WHAT HAPPENED TO ME?

LIFE has continuously provided me with opportunities to adapt to physical, emotional, intellectual, and spiritual changes. Some days are more challenging than others. It is as if I am taking my PSYCHOLOGICAL PLASTICITY to the GYM. The emotional intensity increases, decisions wrestle with my ambivalence, making a phone call and CONNECTING becomes necessary, and taking ACTION has always been the best recipe for growing these mental and emotional muscles.

WHERE DID I LEARN THE CRAFT OF PSYCHOTHERAPY?

The journey began at my COMMUNITY in Puerto Rico. Then, in high school at El Colegio De La Salle, exposed me to the benefits of theater in education.  Later, I studied a Bachelors in Psychology at the Universidad de Puerto Rico, Recinto de Río Piedras; a Masters in Drama Therapy at the Steinhardt School of Culture, Education and Human Development, and a Masters in Social Work from the Silver School of Social Work both in New York University.  Through the Sociometric Institute and the Psychodrama and Creative Arts Therapy Institute in New York, I became a Trainer, Educator, and Practitioner in Psychodrama, Sociometry, and Group Psychotherapy (TEP) in 2006.

HOW MANY YEAR? WHAT ISSUES?

A wealth of experience spanning 25 years dedicated to providing comprehensive Counseling Services and mental health support to individuals facing a myriad of challenges. My experience encompasses a diverse range of areas including combat trauma, PTSD, military sexual trauma, substance abuse rehabilitation, dual diagnosis, HIV related issues, mental illnesses, domestic violence, communication, resilience, conflict resolution, boundaries, co-dependent behavior.

WITH WHOM HAVE I WORKED?

Adolescent counseling, young adults, older adults counseling, families of individuals in addiction and recovery, school counseling, military personnel and veterans, teachers, police force. 

THERAPEUTIC APPROACHES

The clinical knowledge allows me to make psychosocial and psychiatric diagnostic inferences within the scope of his practice, providing invaluable insights into the complexities of trauma-related disorders such as PTSD, depression, and anxiety. I adeptly utilize evidence-based techniques such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) combined with Psychodrama, an Action Therapeutic Method, along with mindfulness practices, to promote emotional regulation and symptom management.

PSYCHODRAMA

Furthermore, I have facilitated group psychodrama and psychotherapy sessions, fostering a supportive environment for individuals grappling with substance use disorders, mental health challenges, and trauma. I guided clients in developing relapse prevention plans, refining communication skills, and nurturing healthy interpersonal relationships, fostering resilience and empowerment.

WHERE HAVE I WORKED?

I have transcended geographical boundaries, as evidenced by my contributions to esteemed institutions such as the Veteran Health Administration, Hanley Center at Origins Behavioral Health Care in Florida, Harmony Place and The Discovery House in California, Bellevue and Metropolitan Hospital, and District 75 - New York City Public Schools in New York. Regardless of the setting, I remain unwavering in my commitment to providing emotional support and guidance to those in need, embodying the essence of compassionate care and professional excellence.