Experience: I have been working as a counsellor and therapist since 2000, in Mexico, where I am originally from, and in England, Australia, and since October 2008, in Vancouver, Canada.

Who can benefit from working with me: Anger management is a very broad topic. People have found it very helpful to meet with me on related issues that connect with anger. These include, but are not limited to: grief, depression, control, loss, emotional trauma, shame and difficulties in adjusting to a life changing experience such as the birth of a child, a divorce, or a change of job or residence. Some others relate to opportunities, such as wanting to deepen a relationship with yourself (get to know yourself better) or a significant person in your life: spouse, child, family member, friend, business partner. Although these relationships may be working well, one can keep finding deeper levels of love, intimacy, joy and ultimately, one can keep expanding and intensifying the experience of being alive. I feel grateful for the opportunity to provide both kinds of support for my clients.

Qualifications: Along with a diploma in Narrative Therapy, I hold a BA in literature and linguistics, an MA in discourse analysis with research on psychotherapeutic discourse, and a PhD in cultural anthropology with research on the application of complexity and chaos theories for social healing. My training in complexity theory and narrative therapy has allowed me to bring together resources from the various fields I have delved in to enhance the counselling and therapeutic work I do. However, I believe that no theory should be embraced if it has not been tested in practice. So, having lived in 5 different countries and faced many of the same problems my clients bring to my office, I find that making use of my own personal experience complements my work in a way that can provide a sense of integrity: I talk about what works because I have seen it work for myself as well as for others. This is important to me, for it gives my work a basis that is grounded in solid theory, but also compassion, rooted in facing and learning from the ever-present challenges of life itself.

Approach to therapeutic work/counselling:

My work is based on two approaches: a language-based one, and a body-centered one. In its discursive approach, my work draws on systemic, postmodern therapies, particularly Narrative Therapy and Collaborative Language Systems Therapy. I focus on the way cultural, social and emotional elements present in my clients’ contexts, shape their views, and therefore, their interpretation of events and experiences. These interpretations can help or hinder their capacity to fulfill their aspirations in life. By exploring this, interpretations that are not helpful are distinguished and the opportunity to resignify them arises. Also, clients’ useful resources are made conscious and deployed to be used in areas where they may make a difference. This way, the understanding of my clients expands and enables them to look at things with a clearer, broader gaze, addressing their challenges in a more effective way that is respectful of their dignity.

In the body-centered approach, my work is informed by Polarity Therapy, Master's Integral Bodywork, Therapeutic Touch, Reiki and consciousness-raising practices (centered on breathing, meditation and visualization). I also have experience with Shamanic rituals from the Conchero Sacred Dancing tradition (from ancient Mexican spirituality), which include drumming, conch shell vibration, movement techniques and contact with nature.

Depending on the context and needs of each client, I bring together the most pertinent elements to address their specific therapeutic need. Therefore, I decide with my clients whether to use either one or both approaches, ensuring that whatever they decide on, they feel comfortable with the approach we use for the work they do with me.

I see people on the North Shore during business hours, and in our offices downtown on afternoons and evenings.