What does a first session with you look like?
Firstly, it might be helpful to get a clearer picture on what your first session will look like. The first session is the moment when the therapist begins to build rapport, (and correct, if necessary) client’s expectations for therapy, while at the same time beginning a period of assessment in which you will be able to discuss in detail the problems that have led you to seek therapy. The therapist will also ask you more general questions about your family, work and home. Next, we will develop clear treatment goals and together we will work to achieve these goals. Throughout the sessions, will track your progress on your goals and problem solve ways to reach them.
What do you view as a key component of the therapeutic relationship?
The quality of the therapeutic alliance, which is the relationship established between the patient and the therapist in therapy, is the most robust predictor of treatment. The fundamental attitudes for the establishment of the therapeutic alliance are trust, active listening, empathy, unconditional acceptance and authenticity.
What was your path to becoming a therapist? What inspired you to choose this profession?
When I was in college, I went into therapy to cope with a family member's life-threatening diagnosis. Therapy helped me so much, in so many ways, that I decided to become a therapist myself so that I could do the same for others.
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.
Bullying
An ongoing effort to harm someone, physically or emotionally, based on perceived weakness. Commonly associated with childhood but can occur at any age. Could also take the form of sexual harassment or gossip.
Family issues
Familial relationships can be the source of stress and emotional pain, even in the healthiest of situations. Painful interactions can range from irritation to resentment and lead to feelings of guilt, disappointment, and anger.
Mood disorders
Mood disorder is a broad term used to include the different types of depressive and bipolar disorders, all of which affect mood. With a mood disorder, your moods may range from extremely low to extremely high or irritable.
General Expertise
Relationship Issues
Refers relationship issues with a partner or spouse. Can include issues related to relationship distress, relationship satisfaction, communication, intimacy, etc.
Self-Esteem
Self-esteem is the degree to which a person feels confident, valuable, and worthy of respect. Feeling low self-esteem can influence overall well-being and be linked to anxiety and/or depression.
Social Anxiety
Social anxiety or social phobia is fear of social situations or a fear of interacting with people other than close friends and family. Social anxiety can be persistent, intense, and debilitating, greatly affecting daily life.
ADHD
ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) causes a hard time focusing attention and controlling restless or impulsive behavior. People with ADHD might have emotional outbursts, be forgetful, and/or find it difficult to stay organized.
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.
Fees
$100
First Session
$100
Family Therapy
$100
Couples Therapy
$100
Individual Therapy
Types of Therapy
Couples Session
Group Session
Individual Session
Family Session
Clientele
Young Adults (18-24)
Adults (25-65)
Seniors (65+)
Children (5-12)
Adolescents (13-17)
Treatment Approaches / Modalities
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Mindfulness Practices
Family Systems Therapy
Person-Centered Therapy
Training / Certifications
Telehealth Basics for Social Workers Behavioral Health Clinicians & Educators Responding to COVID-19. Presented at and sponsored by Indiana University online platform by Tamara Davis Dean of the IU School of Social Work, 2.5 continuing education credits. Assessment and Diagnosis in Play Therapy. Lisa Saldaña, LMHC presented at and sponsored by Institute for Child and Family Health, Inc. 2.5 continuing education credits. Play Therapy to Address Attachment Issues. Lisa Saldaña, LMHC presented at and sponsored by Institute for Child and Family Health, Inc. 2.5 continuing education credits. Cognitive-Behavioral Techniques in Play Therapy and Working with Parents. Lisa Saldaña, LMHC presented at and sponsored by Institute for Child and Family Health, Inc. 2.5 continuing education credits. Introduction to Group Play Therapy/Termination Issues in Play Therapy. Lisa Saldaña, LMHC presented at and sponsored by Institute for Child and Family Health, Inc. 2.5 Continuing education credits. Introduction to Mindfulness and Yoga Skills for Children & Adolescents. Jackie Gonzalez, LCSW, RYT-200 presented at and sponsored by Institute for Child and Family Health, Inc. 2.0 continuing education credits.
Licensure
FL, LCSW, 15186
Education
Master's in Social Work Barry University
Work History
I have experience with families, individuals, and couples, with a wide range of both mental health and medical diagnoses. I am a firm believer in constantly updating myself by acquiring new knowledge by been sentient of the latest scientific research.
Location
,, AVENTURA, 33180, FL