Presenting Concerns – Children: Anxiety, Behavioral Issues, Grief/Loss, LGBTQIA+, OCD, Peer Issues – Social Skills, School Refusal, Selective Mutism, Trauma, Trichotillomania
Presenting Concerns – Adults: ADHD, Anxiety, First Responders, Grief/Loss, LGBTQIA+, Life Transitions, OCD, Trauma, Trichotillomania, Women’s Issues
I am a bilingual (English and Spanish), Latinx psychologist specializing in work with toddlers, children, maternal mental health and families. My career has been dedicated to specializing in serving disenfranchised communities and offering trauma-informed care of the highest quality. I received my undergraduate degree from Chapman University in California, and received my Masters degree and Doctorate in Clinical Psychology at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology – Chicago Campus. I completed my training in community mental health centers, public and non-public schools, hospitals, and assessment centers. In these settings, I saw individuals, families, and groups for therapy, organized training programs, supervised psychologists at all levels of training, and conducted psychological and neuropsychological assessments with a primary interest in child and adolescent psychology. I have also offered my consultative services to psychologists in training and post-graduate psychologists in preparing for their licensing exams, as well as writing practice EPPP materials for AATBS. I’ve also been featured as a guest on the podcast, Behavioral Health Today, on the topic of Trauma Stewardship.
In therapy, my approach is relational, yet pragmatic. I strive to view the world through my clients’ eyes and help them notice their inherent strengths. I am also deeply concerned that clients see the growth they wish to see in treatment. My clients should expect to be asked, “How are we doing? Are we moving towards your goals?” I see therapy as an opportunity to walk along with you on your journey, and ultimately put myself out of a job. It brings me great joy to see my clients and families doing so well that they no longer need to see me. When working with families, I hope to teach parents to do the job of psychologists- to be curious, attune to their child, and take chances with new approaches. In psychological testing, I strive to present results that communicate a clear diagnosis that is supported with evidence. I include children in receiving their results, either through visuals, storytelling, or clear candid conversations. My hope is that adults and children leave the assessment experience with a better understanding of themselves and clear avenues for next steps.