meet our team
Desirae Lynn Burns Contreras, MS
Licensed Professional Counselor
Languages spoken:
English
Q&A with Desirae
What is your favorite animated movie or cartoon?
My favorite animated movie is The Little Mermaid. I appreciate its themes around finding your voice and identity. As a therapist, that really resonates with me because so much of the work involves helping clients express themselves and feel heard.
What is your favorite children's book?
As a child, my favorite book was The Rainbow Fish because I loved the message about sharing and connection. It helped me understand the importance of kindness and including others, which has stuck with me over time.
What was your favorite childhood toy?
As a child, I was definitely a Barbie fan.
Who is your greatest inspiration?
My greatest inspiration is my family because they’ve shown me the importance of support, resilience, and connection.
What are your hobbies and interests outside of work?
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family, going to the beach, and relaxing.
What inspired you to work in pediatrics?
As a therapist, I’ve always felt a strong connection to working with children. I enjoy creating a safe space where they can express themselves, build confidence, and learn skills to navigate challenges early on.
What unique qualities, skills, or services set you apart, and how do you build a positive rapport with patients and their families?
One of the qualities that sets me apart is that I’m a Registered Play Therapist, which allows me to meet children at their developmental level through play. Play is a child’s natural way of communicating, so I use it to help them express emotions, process experiences, and build coping skills. I also incorporate evidence-based approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in a way that is engaging and appropriate for each child. To build rapport, I focus on creating a safe, consistent, and welcoming environment. With families, I prioritize open communication and collaboration so parents feel supported and confident in helping their child outside of sessions
How do you accommodate patients with special needs?
Yes. I strive to provide a supportive, inclusive, and accommodating environment for all clients. I have experience working with children and families with a variety of needs, including ADHD, autism, sensory sensitivities, emotional regulation difficulties, and behavioral concerns. Accommodations are individualized based on each client’s unique strengths and needs to help promote comfort, engagement, and therapeutic success.