What I believe in
The therapy process
The overarching idea that guides my therapeutic practice is the notion of psyche as a source of energy for creative solutions in everyday living.
I see the therapeutic process as a language based, cognitive and embodied communication process, in which the alliance between client and therapist allows material and issues to emerge so that light is shone on them. I see therapy as a site of self-inquiry, where one has the opportunity to harness resources to overcome hurdles to psychological growth.
I am trained to work with cognitive behavioral approaches and with somatic approaches, that include awareness of the body in the therapeutic process. I believe that when one shows up, one comes with all structures for creating meaning. Thus, all the materials that become available are welcome to the practice.
My early work as a human anatomy teacher, a physical therapist and a therapeutic massage practitioner has taught me how psychosocial processes have an effect on mental and physical health. Although my current practice as a psychotherapist does not include physical therapy nor massage therapy, those fields inform my psychotherapeutic practice.
My practice includes the Somatic Experiencing perspective, in which traumatic experiences are understood as events that overpower someone’s ability to reach a healthy balance within their biological systems.
I help clients to develop awareness and resilience to physical sensations and other impressions and expressions that may arise in the therapeutic process. Enhanced awareness is the key to improve nervous system regulation, develop balance and achieve wellbeing.
Licenses & Experience
I have over 30 years of experience in health care and academic settings, in the United States, Brazil and Italy. I have worked as a therapist in private practice, family clinics and residential programs. I have taught in higher education in the US, Italy and Brazil. I have taught in vocational education in the US and Brazil.
As part of my ongoing preparation to work with clients and students I have earned a Master of Social Work degree from ASU, focusing on mental and behavioral health and a Master of Arts in Communication from the University of Arizona, focusing on health communication, interpersonal and intercultural communication. I also have a Master of Science from the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro focusing on cultural paradigms of health and health systems.
Licenses
• Licensed Master Social Worker in AZ – LMSW – 16888
• Somatic Experience Trauma Institute – 216 hours – SEP
• Licensed Massage Therapist in AZ – MT-09583
• Nationally Certified in Therapeutic Massage, NCBTMB – 525306-06
• Yoga Therapist Training Program in Rio de Janeiro – 220 hours
Teachings in higher education in the USA, Italy and Brazil
• Adjunct Lecturer – University of Arizona, Communication Department in Tucson AZ, and at UA Study Abroad Program in Orvieto, Italy: Health Comm., Interpersonal Comm in Intercultural Contexts, Nonverbal Comm., Organizational Comm., Mass Comm., Public Speaking, Persuasion, Public Relations and Traditions in the Study of Communication.
• Adjunct Lecturer – Estácio de Sá University – Physical Therapy College, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: Human Anatomy, Techniques in Physical Therapy and Massage Therapy
Experience in health care settings
• Alive and Well – A Center for Integrative Psychotherapy, Tucson AZ, Oct 2019 to present
• St. Elizabeth’s Health Center, Tucson AZ, Aug 2016 to May 2017
• The Haven Residential Program for Substance Use Disorders, Tucson AZ, Aug 2015 to May 2016
• Acupuncture Institute of Rio de Janeiro,1992 to 1999
Teachings in vocational education: USA and Brazil
• Asian Institute of Medical Studies in Tucson AZ: Instructor of Tui na – Chinese Therapeutic Massage
• Acupuncture Institute of Rio de Janeiro: Instructor of Human Anatomy, Physiology and Tui na – Chinese Therapeutic Massage
• Brazil-China Association of Acupuncture and Holistic Therapies in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Instructor of Human Anatomy, Human Physiology, Neuroanatomy, Neurophysiology and Epistemological Foundations of Traditional Chinese Medicine
• Brazilian Association of Yoga Instructors: Instructor of Human Physiology
welcome
Face-to-face and/or Telehealth consultations through a HIPPA compliant platform.
contact me
(520) 499-7165
location
Alive and Well Center for Integrative Psychotherapy
6105 E. Grant Road • Tucson, AZ 85712
(520) 499-7165
©2020 All Rights Reserved.