Angela Sanginito, MHC-LP

My therapist saved my life.

I was a teenager with anorexia nervosa and I was dying. I was almost hospitalized and if I had continued down that path, I wouldn’t be here today. At the time, I didn’t fully appreciate what she was doing for me – I was just a scared kid who didn’t want to be in therapy. But she stuck with me through that difficult journey and now I understand that without her, I wouldn’t exist.

That experience shapes everything about how I practice today. I know what it feels like to be on the other side of this work, to be resistant and scared and not sure if any of this “therapy stuff” actually helps. I can tell you that it does help – sometimes it saves lives – but it has to be done right.

I came from Guatemala when I was a year old and was adopted. I’ve never been ashamed of that story, and I think growing up knowing I was chosen gave me a different perspective on belonging and connection.

Before becoming a therapist, I worked as a barista for nearly five years. I loved that job – the daily connections with customers, getting to know the regulars, being part of people’s routines. If I hadn’t pursued psychology, I probably would have opened my own coffee shop. Those years in customer service taught me how to talk to all kinds of people without getting nervous when situations get complicated. I still work at a psychiatric hospital where I get exposure to different populations, and all of that experience helps me stay calm and present with whatever gets brought into my therapy room.

My approach is pretty straightforward – I go with the flow of what’s being presented to me in session. I don’t have one specific style because every person is different. I try to joke around in sessions when I can, because if I can make my clients laugh and feel comfortable, then I know I’m doing something right. I want to know you as a whole person, not just your problems. I’ll spend the first few sessions learning about your interests and hobbies because you’re so much more than whatever brought you to therapy.

I work mostly with people in their early twenties through adulthood dealing with anxiety, relationship issues and life transitions. I use person-centered therapy because I believe in meeting you where you are and I’ll bring in cognitive behavioral techniques when we need practical tools for anxiety or exposure work.

During hard conversations, I remind clients we can take deep breaths whenever we need to, or take as long as they need to describe something. If we have time, I’ll give an extra ten minutes at the end to talk about lighter things or just sit in therapeutic silence.

I have one belief that might be different from other therapists: I know therapy isn’t for everyone. If after one session a client tells me they have no interest, I won’t force them to stay. My ideal clients are people who actually want to be there and are open to having sessions that feel like they go by quickly in a good way.

When I’m not working, I love making plans with friends, spending time with family, and watching good TV shows or movies.

People often tell me I look really young to be a therapist – I can’t help my baby face – but they also say I’m understanding and easy to talk to. That means my clients usually leave sessions feeling like a weight has been lifted off their chest. I would love to help you experience this relief too.