Meet Dr. Nancy Paloma Collins Phd-lmft | Mental Health Provider-Speaker-Educator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Dr. Nancy Paloma Collins Phd-lmft and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dr. Nancy Paloma, how does your business help the community?
My work is more than just a profession—it’s a mission, a calling, and a deep commitment to healing and empowerment. As a Latina therapist, educator, and advocate, I have dedicated my career to holding space for those who have been silenced, hurt, or marginalized. My practice is a sanctuary for those navigating trauma, domestic violence, cultural identity, and the complexities of desire and relationships.

I work closely with Latina women, including transgender Latinas, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and survivors of domestic violence, helping them reclaim their voices, bodies, and sense of self. Too often, these communities are left without the mental health support they deserve—so I make it my mission to ensure they are seen, heard, and empowered to heal.

Creating Safe Spaces for Healing
Every person who walks through my door carries a story—one of pain, resilience, and survival. Through trauma-informed therapy, I help clients process their experiences using EMDR, Gottman, Imago, CBT, and Seeking Safety, guiding them toward a life of peace, connection, and self-acceptance. My work isn’t just about addressing trauma—it’s about helping people rediscover joy, intimacy, and trust in themselves and others.

Empowering My Community
I know firsthand the struggles that Latinas and LGBTQIA+ individuals face—especially when it comes to mental health, identity, and relationships. That’s why I actively advocate, educate, and create spaces where healing is not just possible, but deeply transformative.

I offer mental health evaluations for immigrants, recognizing the weight of their journeys and the resilience it takes to start over.
I facilitate meditation groups and community discussions to promote healing beyond the therapy room.
I partner with South East Los Angeles communities, ensuring mental health care is accessible, culturally responsive, and empowering.
My work has been recognized by the City of Bell Gardens, a testament to my dedication to supporting families and individuals who often go unseen.
Breaking Generational Cycles & Rewriting Narratives
For too long, shame, silence, and fear have kept survivors from seeking help. But I refuse to let trauma define my clients’ futures. My goal is to help them break free from generational wounds, reclaim their bodies and desires, and step into lives filled with love, safety, and self-acceptance.

Through my practice, I am changing the conversation about mental health, sexuality, and trauma in the Latinx and LGBTQIA+ communities. I want every survivor to know:
💙 You are not alone.
💙 Your healing matters.
💙 You are worthy of love, safety, and joy.

This is more than my career—it’s my life’s work. And every time a client walks away feeling lighter, stronger, and more at peace, I know that together, we are changing the world—one healed soul at a time.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My Art: The Intersection of Healing, Storytelling, and Identity
I see therapy as an art form—one that blends science, intuition, and deep human connection. My work is not just about treating trauma or guiding clients through challenges; it’s about helping them rewrite their stories, reclaim their voices, and rediscover their inner strength.
What sets me apart is my ability to bring a multicultural, trauma-informed, and deeply personal approach to therapy. I don’t just address symptoms—I honor the full human experience, including culture, identity, family history, and the ways our past shapes our desires, relationships, and sense of self.
From Fashion to Mental Health: A Journey of Transformation
Before I became a therapist, I was in the fashion industry. I studied fashion design and merchandising, built my own business in the Santee Alleys of Downtown Los Angeles, and followed in the footsteps of my parents, who were successful store owners for over 30 years. I loved the creativity, the hustle, and the power of self-expression through clothing.
But deep down, I knew my true purpose was somewhere else. Mental health was my calling.
The Challenges: Walking a New Path
Shifting careers wasn’t easy. It meant starting over, stepping into uncertainty, and challenging the expectations that others had for me. It meant pushing through financial struggles, long hours of education and training, and moments of doubt. But what kept me going was the belief that I was meant to create spaces of healing for those who needed it most.
I overcame these challenges through resilience, self-trust, and the support of my community. I knew that if I could help even one person break free from trauma and embrace a life of love, safety, and self-acceptance, then every struggle was worth it.
Lessons I’ve Learned Along the Way
💜 Healing is not linear. Growth comes in waves, and we have to honor every step of the journey.
💜 Our past does not define us—our power lies in how we choose to move forward.
💜 Storytelling is a tool for survival and liberation. Whether in fashion, therapy, or advocacy, our stories shape how we heal.
💜 Representation matters. As a Latina therapist working with Latina and LGBTQIA+ survivors, I know that seeing someone who understands your lived experience makes all the difference.
What I Want the World to Know About My Work & Story
My work is more than therapy—it’s a movement. It’s about breaking cycles of domestic violence, generational trauma, and cultural silence around mental health. It’s about giving survivors the tools to not only heal but to thrive, love, and embrace their full selves.
I want the world to know that healing is possible. That we all deserve love, safety, and joy. That even after pain, there is life, beauty, and deep connection waiting on the other side.
This is why I do what I do. This is my art.
And I wouldn’t trade it for anything. 💜✨

