My name is Rodrigo Villegas, LCSW. Life isn’t easy. I know that’s a gigantic understatement, we’ve all learned how fragile things can be ever since the world ended in early 2020. Remember when we thought Tiger King was going to be the wildest part of that year? If only.

On the bright side, we are nothing, if not resilient. We fall, we suffer, we rise, we learn, and then we push ever onward and upward; it’s not a failure if we learn something for the next push forward. Given the path to happiness and success is never an easy nor straight one, we all need to be ready to fall. A lot. No, really, like a lot. It’s why we celebrate success, it’s the exception, not the norm.

Falling is the easy part, it’s getting up that’s hard, and trying again that’s even harder. And sometimes? Sometimes, we need a hand up. We’re human, we’re hardwired for connection, to hear and be heard, to speak, and be spoken to. When we don’t get that, when we get lost in the isolation, wither and fade. That’s where I come in.

In terms of specifics, I specialize in substance abuse recovery and trauma; I also have extensive experience with mood and/or anxiety disorders, as well as personality disorders and psychotic disorders. My clinical style is Rogerian. That’s just a fancy way of saying that you’re the lead on that path to happiness and success. You’re my boss, and I follow your lead. We go where you want to, talk about what you need to, at whatever pace you feel is best. You know you best, what is best for you, and what you need.

I see it as traveling through a forest. Sometimes it’s full of natural beauty, sometimes it’s a dark maze. As the expert on yourself, you have the map and I have the backpack with the flashlight, snacks, etc. My job is not to tell you want to do, or how to live your life, or who and what you should be. I’m here to be a support, and go along on the therapeutic adventure along with you as the best wingman I can be. I’m not going to lie to you. It’s not easy, and it’s at times, terrifying. At the very least, you won’t be going at it alone. In spite of that challenge, I promise you, it’s worth it. That sunrise from the top of the mountain, once you’re out of the forest? It’s unlike anything else.