Licensed to practice in Texas and accepts 9 insurances. Specializes in Anxiety, Depression, Trauma and PTSD and 10 more.
(she/her)
New to Grow
I am originally from Brazil, where I graduated and worked as a clinical psychologist before moving to the US more than 20 years ago. I have been calling Texas home for the past 19 years. Here, I worked as a bilingual teacher, before I became a school counselor. I have worked in elementary, middle school and high school. My experience includes working with children with learning disabilities and learning differences, autism, ADHD, anger issues, gifted and talented, ESL, and bilingual students. I have taught parenting classes and provided teacher and school counseling training in schools and the community. I have also served as a teacher mentor and site supervisor to school counselor interns. My experience as a therapist includes working in community clinics, psychiatric units and private practice. My specialties are working with anxiety, depression, and relationship issues. My clinical experience also includes working with bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, borderline disorder and other personality disorders. I also have extensive experience working with couples and individuals experiencing relationship issues.
Developing a strong therapeutic alliance is key for a successful treatment! Clients do not have to do anything special to prepare for their first appointment. I will ask you questions about yourself, the reasons why you decided to look for therapy and the goals that you have for yourself and for your treatment. We will discuss the counseling structure to be used and the modalities of treatment employed, how often our appointments will be and consider short term and long term goals for treatment. We will review therapy confidentiality policy and I will answer all questions you may have about my treatment approach and my style as a therapist. Depending on our goals and presenting symptoms, I may ask you to complete a symptoms measurement scale or personality inventory to help us get a better understanding of your needs and interests. In our initial sessions, we will explore in detail your current struggles, and collaborate to create a treatment plan to address your most pressing symptoms so you can start experiencing immediate relief. As the treatment progresses, we will continue exploring your life story and establishing treatment goals that will help us monitor your progress and ensure that we continue working in collaboration to build the life you want to live.
I am passionate about helping individuals, couples and families develop healthy solutions to better navigate life's challenges, so they can find true, meaningful happiness and fulfill their dreams. My goal is to provide my clients with a nonjudgmental, trauma-informed, multicultural competent therapeutic environment where they can feel accepted, understood, supported, valued, empowered, and loved. My approach to counseling includes using evidence-based therapeutic techniques designed to support each client construct solutions and finding answers for their own unique challenges while respecting their individuality and personal beliefs.
Other specialties
I identify as
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I have had great success treating anxiety and depressive disorders using cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT is a research based approach that treats anxiety and depression by helping individuals identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to their emotional distress. By understanding the link between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, CBT empowers people to develop more helpful coping mechanisms and reduce their anxiety and depressive symptoms. The goal of this treatment strategy is to give clients effective tools to challenge their negative thoughts and override them with more realistic and positive thought processes. The result is that clients feel empowered, self confident and more in control, which has a tremendous impact on their quality of life and general well being.
Acceptance and commitment (ACT)
The goal of ACT is to increase your psychological flexibility and ability to adapt and be open to new experiences while respecting your own values and preserving your individuality. ACT therapy encourages you to be present in the moment, identifying what really matters to you and committing to take actions that align with your values and goals.
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
I use DBT strategies to work with clients with more complex diagnoses, especially if they include intense emotional dysregulation. DBT combines elements of CBT and mindfulness practices and it is very effective in the treatment of borderline personality disorder. It is also a very successful treatment for anger management and mood disorders.
Positive Psychology
I use a positive psychology approach with all my clients. Rather than just focusing on the client’s diagnosis and symptoms, I prefer to emphasize all aspects that can bring a sense of happiness and accomplishment to my client’s lives. By fostering positive relationships, building resilience and supporting a sense of purpose, clients can learn to focus on strengthening their positive traits rather than just focusing on their weaknesses or problems.
Solution Focused Brief Treatment
I use a solution focused approach for short term therapy when clients have a specific concern that they want to address. SFBT therapy is a collaborative process where client and therapist work together to identify and strengthen the resources that the client already possess to find and implement a solution for a problem.