YESENIA COLÓN
Caribbean and other Latinx folks can thrive in relationships that honor their whole selves.
YESENIA COLÓN
Caribbean and other Latinx folks can thrive in relationships that honor their whole selves.
When you realize grandma's love stories aren’t the script to follow... (or are just well-intentioned bullshit….I mean no disrespect abuelita!)
With and Within Couples was born from my personal experience with terapia de pareja.
When I found myself in the role of the client —alongside my now ex-husband— I came out deeply disappointed by the process, because divorce, sooner or later, happened anyway.
One of the emotions I felt: ANGER —toward our couples therapists. I was disillusioned. One way I coped with that was by telling myself that couples therapy doesn’t work. The other was by criticizing our therapists.
In my criticism, I saw one of them as too cold and distant. The other, way too blandita and timid —especially in moments when I was convinced she should have confronted my then partner (I do still believe this one to be true, though).
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In retrospect, I realized that this criticism was actually a reflection of a deeper belief:
“It’s the other person’s responsibility to make me happy.”
But nothing could be further from the truth.
I come from a Caribbean culture where the love stories my abuelita used to watch on TV seemed like the script to follow for a successful romantic relationship.
If I behaved well as a woman —meaning: stayed pretty, sacrificed my time, energy, and attention for my partner— I believed I was fulfilling my duty: making him happy.
And so, almost like magic, he would live to please me and make me happy in return, most, scratch that, ALL the time.
Pero… nacarile del oriente.
To be happy in a relationship, you first have to be happy with yourself.
I really wish those therapists had said that out loud in session.
Years later… Abuelita would probably love this new love script.
Years have passed, and almost as if destined, I’ve found my way back to consejería de parejas —but this time, as the counselor.
And with a whole new perspective.
Still a hopeless romantic… but con los pies en la tierra.
When a couple who’s motivated to grow together manages to reconnect, that brings me deep joy.
But even more powerful is witnessing two individuals find ways to be happy within themselves —even while navigating the inevitable ups and downs that most relationships face.
Happy individuals. Strong couples.
That’s why I walk with couples —guiding them to walk alongside each other, without abandoning their individual selves in the process.
Who I support
Couples counseling with Dr. Colón is designed for monogamous couples (both heterosexual and same-sex) who want to strengthen their relationship and are willing to commit to the process. It is not intended as a last resort for couples whose first option is separation or divorce, but rather for those who want to improve communication, resolve conflicts constructively, and restore emotional connection.
My ideal couple is one where at least one partner is Latinx —particularly with raíces caribeñas*:
A woman who feels alone and unsatisfied in her relationship, confused —because the more she works and sacrifices to make it better, the lonelier she feels.
A man who wouldn’t admit it out loud, but deep down, he feels like a failure as a partner.
An individual who loves deeply but still carries the fear that their love doesn’t fit the mold they grew up with.
* Used here as a cultural identity concept, regardless of country or geographic location. Typically people who feel a natural connection with geographic touching the Caribbean sea or that are frequently exposed or share cultural elements like music, food, and a lifestyle associated with the sun and the coast.
Ready to invest in your relationship?
Let’s begin by scheduling a confidential and complimentary 15-minute consult to find out if we are a good fit.
Dr. Colón's credentials
- Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (PsyD) from Ponce Health Sciences University (PHSU) — one of only two APA-accredited psychology programs in Puerto Rico, a distinction that ensures the highest level of training and qualifies graduates for federal government positions.
- Adjunct Professor at PHSU’s Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology — training the next generation of psychologists at the highest academic level, and bringing that same depth, rigor, and leadership to the couples I work with.
- APA-accredited doctoral internship at Philhaven Hospital (PA), now part of WellSpan Health System — a highly competitive program that selects only a limited number of candidates nationwide.
- Certification in Coaching Psychology from Complutense University of Madrid — one of Europe’s most prestigious and historic universities, adding specialized expertise for working with high-achieving couples navigating the unique pressures of success, visibility, and demanding careers.
- Over 10 years of experience distributed across diverse settings — including private practice and federal institutions such as the Lebanon VA Medical Center.