Welcome!
I’m happy that you’re here.
Taking the first step to look for a therapist who we feel can hold our concerns and vulnerability with care and compassion can sometimes feel daunting, so it’s with that in mind that I offer you a warm welcome.
Whether you are looking for couples therapy or individual therapy, I want to invite you to explore and learn about me and my work. It’s important to me that your time here brings you some reassurance and clarity around this process. Please don’t hesitate to contact me with any questions or concerns. I look forward to connecting with you!
My Approach
I specialize in working with individuals and couples who long for deeper connection—in their relationships and within themselves. Whether you’re feeling emotionally disconnected and alone, stuck in recurring conflict, or struggling to have your needs understood and met, I offer a space where we can slow down, be curious, and begin to untangle what’s keeping you from the connection you want. I work with queer and heterosexual couples, including many interracial partnerships, and welcome the richness of diverse relationship experiences.
I help couples rebuild trust, particularly after infidelity or other betrayal, improve communication, and deepen intimacy using trauma-informed, attachment-based EFT with a somatic approach. With individuals, I work on anxiety, shame, low self-esteem, and relational trauma to strengthen self-worth and create healthier connections.
As you take this first step, I am here to walk alongside you while doing this work. I will attune to your needs and concerns in a caring space and help you create sustainable change in your life and relationships.
A Little About Me
I am a bicultural and bilingual (Portuguese/English) therapist shaped by the life events of immigration, acculturation and the challenges of creating new and sustainable relationships. I understand the impact of leaving loved ones and community behind or having a feeling of not belonging and how important it is to our wellbeing to establish a community and create secure and nurturing relationships. I am dedicated to understanding the impact that certain life events, namely traumatic events, can have on us on a personal, relational, emotional, mental and physical level and how that can affect the relationships that we have with ourselves and others.
My training began in the community counseling context, and I was fortunate enough to work where social justice was a primary concern and where I could help communities from diverse ethnic, cultural and socio-economic backgrounds overcome life, family and relationships concerns, anxiety, depression and trauma. I continue to feel just as fortunate to work with couples and individuals from diverse backgrounds as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist couples and individuals from diverse backgrounds in my practice. I strive to help my clients overcome their life and relationship challenges by creating a nurturing and safe space while walking beside them on their journey of growth.
Questions You May Have
how long will I need to be in therapy?
Quick progress in therapy is directly related to being consistent in coming to sessions and in doing the work. The lack of consistency and concerns that require more support such as relational wounds and trauma will slow down our progress.
The strength of our therapeutic alliance also has a strong impact in our progress. In every session, I will always be working with care and compassion on our connection and to create a safe emotional space where you can access vulnerability and bring your whole self.
How do I know when it’s time to end therapy?
I am very dedicated to bring about change for all my clients. Creating change and supporting your healing and growth is the ultimate goal for our time together, and in that sense, I am always working toward arriving at our final session. As we progress, we will eventually need to meet less frequently until you feel ready to end therapy. Nevertheless, I will always be here to support you as your therapist in the future if the need arises.
EDUCATION
MS in Counseling with Emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy, San Diego State University
MA in Applied Linguistics, San Diego State University
BA in Communication Design, University of Lisbon, Portugal
TRAINING
Advanced training in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)
Advanced training Emotionally Focused Individual Therapy (EFIT)
Basic Principles of Somatic Experiencing (SE)
Expanding the Self with EFIT and SE
Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Get in touch.
I’m available for inquires about therapy services
and to schedule a free phone consultation.