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Methods:
I work in a collaborative way to create and implement a customized approach for each client. I have training in a variety of traditional and complementary treatment and healing methods, including Cognitive-Behavioral and Systemic methodologies (Couples, Families and small organizations), Humanistic-Existential approaches, and specific methods and techniques such as:
• Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
• Clinical Hypnosis, LifeSpan Integration (LI)
• Neuro Emotional Technique (NET)
• Energy Psychology
• MetaEnergetics
• BodyTalk
• Tapas Acupressure Technique (TAT)
• Psychological Kinesiology (PSYCH-K)
• Integrative services regarding pre and post Psychedelic experiences
• Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP)
Some of the modalities I use have research findings supporting their use. Others are still too new, or the research is sparse or non-existent. My clients are welcomed to ask questions about their treatment/healing choices and are given the option to opt out of any modality they find unconvincing. However, I have found talk therapy to be slower and have more potential for side effects than any of the alternative/complementary technologies I use.
Although I value my extensive training and continue to strive for excellence in the technical aspects of my work, I have come to understand that healing really happens because of the connection and safety inherent in the relationship that my clients and I create together. To be able to create strong relationships requires continuous work on oneself. This is my pledge to you: I will keep working to stay balanced, clear, and informed, so I can serve you with skill and integrity. I will do my best to help you help yourself heal. And if you think I can do better, I will listen to you with the respect you deserve.
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CV
EDUCATION:
University of Miami, Coral Gables, Florida
Ph.D. Counseling Psychology 1994
University of Miami, Miami, Florida
Bachelors in Business Administration
Magna Cum Laude – December 1986
LANGUAGES: English, Spanish.
PROFESSIONAL AND TRAINING EXPERIENCE:
Private Practice. 1994 to present
Psychedelic Assisted Psychotherapy Certification through the Integrative Psychiatry Institute (IPI), Boulder, Colorado, USA
MDMA Assisted Psychotherapy, ongoing training through the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS).
Neuro Emotional Technique (NET) Certified Practitioner. 2005
BodyTalk Certified Practitioner. 2004
EMDR International Association (EMDRIA) Approved Consultant.
2000
American Society for Clinical Hypnosis (ASCH) Approved
Consultant. 2002
Adjunct Professor, Center for Family Studies, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Miami School of Medicine (Now Miller School of Medicine). January 1997 to 2006.
Research Assistant Professor, Center for Family Studies, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Miami School of Medicine (Now Miller School of Medicine). February 1995 to December 1996.
Assistant Director for Clinical Services, Center for Family Studies, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Miami School of Medicine (Now Miller School of Medicine). February 1995 to December 1996.
Project Director, LATINAS: Supportive Connections for Growth. Grant funded by the Center for Substance Abuse Prevention (CSAP). Center for Family Studies, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Miami School of Medicine. December 1995 to December 1996.
Family Therapist, Center for Family Studies, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Miami School of Medicine. September 1994 to January 1995
APA Accredited Pre-doctoral Clinical Psychology Internship, 1993 – 1994 Training Director: Philip C. Burda, Ph.D.
Specialized training in Behavioral Medicine. Experience in trauma/PTSD, depression, anxiety, habit control, dual diagnosis, rehabilitation medicine, extended care and HIV/AIDS.
Clinical & Developmental Institute (CDI)
April 1992 – August 1993
Assessment and treatment of psychiatric, dually diagnosed inpatients, and geriatric patients.
FAST (Forensic Assessment and Screening Team)
April 1992 – July 1992
Psychological assessment of juveniles and their families.
Child Assault Prevention Program (CAP)
January 1990 – June 1990
Child abuse prevention training.
Beginning Experience of South Florida
June 1985 – December 1988
Workshop facilitator
RESEARCH, PUBLICATIONS AND PRESENTATIONS:
Everything You Wanted to Know About Psychedelics but Were Afraid to Ask. Lecture presented at Professional Women Healers Meeting April 2022
Psychedelic Assisted Psychotherapy Part 2. Lecture presented at Professional Women Healers Meeting March 2022
Psychedelic Assisted Psychotherapy. Lecture presented at Women’s Issues Committee Meeting 2019
Treatment of Trauma. In house training University of Miami, Graduate Psychology Practicum, 2006 to 2013
Jóvenes Soldados: Desafios De La Rehabilitación De Adolescentes Desvinculados. Lecture presented at the 33rd Interamerican Psychology Congress. Medellin, Colombia, 2011
Borderline Adolescent Study 2007. PTSD Evaluation and Treatment Issues in Borderline Populations. Training and consultation for Borderline Adolescent Study. Center for Family Studies, Department of Psychiatry, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, April 2007.
