Petra Vega, LMSW
Therapist
Pronouns: she/her/Ella
I once heard Prentis Hemphill, author of “What it Takes to Heal,” say that a raw emotion would only take about 90 seconds to run its course if we didn’t judge, try to fix, or suppress the emotion. We won’t be doing that though! Most of us weren’t taught how to or even allowed to feel the full range of our emotions — none of that is your fault and actually, we want to celebrate that you are seeking therapy now. As your partner-in-change, I’m here to ride out the highs and lows with you until you (re)learn there is nothing wrong with who you are and how you feel.
About Petra
I am an AuDHD, Queer, Black Puerto Rican, Polyamorous Cis-Woman raised by my grandparents in a very tiny, very white town in upstate NY. As someone with multiple marginalized identities, I understand the complexities and contradictions that come with navigating self-advocacy, speaking up, managing emotions, childhood wounds, self-doubt, imposter syndrome, and living with trauma that often doesn’t play nice with how your brain works.
My approach weaves an anti-oppression lens, trauma healing, relational skills, (and if you’re down) spiritual tools like tarot and astrology into who we are and how we love. I bring over a decade of community organizing, facilitation, capacity building and program management experience in majority impoverished, LGBTQ+ and Black and Brown communities. I strive to create spaces where you can unmask, question, cuss freely, say “the thing you’re not supposed to say”, pause and feel without having to justify your existence, wants or needs. This is your space to just BE.
Working with Petra
We know that trauma (both relational and institutional) is about loss of connection — to ourselves, to our bodies, to others and to the world around us. In our work together, we will tend to that loss and explore where you are in your life (what works and what doesn’t), where you’ve been (what raised and impacted you) and where you’d like to go (what do you want to be true about your life). I bring a collaborative, affirming, non-judgmental and playful spirit to our work. We’ll learn more about why you do the things you do, how it’s helped and harmed you, and come up with ways of being that are more aligned with the person you’d like to be.
I believe that healing is non-linear, it cannot be done alone, and that it’s a natural, inherent capacity to resource ourselves to be more fully and powerfully alive. You are the creator of your story and deserve to live a fully expressed life. I’d love to support you in that work so let the adventure begin!
Specialty
I have experience working with individuals navigating:
Relational dynamic issues: romantic and platonic; serious partnerships and situationships; couples; polycules
Gender & sexuality
Complex trauma
Self-esteem
Anxiety
Shame
Family systems & conflict
Body image
Cultural & Systemic Oppression (White supremacy, Capitalism, Patriarchy, Ableism)
Racial & cultural identity
Burnout
Codependency
Complex PTSD
Infidelity
Spirituality - tarot and astrology
I have a focus on working with clients who are:
LGBTQ+
Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC); People of the Global Majority
Autistic & ADHD
Nonmonogamy/polyamory
Eldest daughters
Immigrant & first generation
I am a native Spanish speaker.
Education, Training, and Certifications
Bachelor’s of Arts in Women’s, Gender & Sexuality Studies at SUNY New Paltz
Master’s in Social Work with a concentration in Community Organization, Planning & Development at Hunter College Silberman School of Social Work
Transformation in Action 1 & 2 / Embodied Leadership, Generative Somatics
Movement Trauma Healer Training Program: Level 1, TRACC (trauma response and crisis care) for Movements
Various education and training in Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Narrative Therapy, Somatic Therapy, Internal Family Systems (IFS), Psychodynamic Therapy, Relational Therapy, Family Systems, Feminist, Narrative Therapy.
