“Beloved community is formed not by the eradication of difference but by its affirmation, by each of us claiming the identities and cultural legacies that shape who we are and how we live in the world.”
– bell hooks
Hi, my name is Joanna
My full name is Joanna Marie Vallarta Bartolome (She/Her), a queer Filipino-American woman, truth-seeker, and community space-holder. I am a yoga and meditation practitioner who works somatically with individuals navigating intimacy, cultural identity, trauma, grief, life transitions, depression, anxiety, systemic oppression, sexuality, and spirituality. My personal values are rooted in radical self-awareness, family, community, and social justice. My work as a counselor is also influenced by my meditation practice, Buddhist philosophy, movement and dance, and tea rituals. Professionally, I’ve journeyed through diverse roles, including a financial analyst at a tech startup, UX/UI designer, entrepreneur, and tea server.
The purpose of my practice is to help individuals from all walks of life tap into their inner wisdom, cultivating greater fulfillment, connection, and liberation.
My approach is tailored to meet each client’s unique needs in the present moment. It integrates psychodynamic, cultural-relational, depth, humanistic, person-centered, relational, somatic, and trauma-informed modalities.
Training / Professional Background
Trainings
Relational Somatic Healing: Relational Touch Training | Spring, 2024
Relational Somatic Healing: Beyond Attachment Training | Fall, 2023
Vinyasa Yoga Training Instructor | Fall, 2023
Workshops
Loving-Kindness Meditation Workshop | Summer 2024
Neo-Reichian Workshop | Spring, 2024
Somatic Holistic Health Navigation | Spring, 2024
Authentic Movement Workshop | Fall, 2023
Neo Anger Release Workshop | Summer, 2023
NVC Reclaiming Life Training | Spring, 2023
Joanna Macy: Coming Back to Life Workshop | Spring, 2023
I bring a holistic and integrative approach to healing, drawing from diverse movement, psychodynamic, and spiritual modalities. Below is a list of trainings and workshops I incorporate.
I charge sliding scale between $80 - $150 per 50 min session.
Why Zenith Healing?
At Zenith, we honoring and hold space for the memories and stories that arise from your parts. Together, we will work to build a stronger more resilient Self to help witness both the darkness and light of your stories with care and discernment. With curiosity, acceptance, compassion, and love, I approach each part of you with tenderness and a deep respect for the protective roles they’ve played, guiding them with discerning compassion.
Safety & Trust
Safety is the foundation for genuine connection. As your counselor, I create a safe, inclusive, and nurturing space where you can explore your emotions and share your stories without fear of judgment.
Learn about the importance of safety as it impacts child development
Healing Attachment Wounds
As children, we relied on our parents for safety, connection, sustenance, and love. Attachment wounds, regardless of our race, class, or gender, cut deeply into our unconscious, simply because we are human. These wounds shape how we grow into adulthood, our strategies for love and connection, our capacity to relate to others, and how we give and receive care. They can also fuel an unconscious drive for external recognition, affirmation, and validation, impacting our sense of Self, belonging and connection. Learn how about the importance of a individuated Self
Holistic Care & Meaning-Making
Through mindfulness, somatic practices, dreamwork, active imagination, and parts work, we will co-create narratives that support your healing journey. Together, we will also explore how trauma impacts the brain, empowering you with knowledge and tools to foster resilience and growth.
Empathy
I strive to understand and share the feelings of my clients, creating a compassionate and supportive environment.
Authenticity
I value genuine, honest interactions and encourage my clients to embrace their true self.
Continuous Learning
I am committed to the ongoing education and growth, staying informed about new developments and best practices in my counseling.
Values
Empowerment
When appropriate, I encourage clients take control of their lives, make informed decisions, and build self-efficacy
Mindfulness
I believe in the importance of grounding in the present moment, fostering mindfulness and awareness in both personal and professional life.
Compassion & Non-Judgement
Safety is most important. I provide a compassionate, accessible, and nonjudgmental care, prioritizing human connection and support.
Integrity
Upholding honesty, ethics, and transparency in all interactions and practices.