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
🌞 Day 1: Welcome to LA – A Taste of Culture & History
💜 Morning:
• Grand Central Market – Breakfast at Sarita’s Pupuseria or Eggslut for something delicious and classic.
• Walk through Olvera Street, one of the most historic sites in LA, to soak in the Mexican roots of the city.
💜 Afternoon:
• Visit the The Broad Museum to check out contemporary art, including pieces by Yayoi Kusama and Basquiat.
• Stop by MOCA (Museum of Contemporary Art) for even more artistic inspiration.
💜 Evening:
• Dinner at 🌮 X’tiosu Kitchen – A Latina-owned fusion spot in Boyle Heights blending Oaxacan and Lebanese flavors, offering unique dishes like tlayuda shawarma and delicious mezcal cocktails.
• Walk through Downtown LA’s Arts District, stopping by local galleries and the Hauser & Wirth courtyard.

🌆 Day 2: Rooted in Cultura – A Celebration of Latina-Owned Spaces in East LA
💜 Morning:
• Breakfast at Café de Leche – A Latina-owned coffee shop in Highland Park, known for its delicious horchata lattes and community vibe.
💜 Afternoon:
• Lunch at Milpa Grille – A Latina-owned eatery in Boyle Heights that celebrates Mesoamerican cuisine, serving nourishing, maize-based dishes inspired by pre-Hispanic traditions.
• Visit Casa 0101 Theater – A cultural gem founded by playwright Josefina López (Real Women Have Curves), showcasing Latinx stories through film, theater, and art.
• Explore Espacio 1839 – A Latina-owned bookstore, art gallery, and community space in Boyle Heights, featuring books on activism, healing, and Latinx identity.
💜 Evening:
• Dinner at Tamales Liliana’s – One of East LA’s most beloved Latina-owned restaurants, known for its authentic tamales and comforting Mexican dishes.
• End the day with a walk down Mariachi Plaza, soaking in the music, history, and soul of Boyle Heights.

💆🏽‍♀️ Day 3: Self-Care & Healing in LA
💜 Morning:
• A sound bath at The Den Meditation to set the tone for a mindful, healing day.
• Brunch at Kitchen Mouse in Highland Park—delicious vegan and gluten-free options.
💜 Afternoon:
• Visit Self-Realization Fellowship Lake Shrine for peaceful reflection and stunning gardens.
• A relaxing spa experience at Glen Ivy Hot Springs (because deep healing also includes taking care of our bodies!).
💜 Evening:
• A cozy dinner at Gracias Madre (Mexican vegan food + dreamy cocktails).
• A quiet night in with tea, catching up on life and personal growth.

🎭 Day 4: The Latina & LGBTQIA+ Experience in LA
💜 Morning:
• Breakfast at Café de Leche, a Latinx-owned café in Highland Park.
• Visit the LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes, which highlights Mexican-American history and resilience.
💜 Afternoon:
• Lunch at Tlayuda L.A., an Indigenous Oaxacan-inspired spot in East LA.
• Explore Mi Vida Boutique, a Latina-owned shop with beautiful handcrafted goods.
• Stop by The LGBTQ+ Center in West Hollywood for community events or book readings.
💜 Evening:
• Dinner at Redbird (elevated Latin flavors in a gorgeous setting).
• Drinks and dancing at The Abbey or Club Chico, depending on the vibe!

🛍️ Day 5: Fashion & Shopping – My First Love
💜 Morning:
• Breakfast at République, one of LA’s best French-inspired cafes.
• Visit The Fashion District, where I once owned a store in the Santee Alleys. Show them where my first career began and explore fabric shops and Latinx-owned businesses.
💜 Afternoon:
• Lunch at Perch, a rooftop bistro with a Parisian feel and stunning city views.
• Shopping in Melrose Avenue for vintage and unique fashion finds.
💜 Evening:
• A classic dinner at Bestia, one of LA’s most beloved Italian restaurants.
• Nightcap at Apothéke LA, a moody speakeasy with incredible cocktails.

