(she/her)
Hello! I received my PhD from the University of Miami Adult Clinical Psychology Program in 2002. I am originally from Brazil and have lived in various places. Being multi-cultural and multi-lingual (English, Portuguese, Spanish) is a core part of my identity. Over the course of my career, I have worked in health psychology, community mental health, forensic psychology, university counseling center, and private practice, which has exposed me to a broad range of experiences. I feel deeply honored to be entrusted with clients' stories, thoughts, and feelings and to accompany so many special individuals through moments in their life journeys.
In our first session we will begin discussing the issues that bring you to therapy and explore treatment options. Our first session is also an opportunity to get to know each other and consider whether I am the best therapist to help you at this moment in time.
With 22 years of experience, I have worked with a range of individuals presenting with various concerns and I have made a point of integrating the most effective tools from different theoretical approaches. I am an avid learner and regularly dedicate time and energy to staying abreast of new developments in clinical practice and updating my skills.
I enjoy working with clients who are navigating challenging times in their lives and are embracing these as an opportunity for growth. My clients are motivated to acknowledge and validate their feelings while learning new strategies and shoring up their "coping tool box."
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
CBT can help you understand the thoughts that underlie and influence outcomes, including mood, behavior, and physical experiences. Upon understanding these thoughts, you can then work with them to challenge misperceptions and differentiate controllable from uncontrollable factors.
Acceptance and commitment (ACT)
We learn to disengage from the tug-of-war and co-exist with emotions, relating to emotions from a compassionate observer perspective. We also explore values that drive us and work to create a value-based life.
Strength-Based
In times of stress, it is easy to lose sight of the strengths and resilience that we possess. Therapy is a space where we can be intentional about reconnecting with our strengths as opposed to focusing solely on our challenges.
Mindfulness-Based Therapy
Approaching life from a non-judgmental observer lens can help you to live in the "here and now" and shift from reactivity to intentionality. In Jon Kabat-Zinn's words, "You can't stop the waves, but you can learn to surf."
EMDR
As an Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing - trained therapist, I can help you reprocess past trauma and learn effective tools to co-exist with challenging memories.
1 rating with written reviews
February 5, 2025
She is very experienced and well informed. I highly recommend her