Emerita
Verdejo, LCSW
Founder, Therapist,& Advocate for Healing & Justice
Hola! I’m Emerita Verdejo, LCSW—a first-generation Latina psychotherapist, educator, and social justice advocate.
My passion is helping individuals heal from past wounds, reclaim resilience, and step into hope and growth.
about Me
I’m Emerita Verdejo, a first-generation Latina psychotherapist, educator, and advocate for healing and social justice, born and raised in the vibrant streets of New York City. My personal experiences navigating systemic injustice and poverty have shaped my passion for empowering others to heal and thrive.
My approach is trauma-informed, culturally sensitive, and holistic—designed to create safe spaces where clients feel seen, valued, and supported. For those seeking faith-based guidance, I also offer Christian counseling that integrates spiritual principles with evidence-based practices to promote emotional and spiritual growth.
With over 16 years of experience in clinical practice and education—including time spent at Columbia University Medical Center—I’ve dedicated my career to supporting underserved and underrepresented communities. My advocacy efforts include lobbying with Congress on issues like Raise the Age and Public Loan Forgiveness, reflecting my lifelong commitment to justice and equity.
I founded Pathways to Healing & Social Justice to help individuals reclaim their resilience and purpose through personalized care rooted in compassion and advocacy.
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My Approach
I believe healing is both personal and collective. My therapy style is grounded in trauma-informed care and shaped by both professional expertise and lived experience. I approach every client with empathy, cultural sensitivity, and advocacy, helping them reclaim their power and move forward with confidence.
Therapeutic Modalities Include:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) – Managing thoughts, behaviors, and emotional responses.
Trauma-Focused Therapy – Healing from past experiences in a safe, guided process.
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) – Building emotional regulation and stress management tools.
Strength-Based and Client-Centered Approaches – Highlighting resilience and empowering growth.
Christian Counseling (Available Upon Request) – Integrating faith-based principles with therapeutic techniques for emotional and spiritual healing.
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Specialties
Trauma and PTSD
Helping individuals heal from trauma, build resilience, and rediscover hope.Compassion Fatigue and Burnout
Supporting professionals, caregivers, and advocates in restoring balance and well-being.Systemic and Racial Trauma
Addressing the effects of injustice while fostering empowerment and healing.Anxiety and Depression
Guiding clients in managing emotional challenges and finding peace.Holistic Healing
Integrating mind, body, and spirit for long-term growth and renewal. -
Professional Experience & Advocacy
Keynote Speaker – Fordham Graduate School of Social Service Commencement Ceremony (2016), inspiring graduates to lead with compassion and courage.
Featured speaker at the New York Academy of Medicine and Enlace Women’s Empowerment Group, focusing on the transformative power of education and mental health.
Lobbying with Congress – Advocating for policies like Raise the Age and Public Loan Forgiveness to promote social justice and equity.
Columbia University Medical Center – Over 16 years of clinical and educational leadership in shaping social work practices.
Certifications:
Beyond The Therapy Room
I founded Pathways to Healing & Social Justice because I believe in the innate power of people to heal and thrive when given the right tools and support. My passion is helping individuals overcome personal and systemic barriers, reclaim their resilience, and build lives filled with meaning and purpose.
Outside of therapy, I love experimenting with Latinx recipes (I promise my empanadas could heal the soul!) and dancing to salsa beats—because healing can be joyful, too!
If you’re ready to take the next step toward healing, I invite you to schedule a consultation today. Together, we can create pathways to growth, resilience, and empowerment.