My journey in psychology began far from any lecture hall or clinical setting. I grew up in the Amazon region of Brazil, in a world of remarkable natural beauty and cultural complexity — a place that taught me early what it means to live between worlds, to navigate difference, and to find meaning in contexts that don't always offer easy answers.

That early experience of in-between-ness eventually led me to the United States, where I spent over a decade immersed in some of the most rigorous academic and clinical training available. I completed my undergraduate degree summa cum laude in Psychology, with a minor in Cognitive Sciences, at the University of Pennsylvania. I then earned my Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology at Columbia University, alongside a Master of Science and a Master of Philosophy. My research and clinical training took me through NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital at both Weill Cornell and Columbia University Irving Medical Center, the New York State Psychiatric Institute, Harvard Medical School's Center for Mindfulness and Compassion, and the Dean Hope Center at Teachers College.

What drew me to psychology—and what still drives my work today—is a deep curiosity about the inner life: how people make meaning, how relationships shape us, and how suffering can become, with the right support, a doorway into greater self-understanding and growth. My research explored mindfulness, self-compassion, spirituality, and positive psychology, not as abstract concepts but as living practices with measurable effects on emotional well-being. That research orientation never left me — it lives in how I listen, how I formulate, and how I approach each person I work with.

In 2024, I returned to Brazil and built my practice in Florianópolis, where I now work with adults, couples, and families—many of them navigating the particular emotional terrain of international life. My clients are often people who have crossed borders by choice, carrying ambition and curiosity alongside homesickness, uncertainty, and the quiet but persistent question of who they are becoming in this new chapter. I understand that terrain not just clinically, but personally.

I offer sessions in English, Portuguese, and Spanish, in person in Florianópolis and via secure telehealth to clients worldwide. My approach is integrative — drawing on cognitive-behavioral, psychodynamic, relational, and mindfulness-based frameworks — and always tailored to the person in front of me. I bring both the precision of U.S.-level doctoral training and the warmth of someone who has lived the kind of transitions my clients are navigating. I also provide clinical supervision to psychologists and trainees seeking culturally attuned, evidence-based guidance — a quiet but meaningful part of how I contribute to the field beyond my direct clinical work.

If you're wondering whether we might be a good fit, I warmly invite you to reach out. The first step is simply a conversation.

My Clinical Approach

Cognitive-Behavioral (CBT) Approaches

I integrate cognitive-behavioral techniques (CBT) to help clients recognize and change unhelpful thought patterns, manage emotions more effectively, and develop practical coping skills. This evidence-based approach is especially valuable in treating anxiety, depression, and the challenges of cultural adjustment.

Relational, Client-Centered Style

I uphold the therapeutic relationship as a healing tool in itself, offering a safe, collaborative space where clients feel understood and supported. This approach fosters trust and connection — essential in therapy for expatriates and international professionals adapting to new environment.

Dialectical Behavioral (DBT) Inspirations

Drawing from dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), I incorporate mindfulness, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness skills. These tools help clients navigate stress, strengthen relationships, and maintain emotional balance, even during major life transitions.

Humanistic, Phenomenological Lenses

I adopt a humanistic lens that values the unique experiences and inner resources each person brings. This perspective empowers clients to explore meaning, identity, and personal growth in ways that align with their values and life stories.

Education & Training

My academic and clinical training spans some of the world’s most respected institutions and blends rigorous evidence-based psychology with a deep appreciation for human connection. This foundation allows me to offer therapy that is scientifically grounded and personally attuned to each person's story.

Education and Training
I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Pennsylvania, where I developed a strong foundation in psychological theory and research. I went on to complete a Master of Science, a Master of Philosophy, and a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology at Columbia University, with advanced training in psychotherapy, psychological assessment, and evidence-based interventions. I am a licensed psychologist in Brazil (CRP 12/27.439).

Clinical & Research Experience
During my doctoral and postdoctoral training, I worked in a variety of respected clinical and research settings, including at world-renowned hospitals affiliated with Columbia and Weill Cornell Medical Centers. These experiences have sharpened my skills in crisis intervention and multidisciplinary collaboration. Along the way, I offered long-term psychotherapy and specialized treatment planning for adults and couples dealing with depression, anxiety, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), bipolar-related disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), career concerns, and life transitions. Having treated a wide range of acute and chronic conditions among multicultural, bilingual patients while collaborating with multidisciplinary teams across various leading healthcare hospitals was foundational to my current, evidence-based approach. I currently specialize in serving English-speaking expats and international clients adjusting to life in Brazil and abroad.

Contact me.

If you are considering therapy and feel my approach may be a good fit, I'd be glad to hear from you. You're welcome to share a little about yourself, what's bringing you here now, and what you hope to work on. Together, we can explore whether I might be the right psychologist to support you.