antonia derramas licensed mental health counselor associate

Why Therapy Matters Now More Than Ever

In today’s complex world, mental health is no longer a luxury—it is a necessity. For individuals from marginalized communities, children of immigrants, and those navigating cultural duality, the journey toward emotional wellness can feel isolating and overwhelming. That’s where professionals like Antonia Derramas, a Licensed Mental Health Counselor Associate (LMHCA) based in Seattle, step in.

With a passion rooted in cultural affirmation, trauma healing, and social justice, Antonia provides a uniquely inclusive space for her clients. She particularly supports Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) women, those with parentified wounds, and individuals experiencing generational shame and guilt—helping them move from mere survival to meaningful, collective healing.

Who is Antonia Derramas?

Antonia Derramas (she/her) is a mental health counselor who blends her cultural heritage, professional training, and lived experiences to help clients unlock healing on a deeper level. Based at Space Wellness PLLC in Seattle, Washington, Antonia is currently accepting new clients for virtual and in-person therapy sessions.

Her mission? To help individuals unlearn cycles of pain, reclaim their stories, and step into emotional liberation. She does this with a deep understanding of the multigenerational impact of systemic oppression, cultural expectations, and immigrant resilience.

“We heal as a collective. Part of the reason I believe in this work is because healing isn’t something we do alone.” – Antonia Derramas

Educational Background and Licensing

Degree: Master of Counseling Psychology
Institution: Northwest University (2012–2014)
License: Licensed Mental Health Counselor Associate (WA State)
In Practice Since: 2021

As an LMHCA, Antonia works under supervision while gaining the final hours required for full licensure, offering clients affordable, yet high-quality mental health care.

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Therapy Focus and Specializations

Antonia’s therapeutic work is defined by compassion, curiosity, and cultural awareness. She works with individuals facing:

Anxiety & Depression
Burnout & Career Challenges
Parentified Wounds
Blended/Multigenerational Family Dynamics
PTSD & Complex Trauma
Low Self-Esteem and Worth
Cultural Identity Conflicts
Systemic Oppression & Resistance
Life Transitions and Emotional Blocks

Antonia’s Therapeutic Philosophy: Healing Through “Kapwa”

One of Antonia’s core philosophies is rooted in the Filipino concept of “Kapwa”, which means “shared identity.” It is the idea that “I am you, and you are me.” Kapwa challenges the Western notion of hyper-independence and instead centers on collective healing, empathy, and community care.

In her practice, Kapwa translates to:

Seeing clients fully and without judgment
Helping them feel connected to themselves and others
Teaching them to listen to their bodies, not just their thoughts
Supporting them in reclaiming their stories and cultural identity

“Kapwa reminds us: ‘I see you. I hear you. I am WITH you.’”

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Counseling Techniques and Modalities

Antonia uses a combination of evidence-based and intuitive approaches, such as:

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
Internal Family Systems (IFS)
Narrative Therapy
Psychodynamic Therapy
Culturally Affirming & Responsive Therapy
Hakomi Method (mindfulness-centered somatic therapy)
Person-Centered Therapy

This integrative style allows her to customize therapy to each client’s emotional, cultural, and spiritual needs.

A Safe Space for AAPI and Filipino Communities

Antonia understands the unique emotional challenges faced by Asian American, Pacific Islander, and Filipino individuals. Many of her clients carry invisible burdens:

The pressure to succeed for their families
Deep cultural expectations that conflict with individual desires
Generational trauma passed down through silence and sacrifice
The internalized belief that asking for help is weakness

Antonia helps these clients navigate identity conflict, process trauma, and cultivate emotional self-compassion—all while honoring their heritage.

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Specialized Focus: Parentified Wounds

Many children of immigrants experience parentification, where they assume adult responsibilities at a young age—emotionally, financially, or socially. This often results in:

Chronic guilt and shame
Difficulty trusting others
Burnout and over-responsibility
Emotional numbness or hypervigilance

Antonia specializes in helping clients recognize and heal these parentified roles by:

Validating their past experiences
Reconnecting them with their inner child
Teaching boundaries and emotional regulation
Supporting their journey to rest, joy, and self-nurturing

Cultural Barriers to Therapy: Breaking the Stigma

In many communities of color, especially within Filipino households, mental health is taboo. Emotional pain is often dismissed, ignored, or spiritualized. Seeking therapy may be viewed as shameful or unnecessary.

Antonia challenges this narrative by providing:

Non-judgmental spaces that honor silence and struggle
Educational tools to unpack generational beliefs
Trauma-informed care that respects cultural context
Spiritual insight, particularly for clients navigating religious trauma or colonized belief systems

Availability and Fees

Days Available:
- Monday: 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM
- Saturday & Sunday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Consultation: Free 30-minute phone consultation
Session Fee: $220 for 60 minutes
Sliding Scale: $75–$100 (upon request)
Location:
Space Wellness PLLC
4501 15th Ave S, Suite 102, Seattle, WA 98108

Antonia also offers Superbills for insurance reimbursement and encourages clients to inquire about low-cost options.

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Recommended Resources for Healing and Growth

📚 Books:

The Body Keeps the Score – Bessel van der Kolk
Self-Compassion – Kristin Neff
Set Boundaries, Find Peace – Nedra Glover Tawwab
Healing the Inner Child – Charles Whitfield

🌐 Websites & Articles:

Psychology Today – Find a therapist, read insights
Mental Health America – Screening tools, support resources
Inclusive Therapists – Directory for BIPOC and LGBTQ+ therapists

📱 Apps:

Headspace – Meditation and mindfulness
Woebot – AI chatbot for emotional support
Moodfit – Track mood, sleep, and wellness habits

How to Reach Antonia Derramas

Website/Profile: InclusiveTherapists.com
Office: Space Wellness PLLC, Seattle
Current Availability: Accepting New Clients
Languages Spoken: English, Tagalog/Filipino
Contact: Submit a therapy request or consultation through her profile

FAQs About Counseling With Antonia Derramas

1. What does “Licensed Mental Health Counselor Associate” mean?

It means Antonia is licensed to provide therapy under supervision as she completes hours required for independent licensure. It also means affordable care without compromising quality.

2. Is this therapy culturally affirming?

Yes. Antonia prioritizes cultural awareness, especially for clients navigating AAPI, Filipino, and immigrant identities.

3. What if I’m nervous about starting therapy?

That’s okay. Antonia offers a free 30-minute phone consult so you can explore if her approach is a fit—no pressure, no judgment.

4. Can she help with trauma even if I don’t have a diagnosis?

Absolutely. Antonia supports all forms of trauma, whether complex, childhood-based, or relational.

Final Words: A Therapist Who Sees You

If you’ve ever felt like no one truly understood the cultural weight you carry, Antonia Derramas is here to remind you that you’re not alone. Through her trauma-informed, identity-affirming approach, she offers more than therapy—she offers a return to self.

From AAPI women processing generational grief to first-generation immigrants navigating identity and belonging, Antonia’s work is rooted in compassion, culture, and collective care.

Are You Ready to Begin Your Healing Journey?

You are worthy of care. You are allowed to rest. And you are not alone.

Take the first step by scheduling a session or consultation with Antonia Derramas through Inclusive Therapists or visiting her office at Space Wellness PLLC, Seattle.