Ginger Villareal Armas, Ph.D.
Clinical Psychologist
In-Network: Aetna
Hello! I’m Dr. Ginger Villareal Armas (She/They), a 2nd-gen Pilipinx American clinical psychologist. In 2009, I began to work collaboratively with adults in individual and group psychotherapy. People in my care have described my therapeutic approach as "nonjudgmental" and "compassionate."
My personal experiences have led me to cultivate a deep empathy for all beings. A child of immigrants, I grew up as one of the only Asian American teenagers in a small Southern town. Throughout my life, I’ve known what it’s like to be “othered,” and I’m committed to being (not just inclusive but) welcoming towards “others.” My journey has made me more mindful of multicultural, diversity, and social justice issues. My starry-eyed hopes to “make a difference” in our world led me to study mental health. I hold a PhD in Clinical Psychology from Nova Southeastern University, and I continue to complete relevant training for my professional and personal development. Through my education, clinical practice, and personal experiences, I’ve learned practical ways of dealing with adversity, loss, change, and intense emotions. (Having a sense of humor doesn’t hurt either!)
What would happen if we had an opportunity to work together? We would co-create a supportive space for exploring how you can persist through environmental stress and solve internal struggles. You can build upon your preexisting strengths by cultivating the conditions for healing and transformation. And realize a sense of belonging, joy, and meaning in your life.
You don’t need to feel alone as you grapple with what’s been bothering you. Please reach out. I would be honored to meet with you!
Specializations/Interests:
Anxiety; Adjustment; Grief/Bereavement; Stress; Trauma; Activism & Occupation Burnout; Social Justice; Academic & Career Concerns; Perfectionism; Existential/Religious/Spiritual Concerns; Shame; Imposter/Impostor Syndrome; Multicultural/Diversity Issues; Asian American Mental Health; LGBTQ+ Concerns; Asexuality; Polyamory/Consensual Non-Monogamy; Self-Compassion; Mindfulness
Professional Presentations and Publications and Media
Armas, G. V. (2017, October). (1 CE). What if I don’t believe I can make a difference? Keeping hope alive for clinicians, their supervisors, and the student activists they serve. Invited training for Cornell Health Staff, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY.
Armas, G. V. (2017, October). Social Justice Impact Awardee Presentation (1.5 CEs). OCCDHE Director’s Conference 2017: Walk the Walk, Putting Social Justice & Self-Care into Practice. San Luis Obispo, CA.
Armas, G. V. & Luna, R.D. (2016, December). The student activist in the mirror: Reflections on parallel processes in work sustainability (1.75 CEs). 2016 Mental Health Cultural Competency Summit, Newport Beach, CA.
Armas, G.V. (2016, November). Rising from the ashes of activist burnout (1 CE). Invited training for University of California San Diego CAPS Staff, San Diego, CA.
Armas, G. V. (2013, August). Buddhism & men’s violence against women. In A. Johnson (Chair), Gender violence in religious contexts. Symposium conducted at the meeting of the American Psychological Association, Honolulu, HI.
Armas, G. V. (2012, March). Integrating spirituality & mindfulness into trauma. Recovery (2 CEs). Invited training for National Partnership for Community Training & Tulane School of Social Work, New Orleans, LA.
Armas, G. V. (2011, May). Spirituality in torture rehabilitation (2 CEs). Invited training for National Partnership for Community Training, Greensboro, NC.
Armas, G.V. (2011, January). Trauma-informed interviewing of asylum applicants. Invited training for asylum officers at U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS), Department of Homeland Security, Miami, FL.
Publications:
Armas, G.V. (2009). Cultural competence in the trauma treatment of Thai survivors of human trafficking: The relevance of Buddhist mindfulness practices and healing rituals to transform shame and guilt of sexual slavery. In A. Kalayjian and D. Eugene (Eds.), Mass Trauma & Emotional Healing Around The World: Rituals & Practices For Resilience. Greenwood Publishing: Santa Barbara, CA.