Originally, I had dreams of becoming a medical doctor but, always believed that a person's overall wellness is dependent upon both physical and psychological health. However, during the latter part of my undergraduate studies, unexpected life events led to an impactful shift in focus, and I felt called to a more specific purpose regarding caring for people. I then pivoted and shifted my studies, ultimately achieving a Bachelor’s degree from Florida International University where I majored in Psychology and minored in Biology. Always staying true to my heart I executed the shift from biological to psychological health where I enrolled in Graduate school and received a Master’s degree in Psychology from Carlos Albizu University. While at Carlos Albizu I studied a dual major in Mental Health and Marriage & Family Therapy. I completed my Practicum at Milestones to Recovery where I found my passion for treating individuals with eating disorders, women's issues, addictions, and substance use disorders. I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) with over 14 years of experience in the mental health field and substance abuse treatment. I currently reside in Delray Beach, FL with my French bulldog Bounty. In my pursuit of being part of someone's healing and learning about people, I have held multiple professional roles throughout the years, starting as a primary therapist at the residential, Partial Hospitalization, Intensive Outpatient, and Outpatient therapist at both eating disorder and substance use treatment programs. Later transitioned along the way to lead therapist, supervisor, program director roles, and Chief of Operations. For the past six years, I have served in many clinical roles and lastly as the Chief Clinical Officer for a well-established non-profit addiction treatment center in Delray Beach. I have advanced training in the treatment of eating disorders and currently working on my clinical hours as Certified Eating Disorder Specialist. I am also trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT), Trauma-Focused CBT, Motivational Interviewing, Narrative Therapy, Family Systems, Bowen and Transgenerational Theory, and am comfortable utilizing experiential techniques and Psychodrama.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
In our first sessions together, we will start with brief introductions. The first session will be a thorough assessment of your history, areas you would like to address, and previous attempts at addressing areas of concern. Clients will complete a depression scale, anxiety scale, and any other relevant scales that can assist with diagnosis and gauging progress. Assessments completed will be reviewed with the client. Then we will address specific issues you are facing, so that we can develop a plan for what we will be working on through the course of our sessions.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
My clients describe my manner as "authentic, approachable, warm, and encouraging", and my therapeutic style as "intuitive, direct, and persistent" but "always respectful, and lets my truths rise to the surface just by asking the right questions. I am dedicated to creating a safe therapeutic environment, one that fosters a sanctuary for honesty, vulnerability, and the process of change. I can merge a client's physical, emotional, and spiritual needs with the ultimate goal of overall well-being.