Counseling philosophy
I believe every individual has unique experiences, strengths, values, and potential for growth. Counseling should provide a safe and nonjudgmental environment where clients feel heard, respected, and empowered.
My developing counseling philosophy is grounded in a Person-Centered foundation, empathy, collaboration, cultural humility, and evidence-based practice.
My role as a counselor is not to provide all the answers, but to support clients in developing insight, recognizing their strengths, building effective coping skills, and creating meaningful changes aligned with their values and goals.
Clinical skills
Throughout my graduate training, I have developed foundational skills in therapeutic communication, clinical assessment, case conceptualization, treatment planning, documentation, crisis intervention, and ethical practice.
My theoretical development includes Person-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, and trauma-informed approaches. I continue to strengthen my ability to select and integrate interventions based on each client's needs, goals, strengths, and clinical presentation.
Theory development
My professional approach is grounded in continuous theoretical development, combining the classical foundations of psychoanalysis with contemporary, evidence-based practices. Over four years of clinical practice in Brazil and Chile, I have refined my theoretical framework to address a wide range of psychological conditions, from depression and anxiety to schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. My current master’s program in Clinical Mental Health Counseling further deepens this integrative perspective, enabling me to combine psychoanalytic understanding with cognitive-behavioral and behavioral interventions. As a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT), I also incorporate principles of Applied Behavior Analysis, ensuring a comprehensive and flexible approach tailored to each individual's unique therapeutic needs.
Scholarly activities
My academic development includes exploring counseling theories, evidence-based interventions, assessment, trauma, mental health, substance use, family systems, and ethical and multicultural considerations in clinical practice.
I am committed to developing my ability to critically evaluate research and apply scholarly knowledge to counseling practice. I view research as an essential component of responsible and effective clinical work.
Assessment & Intake
Developing skills in intake interviews, biopsychosocial assessment, mental status examination, and identification of client needs.
Treatment Planning
Developing measurable, client-centered goals and identifying appropriate therapeutic interventions
CBT Skills
Identifying cognitive patterns, exploring the relationship between thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, and developing cognitive and behavioral strategies.
Telehealth counseling
Convenient and confidential psychological support from the comfort of your own private space. Telehealth sessions offer flexible, personalized care tailored to your goals and individual needs.
Group Therapy
A supportive space to connect, share experiences, and develop healthy coping and communication skills. Through guided discussions and collaborative activities, group therapy encourages connection, personal growth, and meaningful change.
Leadership & Advocacy
I believe that effective mental health care extends beyond the therapy room. Through my bilingual practice serving clients in Brazil and Chile, I actively promote cultural competence and accessibility in psychological services, ensuring that language and background never become barriers to treatment. My current studies in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Grand Canyon University equip me to advocate for evidence-based, inclusive practices that serve diverse communities. At McIntosh Trail and SkyCare ABA, I collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to champion holistic, person-centered care. I am committed to reducing mental health stigma, empowering individuals to seek support, and advancing equitable access to quality psychological care across all populations.
Mentorship
Mentorship has been a cornerstone of my professional growth, shaping my development as a clinician and lifelong learner. Throughout my journey from online psychoanalytic practice in Brazil and Chile to my current clinical training in the United States, I have benefited from the guidance of experienced supervisors who have challenged me to refine my therapeutic approach. As a clinical intern at McIntosh Trail and a student at Grand Canyon University, I engage in regular supervision that bridges theoretical knowledge with real-world application. I am equally committed to mentoring others, sharing insights from my cross-cultural clinical experience and supporting emerging professionals in the mental health field.
Wellness Plan and Self-Care
I recognize that sustainable therapeutic work begins with the professional's own well-being. My wellness plan incorporates daily self-care practices—such as reflective writing, mindfulness meditation, and weekly personal therapy—to process the emotional demands of working with complex diagnoses like major depression, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder. I prioritize setting boundaries between my professional and personal life, ensuring I can be fully present for each client while safeguarding my own psychological health. By modeling authentic self-care, I encourage clients to develop their own wellness strategies, reinforcing that healing is a collaborative, ongoing process grounded in balance, self-awareness, and compassion.