🌄 Day 6: A Spiritual & Outdoor Adventure
💜 Morning:
• Sunrise hike at Runyon Canyon for breathtaking views of LA.
• Juice and breakfast at Erewhon (because no LA trip is complete without it!).
💜 Afternoon:
• Visit the Museum of Latin American Art (MOLAA) in Long Beach.
• Lunch at Lola’s Mexican Cuisine, a modern take on traditional recipes.
💜 Evening:
• Sunset at Point Dume, sitting on the cliffs and soaking in the ocean air.
• A quiet dinner at Crossroads Kitchen, perfect for meaningful conversations and unwinding.

🎉 Day 7: A Celebration of Life & Culture
💜 Morning:
• Brunch at Cha Cha Chá in the Arts District—modern Mexican food in a dreamy rooftop setting.
💜 Afternoon:
• Spend the day at Descanso Gardens, a stunning, peaceful retreat filled with beautiful nature trails and breathtaking landscapes.
• Take a ceramic or painting class at a local Latina-owned studio like People’s Pottery Project.
💜 Evening:
• Final dinner at Madre! (mezcal and traditional Oaxacan flavors to toast to an unforgettable trip!).
• End the night at The Walt Disney Concert Hall for a classical music performance, or Lucha VaVOOM for an exciting mix of Mexican wrestling, burlesque, and culture.

Why This Trip is Special
This itinerary isn’t just about seeing LA—it’s about experiencing the city through culture, healing, and meaningful moments. I would want my best friend to leave not just with beautiful photos but with a deeper sense of connection, inspiration, and renewal.
Los Angeles isn’t just a place to visit—it’s a place to feel, grow, and celebrate life. 💜✨

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My Shoutout Goes To…
💜 The Latina Survivors Who Trust Me with Their Stories
Every transgender Latina and Latina woman who has walked into my office, shared their pain, and committed to their healing—you inspire me every single day. Your resilience, your strength, and your courage to reclaim your lives after trauma are the reasons I do this work. You are the heartbeat of my mission.
💜 My Family & Ancestors
My story is deeply tied to my roots. I honor my ancestors, my family, and the generations before me who have endured hardships yet carried love, wisdom, and hope forward. Their struggles and resilience have paved the way for my own growth, and I carry their spirit in everything I do.
💜 The LGBTQIA+ & Latinx Mental Health Advocates
To the trailblazers, therapists, educators, and activists who continue to fight for mental health equity, LGBTQIA+ rights, and culturally competent care—thank you for laying the foundation and pushing boundaries. Being a part of this movement is an honor.
💜 My Professional Communities – CAMFT & WPATH
Being a member of the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (CAMFT) and the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH) has given me a network of passionate professionals who are committed to making therapy accessible, ethical, and affirming for all.
💜 The City of Bell Gardens & My Community in South East LA
To my community—thank you for trusting me to be a resource, a guide, and a voice for mental health advocacy. Being recognized for my work in South East Los Angeles is not just an honor, but a reminder that healing is a collective effort.
💜 Books & Writers Who Have Transformed My Perspective
Books have always been my refuge and my greatest teachers, and I want to give a special shoutout to the Mexican authors who have shaped my journey:
✨ Don Miguel Ruiz – The Four Agreements changed my perspective on healing, personal freedom, and breaking cycles of suffering. Meeting him in person was a true honor that reinforced my purpose in this work.
✨ Gloria Anzaldúa – Her exploration of borderlands, identity, and resilience resonates deeply with my work and my own story.
✨ Elena Poniatowska – A voice for the marginalized, her work reminds me of the power of storytelling in healing.
✨ Laura Esquivel – The way she weaves emotion, culture, and tradition into stories like Like Water for Chocolate is a reminder of how deeply our emotions are tied to our heritage.
✨ Octavio Paz – His exploration of Mexican identity, history, and emotional landscapes has influenced how I understand collective trauma and resilience.
💜 Every Client Who Has Taught Me the Power of Healing
Healing is not a one-way street. Every client I’ve had the honor to work with has also taught me something about resilience, love, and the human spirit. You remind me that healing is possible, even in the face of deep wounds.
To everyone who has walked this journey with me—this is for you. 💜✨

Website: https://palomatherapy.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paloma_therapy/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/palomatherapyy

Image Credits
Irene Gutierrez- Photographer
Designer Bad Burro (Purple Jumpsuit)
Benny Canez- Makeup
Robbie Clavano- Hair
Kevins_hairworld_ Hair Colorist/Cut

Natalie Prieto- Photographer/Creative Director (Black and Red Dress Pictures)
Benny Canez- Makeup
Robbie Clavano- Hair
Kevins_hairworld_ Hair Colorist/Cut

Yaqueline Hernandez-Photographer (White Blouse/Overall Pics)
Ceci De La Hoya- Makeup-Hair