(she/her)
New to Grow
I am a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) with ~5 experience in prescribing medication and 22 years of nursing experience across multiple specialties in both inpatient and outpatient settings. I bring a warm, friendly, and personalized approach to my practice, drawing from a variety of therapeutic styles—including psychodynamic, motivational interviewing, trauma-informed care, and eclectic methods—to best meet each individual’s needs.
In your first session with me, you can expect a thorough and compassionate assessment where we’ll explore your history, concerns, and goals together. My aim is to help you feel heard, understood, and empowered to take an active role in your care from the very start.
My greatest strengths lie in my ability to blend extensive medical and psychiatric experience with genuine empathy and a personalized approach. What stands out about my therapeutic style is my flexibility in using multiple evidence-based methods tailored to each individual, my understanding of complex medical and emotional needs, and my commitment to empowering and educating patients. Additionally, my lived experience and fluency in Portuguese allow me to connect deeply with Brazilian patients, offering culturally sensitive care that helps them feel truly seen, understood, and supported.
I especially enjoy working with first-time patients, those who have felt frustrated by previous healthcare experiences, and anyone seeking education about their current situation and ways to improve their prognosis and quality of life. My goal is always to create a safe, supportive environment where patients feel heard, empowered, and encouraged to take positive steps for their mental health and overall well-being.
Psychodynamic
As a PMHNP, I utilize a psychodynamic approach as supportive therapy for medication management by helping patients gain insight into the emotional and psychological factors that may impact their adherence to treatment. By understanding unconscious conflicts, resistance, or ambivalence toward medication, I can address these issues collaboratively within the client, leading to improved engagement and communication about side effects or concerns. This holistic understanding allows for more personalized medication plans, enhances therapeutic alliance, and ultimately promotes better treatment outcomes.
Motivational Interviewing
As a PMHNP, I use motivational interviewing with individual clients for medication management because it helps them explore and resolve ambivalence about taking medications in a respectful, collaborative manner. This approach encourages clients to express their concerns, values, and goals, allowing me to tailor education and support to their unique needs. By fostering autonomy and building intrinsic motivation, motivational interviewing improves adherence, enhances the therapeutic relationship, and supports better treatment outcomes.
Trauma Informed Care
As a PMHNP, I use trauma-informed care with individual clients for medication management because it recognizes the impact of past trauma on current health behaviors and treatment engagement. By creating a safe, respectful, and empowering environment, I help clients feel understood and supported in discussing their concerns about medication. This approach reduces retraumatization, fosters trust, and allows for collaborative decision-making, ultimately improving adherence and promoting holistic healing.
Eclectic
I do use an eclectic, personalized approach with individual clients for medication management because it allows me to tailor interventions to each client's unique needs, preferences, and experiences. By integrating techniques from various therapeutic modalities, I can address diverse challenges—such as motivation, trauma, or cognitive barriers—while fostering a collaborative and flexible treatment plan. This individualized care enhances engagement, supports medication adherence, and promotes overall well-being.