My Approach
In my practice I offer respectful culturally-sensitive counseling services in different languages to individuals, couples and families with the aim of promoting self-growth, balance, empowerment, quality of life, and well being.
My approach is humanistic and client centered with an emphasis on health human development and human strengths.
It also incorporates evidence-based techniques such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma Focused Cognitive BehavioralTherapy (TF-CBT), and Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MCBT).
CBT helps people identify their distressing thoughts and evaluate how realistic these thoughts are. Then they learn to change their distorted thinking. When they think more realistically, they feel better. The emphasis is also on solving problems and initiating behavioral changes.
TF-CBT is an effective treatment for children and adolescents impacted by trauma as well as their families. TF-CBT reduces trauma symptoms such as depression, anxiety, behavior problems, trauma-related shame, among others.
MCBT incorporates aspects of mindfulness-based programs, particularly the Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) program (Kabat-Zinn, 1990), and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).
Mindfulness is defined as “paying attention in a particular way, on purpose, in the present moment, and non-judgmentally” (Kabat-Zinn, 1994). Mindfulness involves meditation practice that fosters the development of skills such as observing, awareness and non-judgmental acceptance.
Research shows that MBCT helps clients that suffer from recurrent depression, anxiety, suicidality, eating disorders among others. MBCT can also improve posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, quality of life and general well being.
“The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I can change.”
Carl Rogers