Are there any recurring themes or issues you’ve noticed as you treat people in your area of specialization, and how has this insight guided your approach?
That people tend to get lost and/or fixated in recurring patterns or narratives (based on their life experiences) that maintain and/or reinforce particularly rigid and negative beliefs about themselves, about others and about life in general. Patterns, narratives and beliefs that they ascribe to automatically and without questioning -or with very little questioning. Patterns, narratives and beliefs that bring them great problems, difficulties and lack of satisfaction in their lives. Patterns, narratives and beliefs that can absolutely be changed -for the better, that they mistakenly believe to be fixed, final and unalterable realities -which they are not.
If you could pick one movie or book that influenced your approach to therapy, what would it be and why?
"Good Will Hunting." Why? Because in the end, we're all human and need to deeply connect with other humans. Humans that can help us to restore a sense that there is still hope, that our lives are important, that we re not alone in this world, that we are special in our own unique way -no matter what has happened -and that we can find our way in life -even if at times everything seem confusing. All people need human connection and need to be understood. The most brilliant ideas and most sublime philosophies of men were the product of individuals who were as human as you and I are. Men and women who loved, who had families, friends, lovers, talents, shortcomings, vulnerabilities and mortality . After we sift through all the jargon, it's all about to human beings connecting in this journey from the womb and one helping the other to restore, "in their bones," a sense that life is good and that there are others that will either help us or hold our hand as we travel life's highways.
If there was one thing you wish people knew about the therapy experience who might be hesitant to try it, what would that be?
That the benefits of therapy far outweigh the fears that one may have about it. That by taking the time to learn about oneself and by exploring all the rich potentials and gifts we have as human beings, we can benefit immensely. Also that we are stronger than we think.
Specialties
Depression
Depression often causes people to feel sad, empty, or hopeless, and can cause a lack of interest in life. It can also affect a person's thinking patterns and physical health.
Anxiety
Anxiety can mean nervousness, worry, or self-doubt. Anxiety disorder is a mental health disorder that entails excessive, repeated bouts of worry, anxiety, and/or fear.
Relationship Issues
Refers relationship issues with a partner or spouse. Can include issues related to relationship distress, relationship satisfaction, communication, intimacy, etc.
Addiction
Regular involvement with a substance or activity in a compulsive, hard to control way that often has harmful consequences. Often refers to substance use, but can include compulsive behaviors such as sex, gambling, or shopping.
Panic attacks & panic disorder
Panic attacks are acute conditions in which one experiences an intense bout of anxiety out of seemingly nowhere. This oftentimes stems from a perceived rather than actual threat. Symptoms may include heart palpitations, sweating, trembling, and shortness of breath. Panic disorder involves regular frequency of panic attacks (two or more) with a fear of experiencing more in the future.
General Expertise
Careers
Designed to help people choose, change, or leave a career at any stage of life. Careers are often wrapped up in people’s perceived identity, therefore, any change can cause anxiety and/or depression.
Abuse/Survivors of abuse
Abuse includes any significant mistreatment along the lines of psychical, emotional, sexual, verbal, and neglect. Survivors of abuse may experience negative thoughts and feelings, flashbacks, distrust of others, social withdrawal, self-harm, and increased likelihood of developing mental health and substance abuse issues.
Adolescent mental health
Adolescent mental health focuses on adolescent-specific experiences including physical and cognitive development, social and environmental factors, sex, sexual identification and orientation, emotional processing, and substance use. Given the influence that parents/guardians have on adolescents, home life is a particularly important consideration.
Anger management
It's normal to experience anger at times, but for some, it becomes so frequent, intense, or difficult to control that it negatively affects their life. Anger management is a structured therapeutic approach toward reducing one’s anger to a point where more appropriate coping and/or conflict management skills are used. Beliefs and thoughts leading toward anger outbursts are explored while healthy coping and interpersonal skills are put into practice.
In-Network Insurance
All Savers Insurance
Harvard Pilgrim Healthcare
Oscar Health
Oxford Health Plans
United Healthcare
United Medical Resources
Fees
$130
First Session
$130
Family Therapy
$130
Couples Therapy
$130
Individual Therapy
Types of Therapy
Family Session
Couples Session
Individual Session
Clientele
Parents
Young Adults (18-24)
Adults (25-65)
Seniors (65+)
Children (5-12)
Adolescents (13-17)
Treatment Approaches / Modalities
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Eclectic Therapy
Experiential Therapy
Family Systems Therapy
Marriage and Family Therapy
Person-Centered Therapy
Psychodynamic Therapy
Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT)
Solution-Focused Brief Therapy
Structural Family Therapy
Training / Certifications
Clinical Fellow, American Association for Marriage & Family Therapy (AAMFT)
State of Florida Approved Supervisor for Registered Marriage & Family Therapy Interns
State of Florida Approved Supervisor for Registered Mental Health Counseling Interns
Clinical Hypnotherapy Training Certificate-State of Florida Approved Hypnotherapy Provider
Certified Practitioner of the Art of Neuro-Linguistic Psychology (NLP)
Advanced Family Therapy Training, Dept. of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami
Licensure
FL, LMFT, MT1852
Education
Master of Science in Marriage & Family Therapy
Work History
I am a seasoned psychotherapist/family therapist with many years of experience alleviating and/or resolving a broad spectrum of psychological, behavioral, and emotional issues. Using scientifically proven treatment methods, i can help you to start improving your life today. I work with individuals, couples, families or groups. I work with people of all people of all ages. I use a hybrid of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)/Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) and family systems therapy. I also use Gestalt/experiential approaches, psychodrama approaches, person centered/Rogerian approaches and psychodynamic approaches. I applaud your being open to growing as an individual. This journey of self-discovery can help you to not only learn about yourself but to make changes in your life that will significantly improve the quality of your life. I would love to work with you.
Location
6447 Miami Lakes Dr,, Suite 210H, Miami Lakes, 33014, FL