"Your visions will become clear only when you can look into your own heart. Who looks outside, dreams; who looks inside, awakes." — C. Jung

"The unexamined life is not worth living." — Plato, attributed to Socrates

My clinical practice is based on rigorous research and clinical training. I provide clear diagnostic formulation, offer a collaborative framework and a compassionate heart along the way. My treatment is tailored to you and to your unique needs. Along the way, I attend closely to cultural needs, identity shifts, life abroad, and career transitions. In sum, my practice integrates:

Cognitive-Behavioral Approaches

Based on the interrelation among thoughts, behaviors, and emotions, we pay together close attention to behavioral and cognitive patterns influencing quality of life and emotions while instilling hope, self-awareness, mindfulness, and meaningful change.

Relational, Person-Centered Approaches

Focusing on the power of authenticity, genuineness, and person-centered support, we co-create a therapeutic space that feels welcoming and safe. These are foundations to any effective psychotherapy, so we can focus on what truly matters together.

Dialectical-Behavioral Approaches

Embedding mindfulness, acceptance, interpersonal effectiveness, and wise-mind approaches, we rely on a down-to-earth, practical behavioral framework. We pay close attention to the synergy between acceptance of present circumstances and the impetus for change, and aim for behavioral and acceptance and growth.

Interpersonal Psychotherapy Approaches

Attending to the web of interpersonal relationships, we will examine how your experiences and needs may be tied to the quality of your communication and relationships and beyond. We will foster self-awareness and awareness of others as well.

My background, clinical and research qualifications:

Born and raised in the Amazon rainforest region of Brazil, I trained in the United States, where I lived for more than a decade, and obtained:

• a Bachelor's degree (B.A.) in Psychology & Cognitive Science (Minor), University of Pennsylvania

• a Master's of Science (M.Sc.) in Clinical Psychology from Columbia University

• a Master's of Philosophy (M.Phil.) in Clinical Psychology from Columbia University

• a Doctorate (Ph.D.) in Clinical Psychology from Columbia University

I have also been trained by top researchers and clinical supervisors at the:

• Center for Mindfulness and Compassion (CMC) at Cambridge Health Alliance (CHA), Harvard Medical School

• Dean Hope Center for Educational and Psychological Services at Teachers College, Columbia University

• New York State Psychiatric Institute (NYSPI), at Columbia University, Department of Psychiatry

• NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, Westchester Behavioral Health Center, Weill Cornell Medical Center

• NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, Columbia University Irving Medical Center.

Beside my interest in expat mental health and counseling for foreigners in Brazil, I have published peer-reviewed research on mindfulness, spirituality, self-compassion, and subjective experiences of love, and their interrelation with well-being, emotion-regulation, mental health, and markers of thriving.

My services include:

Individual Psychotherapy

Couples Therapy

I also offer couples therapy to couple hoping to improve the quality of their relationship, resolve communication difficulties, and impasses. I attend to relational, emotional, narrative, and communication patterns of couples and individuals.

Psychological and Diagnostic Consultation

I provide sessions aimed at psychodiagnostic assessment and diagnostic clarification, both useful for understanding what has been going on, such as symptoms, needs, and areas for treatment and intervention. For most people, this is a reasonable place to start.

I offer psychotherapy sessions using cognitive-behavioral, relational, dialectical-behavioral, and mindfulness-based approaches. Sessions are suited for people experiencing issues with depression, anxiety, stress, grief, role transitions, relationship issues, among other needs.

Expat Mental Health Support

Navigating life abroad can bring excitement and growth, but some emotional and mental health challenges as well. I offer therapy for expatriates, immigrants, and international professionals who are adjusting to cultural changes, navigating career transitions, managing stress, or feeling disconnected from home. My work integrates mindfulness, resilience, and practical strategies to help you feel grounded and confident, wherever you are.

Interested? Contact me.

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