Diversity & Inclusivity
Celebrating diversity and welcoming people of all cultures and identities, fostering an inclusive environment.
Holistic Care
Emphasizing a holistic approach to healthcare that considers interconnected systems and natural healing processes.
Come work with me
I welcome people of all identities, intersections, and chapters in life. My practice affirms and celebrates all races, religions, genders, and sexual orientations.
As a 2nd generation Filipino American immigrant, I love working with Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, immigrants, queer, trans, BIPOC, interracial/multicultural persons, non-monogamous folx, creatives and artists, highly sensitive people, tech workers, entrepreneurs, healers, social justice advocates, and spiritually-inclined individuals.
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Women face unique challenges and transitions throughout their lives. I am here to support women in finding their true sense of self, navigating societal expectations, and empowering them to live authentically and confidently. Whether you're addressing relationship dynamics, exploring personal growth, healing from trauma, or seeking to redefine your identity, my approach is rooted in empathy, understanding, and a commitment to your well-being. Together, we can explore and embrace the strengths and complexities that make you uniquely you.
I Support You in:
1. Enhancing Mental Health and Emotional Well-being Addressing anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, or other mental health concerns to improve overall well-being.
2. Navigating Relationship Challenges Helping you navigate relationships with partners, family, friends, or colleagues by improving communication and setting healthy boundaries.
3. Guiding Through Life Transitions Supporting you through significant life changes like marriage, divorce, parenthood, career shifts, or loss, providing guidance during adjustment periods.
4. Facilitating Self-Discovery and Personal Growth Exploring values, goals, and aspirations to foster personal growth, resilience, and a deeper self-understanding.
5. Healing from Trauma Providing a safe space to process emotions, develop coping strategies, and rebuild a sense of safety and empowerment after experiencing trauma.
6. Exploring Identity and Culture Supporting exploration and affirmation of identity, including gender, sexuality, cultural heritage, and spiritual beliefs, in a non-judgmental environment.
7. Coping with Health Challenges Managing the psychological impact of chronic illness, pain, infertility, or other health concerns to enhance coping strategies and overall well-being.
8. Navigating Work and Career Challenges Addressing work-related stress, burnout, career transitions, discrimination, or finding fulfillment in your professional life, supporting you in achieving work-life balance.
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As a second-generation immigrant, I know the struggle of English not being your first language. I am committed to providing a respectful and culturally sensitive environment for emotional exploration and transformative learning.
As a counselor/coach, I understand the importance of recognizing and addressing the unique challenges minority groups face. My approach is tailored to help you navigate systemic oppression and find empowerment and healing in your personal and communal experiences.
Healing from Racial Trauma: Address the emotional and psychological impacts of racism, discrimination, and oppression.
Coping with Microaggressions: Learn coping strategies for navigating daily microaggressions and biases in various environments.
Navigating Cultural Expectations: Navigate cultural expectations, family dynamics, and societal pressures while staying true to yourself.
Processing Intergenerational Trauma: Heal from the effects of intergenerational trauma passed down through your family or community.
Building Self-Identity: Explore and affirm your sense of self, identity, and belonging in a world that may not always affirm your worth.
Creating Social Change: Gain tools and resources for advocating for social justice, equity, and systemic change in your community.
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I offer a compassionate and inclusive space for individuals within the LGBTQIA+ community. As a cisgender woman with a history of relationships, I want to be transparent about my background and acknowledge that I don't have lived experience as an LGBTQIA+ person. However, I am deeply committed to providing a safe container for you to explore your sexuality and gender identity.
Navigating Coming Out: Explore your identity and navigate the coming-out process in a safe and supportive environment.
Addressing Internalized Shame: Work through feelings of shame, self-doubt, or internalized homophobia/transphobia.
Processing Discrimination: Heal from experiences of discrimination, microaggressions, or hate crimes.
Navigating Relationship Dynamics: Address challenges related to dating, relationships, or non-traditional family structures.
Exploring Gender Identity: Receive support and validation as you explore your gender identity and expression.
Coping with Minority Stress: Develop coping strategies for navigating minority stress and societal stigma.
