A Trauma-Informed and Affirmative Practice

CONSULTATION AND TRAINING

The Prickly Pear Consulting team is led by Drs. Josephine Serrata and Gabriela Hurtado Alvarado. As two Latina psychologists grounded in liberation psychology, our intersectional cultural identities shape us and our commitment to transformative change.

We employ participatory action research and evaluation methods to ensure our services are accessible, contextually relevant, and linguistically sensitive. Whether in clinical mental health care, community intervention, organizational leadership, or evaluation, we are guided by the belief that knowledge sharing and development should be dynamic, collaborative, and rooted in trust and strong relationships.

OUR APPROACH

Collaborative and Relationship Centered

This means that, as supported by research, we understand the consultation relationship to be a foundational mechanism of change. In addition, we value a collaborative, collective work-team environment and promote relationships within our organization, in our communities and among consulting collectives.

Trauma and Healing-Informed

We also value understanding trauma (individual and collective), how trauma impacts us as practitioners, and how it impacts our organization, communities and knowledge generation. This knowledge influences all aspects of our work and interactions in this practice.

Empowerment-Based

We recognize the tremendous strength and resilience in our communities, research/evaluation partners, and organization partners. We seek to foster inner and collective growth through mutual knowledge sharing.

Culturally-Centered and Anti-Oppression

We honor and center our cultural selves and prioritize culture organizationally. We draw from cultural resiliency and uplift traditional healing and collective cultural wisdom. Our organization seeks to build a brave space where processes of self-reflection and growth related to anti-racism and anti-oppression work are central.

You can learn more about our work through our selected projects and publications:

Trauma-Informed Principles through a Culturally Specific Lens

Expanding evidence-based practice models for domestic violence initiatives: A community-centered approach

Culturally-Responsive Learning and Evaluation

Centering the Needs of Underserved and Linguistically Diverse Communities in Iowa: A Community-Centered Needs Assessment and Strategic Plan

Understanding the Impact of Hurricane Harvey on Family Violence Survivors in Texas and Those Who Serve Them

Behavioral health service delivery with immigrants

SCHEDULE

A CONSULTATION

Are you interested in learning more about therapy but you’re feeling too nervous or anxious to seek help? We are here for you at your own pace and convenience. By filling out our form to request a consultation below, there are absolutely no requirements or commitments- your healing journey is just a conversation away with Prickly Pear.