Applied Kinesiology: Muscle Testing and Meta-Energetics Training Workshop, Mexico City, Mexico
Manejas tu el estres o te maneja el estres a ti? Metodos antiguos y modernos para recuperar el control de nuestras vidas. (Do you handle stress? Or does stress handle you? New and old ways to regain control of our lives). Lecture presented at The Second International Symposium for Vanguard Therapies. Critical Incident Stress Management: Civilian Protection, Terrorism, and Disasters. Puebla, Mexico, March 4th-6th, 2004.
The Engagement and Treatment of Hispanic Families. Lecture presented at the Southwest Florida Mental Health Symposium on Integrating the Hispanic Culture into Mental Health Practices. Naples, Florida, 2003.
Treating Trauma: Opportunities and Pitfalls. Lecture presented at the Beijing Medical School Health Care Center. Beijing, China, 2002
Hypnosis, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and Neuro Emotional Technique (NET) in the Treatment of Pain. Lecture presented at the Beijing Medical School Health Care Center. Beijing, China, 2002
Factors Influencing Engagement into Interventions for Adaptation to HIV in African American Women. Prado, G., Szapocznik, J., Mitrani, V.B., Mauer, M.H., Smith, L., & Feaster, D. AIDS and Behavior, Vol 6 No. 2, June 2002
The efficacy of a family-ecological intervention with HIV/AIDS African American Women. Szapocznik, J., Feaster, D.J., Mitrani. V.B., Prado, G., Robinson-Batista, C., Smith, L., Mauer, M.H., & Schwartz, S. Paper presented at the National Institute of Mental Health Annual Conference on the Role of Families in Preventing and Adapting to HIV/AIDS, Miami, Florida, July 2002
Factors predicting engagement in interventions for adaptation to HIV in African American Women. Prado, G., Szapocznik, J., Mitrani, V.B., Mauer, M.H., Smith, L., & Feaster, D.J. Paper presented at the National Institute of Mental Health Annual Conference on the Role of Families in Preventing and Adapting to HIV/AIDS, Miami, July, 2002
EMDR Integrative Group Treatment Protocol. Workshop presented at the EMDR International Association Annual Meeting, Austin, June, 2001 with co presenters Ignacio Jarero, Ph.D. Ed.D. and Lucina Artigas, M.A.
EMDR and Traumatic Stress after Natural Disasters: Integrative Treatment Protocols. Poster presented at the EMDRIA International Conference, Toronto, 2000, with coauthors Ignacio Jarero, Ph.D. Ed.D.and Lucina Artigas, M.A.
Children’s Post-traumatic Stress after Natural Disasters: Integrative Treatments Protocols. Poster presented at the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies Annual Meeting, Miami, November 1999 with coauthors Ignacio Jarero, Ph.D. Ed.D. and Lucina Artigas, M.A.
Medical Hypnosis and Orthopedic Surgery: Pain Perception, Postoperative Recovery and Therapeutic Comfort. The International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis, Vol. 47, No. 2, April 1999.
Transforming Trauma: EMDR in Private Practice. Dade County Psychological Association – Women’s Issues Committee Presentation, with Wendy Joffe, Ph.D. April 1999.
Client-Centered Therapy: Necessary and Sufficient? Theory and Clinical Applications. Center for Family Studies, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Miami School of Medicine. PCA Team. March 1999.
Multicultural Issues in Family Therapy. Center for Family Studies, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Miami School of Medicine. October 1996.
Spirituality in Psychotherapy. Center for Family Studies, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Miami School of Medicine. October 1996.
Family Therapy with Hispanic Families. In-service, Institute for Family Living, University of Miami. May 1996.
Ethnic Identity Development: A Look Within. Lecture. Department of Education and Psychological Studies, University of Miami. 1995.
University of Miami, Department of Psychological Studies
Dissertation: Medical Hypnosis and Orthopedic Hand Surgery: Pain Perception, Post-operative Recovery, and Adherence.
Chair: Kent Burnett, Ph.D.
Medical Hypnosis and Orthopedic Hand Surgery: Pain Perception, Post-operative Recovery, and Adherence. Poster presented at American Psychological Association Annual Meeting, Los Angeles, August 1994.
