Aura Cruz, MSW, ASW
Registered Associate Clinical Social Worker #131133
Supervised by: Dr. Krystal Handy, LMFT# 111600
Adolescent Therapy
Adult Therapy
Foster Youth
Client Focus: Foster Youth, Children (7+), Adolescents, Adults, Families in the Child Welfare System, Immigrant and First-Generation Families
Specialties: Foster care system navigation, adolescent therapy, adult therapy, complex trauma, transitional periods, maternity, divorce
Treatment Methods: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Therapy, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT)
"I do what I do because I believe representation in all fields is powerful. I love being a first-gen Latina representing and uplifting our voices. I want to be part of breaking generational traumas within our culture and add healthy and positive coping skills."
- Aura Cruz
Aura Cruz is an Associate Clinical Social Worker who brings deep expertise in working with children and families navigating the foster care system, creating spaces where the most vulnerable feel seen, understood, and supported.
With particular specialization in foster youth, adolescents, and adults, she works with children ages 7 and up alongside their families, as well as adults of any age facing life's transitions. Aura is passionate about representation in mental health care, proudly serving as a first-generation Latina therapist committed to uplifting voices that have historically been marginalized. Her work is driven by a powerful belief in breaking generational traumas within Latino and immigrant communities while introducing healthy, positive coping skills that honor cultural identity and foster healing.
Her therapeutic approach integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Therapy, and Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT). This evidence-based framework allows her to help clients build practical skills that improve their quality of life while addressing the deeper trauma that often underlies presenting concerns. Aura excels at helping clients understand themselves more fully, creating a therapeutic relationship where they feel genuinely seen in their struggles. Her specialized training in TF-CBT is particularly valuable for working with foster youth and families who have experienced complex trauma, providing structured support for processing difficult experiences while building resilience and hope for the future.
With a Master's degree in Social Work and seven years of experience in community mental health, Aura brings substantial real-world expertise to her therapeutic practice. Her background includes working in crisis programs in collaboration with DCFS (Department of Children and Family Services) and Probation, giving her intimate knowledge of the systems that impact vulnerable families and the unique challenges they face. This experience has equipped her with a deep understanding of complex trauma, the ability to navigate dysfunctional family dynamics with skill and compassion, and a nuanced awareness of all aspects of immigrant and first-generation experiences—from acculturation stress to the strength of maintaining cultural identity while adapting to new environments.
Outside the therapy room, Aura embraces life with the same passion and authenticity she brings to her clinical work. She loves hiking and connecting with nature, finding both physical vitality and mental clarity on the trails. As someone who genuinely loves food, Aura appreciates culinary experiences and the way sharing meals creates connection and joy. Travel is another passion, allowing her to explore new places, experience different cultures, and expand her perspective—experiences that enrich both her personal life and her ability to connect with clients from diverse backgrounds. These interests reflect her belief in living fully, finding balance, and embracing the pleasures that make life meaningful.
Aura brings specialized expertise in working with foster youth and families navigating the child welfare system, with seven years of experience in community mental health and crisis programs collaborating with DCFS and Probation.
As a proud first-generation Latina therapist, she provides culturally responsive care that honors the unique experiences of immigrant and first-generation families while actively working to break generational trauma patterns and introduce healthy coping skills.
Aura excels at understanding and addressing complex trauma, navigating dysfunctional family dynamics, and supporting clients through all aspects of immigrant and first-generation experiences with deep cultural competency and genuine empathy.