Hi, thanks for stopping by! I am no stranger to the challenges of change. As an 11-year-old child, I left my native Havana, Cuba with my family for a new life in Miami, Florida. Being an introverted person and speaking English as a second language, I still decided to pursue my dream of becoming a mental health professional. Then, as an early student of Psychology at Florida International University, I changed majors to obtain a Master in Social Work degree instead, from the same institution; which better aligned with my focus on a more practical approach to mental health. Acceptance of change continued on as a common theme in my adult life, throughout growing into roles such as wife, mother, and therapist. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker I hope to work in my private practice primarily with adult clients. I have worked in the past with clients dealing with Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Substance Abuse, behavioral issues, trauma, life transitions, grief, and personal development; facilitating individual, couples, group, and family therapy. I consider myself a change facilitator, being passionate about supporting clients through growth at any stage in their life, towards evolution and self-actualization.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
In our first session working together, we'll discuss important information about your history, main concerns/struggles, and goals for our sessions. I'll also answer any questions to the best of my abilities and focus on at least one technique that can be useful to you based on they information shared.
What treatment methods and tools do you utilize?
The founding principles I have based my professional practice on are: empathy, respect, non-judgement and self-awareness. Very well acquainted personally and professionally with Anxiety, I have developed a specialty in this area. My approach to Anxiety and Mental Health in general, is one of "working with" rather than "fighting against". I have found it effective to start therapy by focusing on where the client is at on any given moment, and together working our way to where the client wants to be. My therapy style is Solution-focused, with emphasis on Cognitive-Behavioral techniques, also informed by Systems Theory, Humanistic and Psychodynamic concepts. I have always been fascinated with the study of the human mind, especially the unconscious, and the impact personal perspective has on the circumstances we experience.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
I would love to work with adults who are experiencing anxiety with any combination of symptoms, since this is the area I am most experienced with and interested in. Always the best part of my job has been the satisfaction of guiding a client's life for the better. I am a believer that taking small steps towards your goals can make all the difference between getting there, or never getting started. I hope this will be a safe space where we can explore together your concerns and past experiences, while establishing the direction of your hopes and dreams for the future.