About Me
My interest in psychology has taken me from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil to the pioneering and internationally known Esalen Institute, in Big Sur, California, where I lived in the community for more than two years. There I studied process Gestalt groups as the medium for awareness, and eventually went on to get my Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from Antioch University in Los Angeles.
I completed my clinical psychology internship at the Center for Individual and Family Counseling working with adults, couples and families.
I have training in the following modalities of therapy: psychodynamic, attachment theory, gestalt, cognitive-behavioral (CBT), family-systems, solution-focused therapy, and mindfulness. I am also very interested in, internal family systems (IFS), and neuroscience.
I see individual adults, couples, and families. I treat all anxiety, mood, and adjustment disorders. I co-facilitate groups of immigrants challenged in their interpersonal relationships, in the work force, in their families, and assimilating to the US culture as a whole.
Prior to becoming a therapist, I spent 27 years working as an entrepreneur and business owner in the fashion industry in Brazil, Asia, New York City and Los Angeles. I feel this gives me a unique perspective and a deep understanding on the experiences of entrepreneurs. I also realize one always has the opportunity to make meaningful choices for oneself and shift from dissatisfaction to fulfillment.
As an immigrant myself I understand the determination, perseverance and strength needed to overcome internal and external challenges such as; the experience of isolation, frustration and fear, the language barriers and the identity issues associated with not being able to express oneself effectively, the far reaching effects of family separation, missing the home country and the way of life, and negotiating two cultures.
I bring over 50 years of earned wisdom, a strong passion for the therapeutic process, and my commitment to helping you.
I can conduct therapy in Portuguese, Spanish and English.
I provide on line therapy sessions.