secondly, this is my professional life we’re talking about. I am bound by the rules, regulations, and laws of the state where I reside, and the country in which I reside. Here in the US that means I am not only bound by the laws governing social work through the Texas Behavioral Health Educational Commission but also by the National Association of Social Workers, including the Social Work Code of Ethics. Thirdly, I am a firm believer in autonomy. If you don’t want to participate in any magickal working I will not force you.

Does therapy with you mean I have to participate in witchcraft/spells?

See the previous question. No one ever has to participate in witchcraft or anything woo-woo, if they feel uncomfortable. However, clients DO have to participate in actual therapeutic practice. I utilize evidence-based practices including motivational interviewing, as part of my treatment modality.

Do I have to share your beliefs for you to treat me?

Not at all. I work with all belief systems, as I understand that a person’s individual spiritual experience can be helpful for working through personal development and can be a source of comfort for many. It is not my place to tell you what to believe, or whom you should worship. My job is to help you utilize your faith as a coping skill and strategy for your best chances of healing. I also attempt to be very respectful and careful in regard to religion and spirituality, because that is very personal for everyone, myself included. Please do not try to convert me, “save” me, proselytize to me, pray for me during session, or “teach” me about your religion/faith system unless I specifically ask as part of obtaining information for treatment. In the same way I have respect for your beliefs, please respect mine.

Is it legal for you to be a therapist and a witch?

Yes, it is. It is my first amendment right to practice my faith as I see fit as long as it harms no one (and someone being ‘offended’ because I believe differently than they do is not considered harm coming from me).

Why do you spell magick with a K?

Magick with a K is often used in a lot of Neopagan and spiritual communities to differentiate between that fantastical magic of <insert famous magician here> or <insert fantasy magic book series here> versus the Work that those who practice witchcraft actually do, such as manifesting through intention, energy, action, symbolism, and timing.

Are you actually a therapist/social worker or is this just some New Age, woo-woo alternative to “real” therapy?

LOL! I promise I’m actually a licensed social worker through the state of Texas in good standing! I’m currently under clinical supervision for licensing. If you need to see a copy of my license or proof of my good standing, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me via email and I can direct you to the proper information source.

How do I know you’re the real deal? What kind of training do you have?

I graduated with a masters in social work through the University of Houston (Go Coogs!). I am also a community psychologist, having earned my masters in community social psychology through the University of Massachusetts Lowell (Go RiverHawks!). My expertise is working primarily with trauma populations in intimate partner violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, refugee resettlement and immigration, and youth from the ages of 9-18. I am trained in Sand Tray therapy through the Texas Sand Tray Association. I primarily utilize DBT, TI-CBT, bibliotherapy/narrative therapy. Future training plans include: more sand tray therapy, play therapy, psychodrama, religious trauma certification, and geek therapy certification. I am also a Warrior Goddess Facilitator Lvl 1-2.

What is the cost of a counseling session at Healing Bruja Counseling and Consulting?

The cost of a counseling session at Healing Bruja Counseling and Consulting varies based on the type of service you require. Please contact me via email or phone for more information on pricing.

How long is a typical counseling session?

A typical counseling session at Healing Bruja Counseling and Consulting lasts for 50 minutes, although some sessions may be longer or shorter depending on your needs and preferences.

What are some common issues that Healing Bruja Counseling and Consulting can help with?

Healing Bruja Counseling and Consulting counselors can help with a wide range of issues, including anxiety, depression, relationship problems, grief and loss, trauma, and more.

Empower yourself with your own personal magick!