Rachael Shapiro Heredia (she/her)
Hello! My name is Rachael and I am a Master of Social Work student completing my internship here at Affirming You! I am originally from Tucson but have spent the last 10 years surrounded by the beauty of Flagstaff (except for a couple of years spent in Albuquerque in between). Through my work experiences as a former educator, a mentor to first-generation college students and students with disabilities, and a Case Manager connecting the NAU community to resources, I have gained insight into a diverse range of perspectives, communities, and life experiences. In my free time, I enjoy nature walks, wrangling my two rescue dogs, Hatch and Winslow, traveling to new places, playing board games, participating in social justice advocacy, and watching documentaries and movies. In this work, it is a privilege to witness someone’s story and walk alongside them to explore life’s challenges and foster change together. I cultivate a safe, non-judgmental, and inclusive space for each person to be their true authentic selves and openly welcome all races and ethnicities, genders, sexual orientations, and cultures. I approach each session with a holistic lens and from a trauma-informed perspective, ensuring that your unique story is honored and respected.
As a social worker who practices cultural humility, I have experience working directly with underrepresented populations, specifically youth and young adults experiencing hardships and trauma (childhood, sexual, intergenerational, racial), poverty, suicide ideation, anxiety, depression, domestic violence, and systemic oppression. I have a deep-rooted passion for helping clients break down barriers in their personal lives and learning to be self-advocates. I am grounded in my belief that you are the expert on your life’s journey and am committed to meeting you wherever you are in this process, tailoring my approach to your specific needs and goals. I follow a person-centered, strengths-based approach with an emphasis on Motivational Interviewing, mindfulness techniques, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). I aim for clients to feel heard and empowered with new ways of thinking and regulating emotions to improve their relationships with themselves and others.
I am a lifelong learner who is always searching for new tools and opportunities to continue my education to best support my clients and grow alongside them. I am deeply committed to this work, which allows me to connect with the raw, vulnerable, and messy parts of us that make us beautifully human. As someone who has personally experienced the transformative power of therapy in my own life, I look forward to the opportunity to partner alongside you on your journey of healing.
