About Me
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
About Me for Parents
Welcome! I’m thrilled that you’re here, let me take a moment to introduce myself. Since I was a child, I’ve had a deep passion for making the world a better place for kids. Understanding people, hearing their stories, and unraveling the essence of our existence, has always fascinated me.
Becoming a parent made me acutely aware of how much support and compassion parents need. Children don’t come with instruction manuals, we’re all just doing the best we can, and we do it with so much love.
Through my studies in child development, I’ve come to realize the profound impact that childhood experiences have on brain development, problem solving abilities, and future relationships.
I hold a steadfast belief that when children “misbehave” there is an underlying issue at play, and my study of Psychology has confirmed this belief. I am wholeheartedly committed to sharing this information with parents so that they can gain a better understanding of their child’s behavior.
Together we collaborate to teach your teenager effective problem solving skills and self-discipline.
Parenting is undeniably challenging, and I am committed to fostering a relationship with parents that is built on collaboration, devoid of judgment, and infused with compassion.
It’s crucial to remember that in our pursuit of what’s best for our children, we can be incredibly critical of ourselves. Embracing self-compassion allows us to navigate the challenges of parenting with greater kindness and understanding.”
Like many therapists, I consider my work a labor of love. When I embarked on this journey, my primary goal was to provide individuals with a safe and supportive environment to share their struggles.
I spent countless hours listening, nodding, and asking the timeless question, “How does that make you feel?”
However, therapy is more than just that. Over the past 15 years of my career, I’ve gained a profound ability to help you see where you’re getting stuck in old patterns. I’ve acquired a repertoire of tools and techniques to assist you. Whether you need an exploration of the past and space to process emotions, or practical strategies and more knowledge, I’m here for you..
While therapy is an art and not always an exact science, I’ve witnessed remarkable progress in my clients due to the skills I’ve honed over the years. Ultimately, my core desire remains unchanged -I simply want to help.
In case you’re wondering about my credentials, I have a B.A. from Smith College. My major was Psychology with a focus on Child Development. I got my M.A. in Counseling Psychology from the California Institute of Integral Studies
Other Therapeutic Experience
When I started my career I had the privilege of working in an outpatient Substance Abuse Treatment program, specializing in a unique initiative for families navigating parental addiction. So I have extensive experience with 12 step approaches as well as experience with Motivational Interviewing and Harm Reduction.
Additionally, I bring experience and training in Mindfulness Meditation, particularly in equipping individuals with mindfulness skills for managing Depression and Anxiety.
I’m also skilled in a technique known as Whole Body Focusing. This approach is similar to meditation but with more guided support. The practice of this technique allows us to target specific issues. It’s especially effective in addressing trauma or those challenging areas in life where you feel stuck, like nothing seems to help.
Other Pertinent Life Experiences
For a span of about 4-5 years, I was deeply involved in the Landmark Forum. I completed all of the foundational courses as well as several supplementary courses. During this time I also served as both a volunteer and coach in various capacities.
Coming from a Cuban-American background, I didn’t grow up speaking Spanish. Post-college, I dedicated two years of service in the Peace Corps in Nicaragua, where I immersed myself in learning Spanish. This experience has uniquely equipped me to offer therapy in Spanish and has been particularly rewarding in my work with immigrant families.
About Me for Teens
Hey there! I’m really glad you’re here. I want you to know you’re not alone in what you’re going through. I’m here to support you in any way I can, so let’s dive in!
Since I was a kid, I’ve had this burning desire to make the world a better place for young people, just like you. I’ve always been fascinated by understanding people and their stories. I remember being 11 years old and asking my mom about the difference between a psychologist and a psychiatrist.
When I was growing up my family faced a lot of challenges. My mom was a single parent, money was tight, and my sister had learning disabilities. I really wanted to make a difference by helping other kids, like us, who were having a tough time.
I believe that everyone deserves a safe and supportive environment to share their struggles and find ways to grow. That’s where I come in as a therapist.
Here’s the cool part about my approach: Together we will find what works best for you. You might need to talk about things that have happened and process your emotions, or you may need practical strategies and more knowledge.
We can use art, play, and conversations to process your feelings and learn new skills. You can learn about different parts of yourself, become more aware of your thoughts and learn how to think more positively.
You might even want to give meditation a try, or breathing exercises, or simply learn about the mindfulness practices you’re already doing in your everyday life.
So if you’re ready to join me on this incredible adventure, reach out and let’s get started. I’ll be with you every step of the way.