Crystal Yanez, LMHCA

PERSONAL STATEMENT

The constant journey of navigating various identities has been a long and arduous task to discover where to fit in and belong. Being queer, multicultural, and multiracial created a lot of moments of complicated thoughts of, "Who am I?" The sense of being “not enough” for any group impacts the way I understand myself and the importance of finding one’s voice and self-love within the various identity intersections. I carry a sense of absolute curiosity and empathy when working with all clients. The importance of balance in life has been an encompassing theme in my personal and professional life. As a part of this commitment to balance, I practice martial arts multiple times a week and believe in the core mind/body wellness principles of integrity, discipline, focus, and perseverance. These holistic principles live in my therapist's heart and art, trusting that everyone has the capacity to heal and persevere (License # MC61415591). 

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

I have a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree with a focus in ceramic sculpture from Heritage University in Toppenish, Washington, and I graduated from Lesley University in Cambridge, Massachusetts, where I earned my master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a specialization in Art therapy. I’m an American Art Therapy Association (AATA) member and inspire to bring more experiential artistic therapy to others in the Richland area. I had internships in various settings, including working within middle schools and a behavioral health facility on a native reservation, where I worked with tribal youth after school in a general art therapy group. Also, a medical clinic in the Auburn, WA, area co-facilitating two youth groups. An expressive arts LGBTQ+ teen group where I helped conduct some sessions as mini teaching seminars for topics of consent using the F.R.I.E.S. model, building community, outreach options, and LGBTQ+ history and local/national events along with a “Girl Power” group. This expressive therapy group focused on empowering young girls (preteen to teenagers) on their self-image, confidence, and finding their voice.

PROVIDER’S THERAPEUTIC ORIENTATION

I operate on a very slow build-up to the deeper issues at the center of people when they work with me. I’m very chill and provide a very relaxed atmosphere within the session. You can say it’s more like hanging out with a friend than in a medical setting. Since I believe in constructing trust as the most significant building block as the foundation in therapy, I don’t rush things to happen and allow the client to steer the direction of therapy. I work out of mindfulness, creative expression, and humanistic approaches with youth and young adults.