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!
A Little About Me
I am a bicultural and bilingual (Portuguese/English) therapist learning everyday from the intersectionality of my social location. I primarily see myself as a naturalized immigrant of color 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 have worked primarily within a trauma-informed EFT framework as an associate and follow the same path a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. 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.
My Approach
I believe that humans are bonding, relational beings who need to feel secure and loved in their close relationships. We need to know that we matter to our loved ones. We need to feel heard, seen and accepted for who we are. I also believe that the quality of our relationships can deeply impact our mental wellness in general.
Relational issues arise when we stop feeling security and trust in our relationships, and feel emotionally disconnected and unable to communicate our needs clearly to one another. As a marriage and family therapist, I am guided by the idea that the more effectively dependent we are on each other, the more independent, courageous and adventurous we become. I also believe that the quality of our relationships can deeply impact our mental and physical wellness in general. Humans are bonding, relational beings who need to feel secure and loved in their close relationships. We need to know that we matter to our loved ones.
Our work together will be to identify deep emotions and unmet needs, be better able to express them in your relationships, and feel anchored in relational safety. My goal is to attune to your needs in a caring space, help you create a secure relationship with yourself and others, and support your journey of growth and wellness.
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.