Personal Statement
I am passionate about helping people and their families dealing with trauma and medical challenges. The crisis of medical illness and trauma affects the whole person (mind, body, and spirit). In my own life journey, I have found that the whole person, as well as the family, needs a supportive space to work through these challenges. I have walked alongside many individuals facing life-and-death medical issues, adjustment challenges related to living in a new country, and grief and loss. It is an honor for me to be a part of a client’s healing journey as they navigate the complexities of medical and societal systems.
Who I Serve
I work primarily with adults across the entire life spectrum, including young adults, middle-aged adults going through loss, and the elderly. My experience in both medical settings and academia has prepared me to help clients navigate the many challenges that arise when facing trauma and medical illness, including the accompanying issues of depression and anxiety. I also serve bilingual (English/Spanish) clients in these areas, as well as in dealing with the complex dynamics of adjusting to life in the United States.
Specialty Treatment Areas
- Chronic pain/illness
- Death & dying
- Depression
- Grief & loss
- Multilingual therapy (Spanish/English)
Additional Treatment Areas
- Caregiver stress
- Spiritual concerns
- Adoption specific issues
- LGBTQ+ affirming
- Life transitions
Theoretical Approach
My main approach to therapy is cognitive behavioral, though I also integrate narrative and existential techniques. I prioritize building a strong therapeutic relationship, with a focus on your story and how you’ve arrived at this point in your life journey. I often incorporate the third wave of cognitive behavioral therapy, including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), especially when addressing issues related to medical challenges. Together, we will work in a collaborative way, looking at you holistically—considering emotions, body, and spirit. I will help you set goals and develop strategies to achieve them.
In working through loss and grief, we will navigate the process together, with the hope of helping you find meaning in the challenges. This may include a life review process to derive meaning from your experiences. I also use mindfulness techniques to address the depression and anxiety that often accompany these life experiences. When dealing with trauma, I typically incorporate cognitive processing tools to build your skills, aiding you in working through trauma and facilitating post-traumatic growth.
Insurance Networks
- Private pay
- Aetna
- BCBS PPO
- Cigna (Evernorth)
- Medicare
- BCBS Community Health (Medicaid)
Education/Certifications
- Clinical Psychologist in Illinois and Florida
- PhD University of Miami (Coral Gables, Florida)
- M.S.Ed. (Coral Gables, Florida)
- B.S. Florida Southern College (Lakeland, Florida)
Affiliations/Memberships
- American Psychological Association (APA)
- Christian Association of Psychological Studies (CAPS)
- American Counseling Association (ACA)