Building Self-Acceptance: Cultivate self-acceptance, self-love, and pride in your LGBTQIA+ identity.
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I help individuals explore their identity and tackle deeper questions about who they are, while also navigating the pressures of their professional lives. My support includes overcoming feelings of isolation, managing perfectionism, and finding a healthy balance between personal and professional commitments. I also assist with breaking through creative blocks and managing intense emotions, all with the goal of enhancing their overall well-being and creative productivity.
- Overcome creative blocks, and unleash your artistic potential.
- Navigate the ups and downs of the creative journey, including self-doubt, perfectionism, and fear of failure.
- Address past traumas, rejections, and setbacks that may be holding you back from fully embracing your creativity.
- Cultivate mindfulness practices and self-care rituals to support your emotional well-being and creative flow.
- Explore the deeper meaning behind your creative work and align your artistic endeavors with your values and aspirations.
- Develop resilience and coping skills to navigate the challenges of the creative industry and maintain balance in your life.
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If you’re struggling with overwhelming feelings, feel alone or misunderstood, feel confused by societal messages or aren’t sure how your path may unfold - I’m here to help.
I work with young adults who are forming their identity, healing their trauma and finding their path in a mindful, inspired way.
Identity Formation: Explore and embrace your unique identity in a safe and supportive space.
Trauma Healing: Heal from past traumas and break free from patterns that no longer serve you.
Mindful Living: Cultivate mindfulness and self-awareness to navigate life's challenges with grace and resilience.
Purpose and Direction: Discover your passions, values, and aspirations, and create a roadmap for your future.
Navigating Relationships: Learn healthy communication skills, set boundaries, and build fulfilling relationships.
Managing Stress and Anxiety: Develop coping strategies to manage stress, anxiety, and overwhelm.
Building Confidence: Boost self-esteem and confidence to pursue your goals and dreams with courage.
Coping with Transition: Navigate life transitions such as college, career changes, or moving to a new city with confidence and resilience.
Navigating Technology and Social Media: Address the impact of technology and social media on mental health and well-being.
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Having worked in the tech industry for seven years, I deeply understand the hustle and competitive culture of Silicon Valley. I empathize with analytical minds—whether they are engineers, scientists, operational professionals, or others.
I recognize that accessing emotions can sometimes be challenging, and I am committed to guiding you at your own pace to help release blockages and foster emotional healing.
My mission is to help individuals become more present and embodied. We will work together to uncover self-limiting beliefs and thought patterns, and develop awareness of strategies and defense mechanisms.
Here are some areas where I can assist you:
- Managing burnout and stress in high-pressure environments
- Balancing work-life boundaries and preventing overwork
- Addressing imposter syndrome and feelings of inadequacy
- Coping with the fast-paced nature of the tech industry
- Dealing with the uncertainty of job security and frequent changes in the industry
- Navigating career transitions or pivots within tech
- Managing conflicts and interpersonal dynamics within teams
- Coping with isolation and loneliness, especially in remote work settings
- Addressing mental health stigma in the tech community
- Developing healthy coping mechanisms for handling setbacks and failures
- Finding purpose and meaning in their work beyond financial success
- Cultivating resilience and emotional intelligence in leadership roles
- Addressing issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace
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I offer specialized support for individuals in leadership positions, such as CEOs, upper management, and business owners.
Understanding these roles' unique pressures and responsibilities, I provide a safe space to explore and address the stressors and emotional challenges you face.
Managing multiple responsibilities and demands is taking a toll on your mental and emotional well-being.
Build more intimate relationships
Facing difficult decisions, managing conflicts, or navigating power dynamics within your organization.
Struggling to find time for personal life, hobbies, and self-care amidst the demands of your leadership role.
Experiencing symptoms of burnout, such as exhaustion, cynicism, or decreased performance.
Seeking personal growth and development to become a more effective and fulfilled leader.
Dealing with organizational changes, transitions, or crises that impact your leadership role.
Wanting to enhance your emotional intelligence and interpersonal skills to lead better and inspire your team.