Hello,

My name is Monica Sesma Vazquez, PhD (Psych), MSW, RSW, RMFT-SM (She/Ella)

DC Therapy Casual Clinician

Individuals, Couples, and Families (Virtual Therapy only)

Training, Consulting, and Supervision

Services in English and Spanish

 

Monica is a social constructionist-oriented family therapist, educator, supervisor, and researcher originally from Mexico. She is an Assistant Professor and Academic Coordinator of the Couple and Family Therapy Program in the Faculty of Social Work at the University of Calgary. Monica also practices as a casual clinician with Eastside Community Mental Health Services and the Calgary Family Therapy Centre.

Monica has extensive training and experience in systemic family therapy, solution-focused brief therapy, and narrative therapy, with a strong commitment to trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and anti-oppressive practice. Her clinical work centers on supporting underserved and marginalized communities, including immigrants, refugees, and newcomers, through collaborative, strength-based, and relational approaches.

Her clinical and research interests focus on improving the well-being of youth, adults, couples, and families, with particular attention to the systemic factors shaping their lived experiences. Monica frequently works with clients navigating issues such as:

1. Relationship conflict and communication challenges

2. Parenting stress and intergenerational dynamics

3. Life transitions and adjustment

4. Trauma and post-traumatic stress responses

5. Anxiety and mood-related concerns

6. Intimate partner violence and coercive control

7. Grief and loss

8. Cultural adaptation, migration stress, and acculturation differences

9. Identity development and self-esteem concerns

10. Family restructuring, separation, and co-parenting challenges

Monica is committed to creating therapeutic spaces where individuals, couples, and families feel heard, respected, and empowered to co-create meaningful and sustainable change.