Getting to know me and my practice

I am a person-centered and recovery-oriented therapist with a focus on getting results. At the initial interview, I'll take note of what you feel are the challenging or urgent areas in your life. We then assess these areas and design practical strategies to compensate for them while we work on long-term solutions.

The session happens at your pace. Together we set out your goals, so that across future sessions we keep an eye on them and make sure you're getting the results you're looking for. We also leave room to discuss the more immediate, day-to-day challenges as they arise.

I earned my degree as a psychologist at the Catholic University in Venezuela. When I relocated to the United States, I went back to school to study mental health counseling. Since then I've completed over 60 supplemental educational experiences to stay current. I am fully trained in neurofeedback and E.M.D.R. (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), as well as Gender Equity and Human Resources planning and development.

I completed my psychology degree over 23 years ago, and earned my degree as a mental health counselor 8 years ago.

I am a licensed psychologist able to practice in Venezuela, and a licensed mental health counselor in New York State. I'm certified as a Rape Crisis Counselor by the New York Department of Health, a member of the American Counseling Association, and an Associate Member of the American Psychological Association. I also hold a certificate in Gender, Social, and Socio-Cultural Intervention.

This is my area of expertise. I have worked with many survivors of child abuse.

I have experience in assessment and intervention during many kinds of massive disasters. I worked in Venezuela during the devastating 1999 floods, in which over 7,000 people died and 250,000 lost their homes. As a team member of NYU/Bellevue Hospital in NYC, I assisted survivors and families of victims from the World Trade Center and Flight 587 tragedies in 2001. I was previously trained by the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

That's OK. My skills are most useful with symptoms related to PTSD, so if your challenges are in other specialized areas (such as eating disorders) I may not be the best fit. That said — every pain is legitimate. You don't need to qualify to be in therapy. You just need to be willing and able to face your challenges.

We can have a consult within a session. I don't currently offer 15-minute consults, because I've found it isn't enough time to properly assess your situation and whether I'll be a good fit for you.

It depends on the goal of the session. In a crisis, I tend to be more directive. Otherwise, I work on helping you reach your own answers. My best work is with crisis intervention and with people working to compensate for the impact of trauma on daily life.

Typically weekly. As you approach graduating from therapy, we generally extend the time between sessions — first bi-weekly, then monthly. How long therapy lasts depends on your goals and the work you put in; most patients graduate once they've reached their goals.

Sessions are 45 minutes. Homework isn't common in my practice; when there is any, it's usually about reflection, self-awareness, and tracking your behaviors and responses.

There's no right way to be in therapy. Just come ready to offer and share what you feel ready to share. We'll figure out the rest together.

If there are two cancellations in a row, treatment will be discontinued unless there are circumstances beyond your control. Same-day cancellations must be paid fully out of pocket (even if you usually pay with insurance), since the session can't be billed to insurance — and because I don't work well when my time isn't valued or respected.

No. Psychiatric medication is prescribed by medical doctors such as psychiatrists, neurologists, your Primary Care Physician, and Nurse Practitioners.