A L L A B O U T
YOUR THERAPIST
at Untold Stories
A private practice that puts YOU first.
Change the way you look at things & the things you look at change.
T O R I D I B O N A
, L M F T
As a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (LMFT) in the state of Colorado and Illinois, I am dedicated to cultivating a safe space for you to tell the untold. It can be difficult to make progress eliminating your existing concerns when you lack a thorough understanding of the process that went into creating these concerns to begin with.
It all begins with a story.
Telling stories regarding the various aspects of your inner world can aid in fostering both introspection and introspection. Untold Stories aims to create a supportive environment conducive to successfully exploring the stories you have already told, discussing the stories you have been longing to tell, and uncovering the stories you have yet to tell. Active listening, genuine guidance, and evidence-based interventions are implemented to assist in reconstructing the stories that no longer serve us.
Stories We Tell
The stories we tell tend to change over time. As memories fade and emotions shift, the details of a story can become embellished, distorted, or even forgotten. Social, societal, cultural, and political influences can profoundly affect the evolution of our stories. Stories are subjected to modifications every time we retell them. The stories we tell are often subconsciously adapted to take into account our current perspective of ourselves, others, and our surroundings. The stories we recount have the potential to either reinforce our pre-existing assumptions or confront and discredit our biases. The former can decrease our overall well-being by enabling us to disregard evidence that contradicts our present outlook, whereas the latter can increase our overall well-being by preventing us from continuing to engage in faulty thinking patterns.
Stories We Are Told
The stories we are told can remarkably impact the stories we tell about our personal experiences. The negative messages we internalize from the collection of stories we are told can significantly warp our perception of ourselves in relation to the world around us, which can severely cloud our judgment and contribute to our presenting concerns. Exposure to these external stories can lead to the development of thoughts and feelings associated with doubt, insecurity, inadequacy, fear, guilt, and shame. These particular stories can shape our point of view pertaining to who we are and what we deserve over time, hindering our ability to generate compassionate stories that reflect our true worth and reclaim our personal agency. It is crucial to critically examine the stories we ingest to ensure that they are in alignment with our beliefs, values, and core identity.
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Purdue University Northwest - Master of Science (M.S.) in Child Development and Family Studies with a Concentration in Marriage and Family Therapy
University of Nevada, Las Vegas - Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Psychology and a Minor in Family Studies
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I got the opportunity to work with a wide array of individuals, couples, and families in a clinical setting during my time at Purdue University Northwest. I attained two years of clinical training by the time that I earned my M.S. degree.
I spent the first year completing an internship at Purdue University Northwest’s onsite clinic.
I spent the second year completing an externship at a group private practice in Chicago, IL.
Additionally, I wrote my thesis on the impact pornography has on relationship and sexual satisfaction. Pornography can be used as a tool to further sexual exploration and communication in and out of the bedroom. Click here if you’d like to learn more about my research.
I am trained in all 3 levels of Gottman Method Couples Therapy, which is an evidence-based therapeutic approach often used to work with individuals in a romantic relationship and/or couples.
I am also trained in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy that has provided me with the foundation to examine and explore how past experiences have a way of interfering with the present moment..
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I identify as a white, cisgender, heterosexual woman. My pronouns are she/her/hers.
Family of Origin:
I was born in Akron, Ohio but my family relocated to Las Vegas, Nevada when I was 3 years old.
I am the eldest of three. I have a younger sister and brother.
I was in middle school when my parents got divorced.
Fun Facts:
I love all things related to poetry and philosophy.
I learned how to ride a dirt bike before I learned how to ride a bicycle.
I played soccer throughout the majority of my childhood.
All sessions are currently offered virtually through a HIPAA-compliant platform.
Reach out to schedule a free
15-min consultation!
I T T A K E S C O U R A G E
T O T E L L Y O U R S T O R Y
Reasons You Can Feel Confident Confiding in Me
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Untold Stories prioritizes the privacy and protection of your personal information, empowering you to feel comfortable discussing difficult topics related to your area(s) of concern. In the absence of any risks associated with doing so, I am committed to maintaining confidentiality. This commitment can provide you with a sense of security as you make progress reaching your goals for treatment.
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I have been exposed to countless opportunities to continuously refine my communication skills in and out of a clinical setting, fostering high quality treatment. These communication skills will help you and I cultivate a therapeutic relationship that is conducive to appropriately addressing your presenting concern(s) in order to attain long-lasting positive change. By demonstrating effective communication, you will feel increasingly confident being your most authentic self, encouraging you to freely express complicated emotions and experiences in a manner that will likely reduce your overall level of distress.
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I place a heightened level of importance on creating an environment that you feel safe in. I am a firm believer that establishing trust within the therapeutic relationship is a fundamental aspect of feeling safe throughout the duration of treatment. I have found that this is primarily accomplished through a series of positive interactions between the client and the therapist. I utilize warmth, humor, and genuine curiosity in an effort to make sure that you feel at ease examining your presenting concern(s), promoting an atmosphere where healing and growth can flourish.
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Professional experience plays a critical role in establishing a safe space for you to work toward managing and eliminating your presenting concern(s). By drawing on my professional expertise, I can foster an environment where you feel empowered to elaborate upon your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors in an attempt to improve your overall well-being.
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Specialized training is crucial for the development of a productive environment for you to tell stories that are either directly or indirectly related to your presenting concern(s). The extensive training that I have received has provided me with the necessary skill set and knowledge to to navigate the complexities of your unique experiences. The training I have undergone has helped me recognize my own biases, boundaries, and limitations. This preparation has made me equipped to work alongside you to explore sensitive topics in a way that puts you first.
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My dedication to ongoing learning guarantees that I stay on top of the latest research and best practices; enriching me with an informed approach to treatment. By continuously broadening my understanding of the intricacies of psychotherapy, I can successfully tailor treatment to ensure you are receiving the support you are deserving of. My investment in my professional development allows me to generate a highly inclusive, affirming, and welcoming space that can maximize the likelihood of truly benefiting from obtaining mental health services.
CLINICAL FOCUS
Anxiety & Depression
Anger Management
Boundary Setting
Communication Issues
Coping Skills
Disruptions to Routine
Emotional Expression & Regulation
Family Conflict
Grief, Loss, & Heartbreak
Identity Crisis or Confusion
Imbalance in Division of Labor
Infidelity & Trust Issues
Life Purpose & Meaning
Major Life Events or Transitions
Navigating Non-Monogamy
Personal & Relational Growth
Pre-Marital Counseling
Relationship Issues
Low Self-Esteem & Self-Worth
Sexual Abuse or Assault
Sexual Difficulties & Discrepancies
Sexual or Gender Identity Exploration
Stress Management
Unmet Expectations
Unresolved Conflict
Women’s Issues
Work-Life Balance
