Hi there!

My name is Ariel Saldana. My journey through life as a genderfluid, AFAB, person of color has fueled my passion for creating a space of empathy and compassion for members of my community.

I aim to give my clients the atmosphere and tools they need to reach a higher level of self and understanding. Therapy is a collaborative engagement where I have the pleasure of working with clients to reach their goals in a personalized way. Let’s work together by sitting in the hard moments, celebrating your journey, and find the joy in it all!

I have previous experience in Behavioral Therapy for children with autism. That role taught me how to customize sessions, be experimental in practice, and let the client lead the way. My practice comes from a holistic, care-based approach with a focus on being client centered. My therapy pitch in one sentence would be: “I primarily use talk therapy, somatic techniques, and parts work to identify feelings and promote emotional growth.” I hope to apply my methods to working with kids, teenagers, adults, and partners alike who are experiencing high levels of emotions, communication struggles, identity exploration, and life transitions.

I graduated from Riverside City College with four associate degrees and transferred to California State Long Beach where I earned my Bachelors in Psychology. In 2025, I graduated from the University of Michigan with my Masters in Social Work with the goal of becoming an LGBTQ+ centered Sex Therapist and Educator. I want to break down the obstacles of colonialism to create an environment of radical acceptance, personal growth, freedom of speech, and, most importantly, queer joy.

In my free time, I love to play video games. I enjoy a wide range of media and animations. Additionally, my favorite thing to do is laugh the night away with loved ones.