I believe therapy is a way to enrich life in general, to enhance the enjoyable, and to understand and move through the painful. From childhood to adulthood, we are meant to take risks in life, to explore, taste, experience, and selectively hold onto events that give meaning to our personal narratives. Sometimes life also introduces ruptures, losses, and traumas and these experiences need to be attended and cared for. I think life is always better in supportive company and that is why I am a therapist.

I strive to listen beyond the content of your sharing, not just the tip of the metaphorical iceberg. For deep understanding and change, I believe it is important to pay attention to emotion, non-verbal communication, somatic expressions, and non-conscious processes and dynamics that live in each one of us. I am fascinated with the multilayer complexity of life; in integrating the mind, body, heart, and spirit, as well as the richness of community, relationships, and culture. I enjoy building connections with clients and jointly exploring what brought them in, how their history informs their present situation, how they learned to get stuck or in patterns that are repetitive, and how needs are communicated or held back. In essence, I’m careful about how many aspects of life are being lived, assimilated, digested, and observed. I value the encounter created in the present moment when two people are invested in making positive and intentional changes.

In addition to being trained as a generalist, I have developed a few emphasis areas. For instance, I am a certified group psychotherapists (CGP) and a Somatic Experiencing® Practitioner (SEP™). I am also skilled in the treatment of depression, trauma, anxiety, and difficulties in relating to others. Sometimes, relationship issues can be characterological or part of an established personality structure. I value looking at the past and understanding early experiences compassionately. We often do not get enough early on but expect too much as we grow older. I am also interested in incorporating spirituality and matters that speak of purpose and meaning, exploring past materialism, routines, and the ordinary demands of everyday life.

Being Latin American, I am attuned to immigration and acculturation issues. I am fluent in Spanish and I am bicultural. I make an effort to speak from the core, valuing authenticity, sincerity, and spontaneity. In addition to working with individuals, I enjoy working in group therapy and also seeing families and couples.