Many of the people who seek my work are thoughtful, reflective individuals who are interested in understanding themselves at a deeper level and making meaningful changes in their lives.

I’m a psychotherapist based in Austin, Texas, and for more than 25 years I have had the privilege of working with individuals seeking deeper understanding and lasting change.

Originally from Mexico City, I completed graduate training in clinical social work and began my clinical career in Houston in 2000. For the first decade of my professional life, I worked in bilingual community mental health settings, an experience that profoundly shaped my clinical foundation and deepened my commitment to culturally responsive care.

Although I am now based in Austin, I continue to serve clients in both Austin and Houston.

My Approach

My approach to therapy is grounded, collaborative, and depth-oriented. Drawing on more than two decades of clinical experience, I work with clients to understand the underlying emotional patterns that shape their lives, helping them move toward greater vitality, connection, and freedom.

I am particularly interested in the ways past experiences and unconscious patterns continue to influence our relationships, choices, and emotional lives. Therapy offers a space where these patterns can be explored thoughtfully and with care.

Professional Experience

Over the years, I have worked with individuals across a wide spectrum of care, including acute psychiatric settings, community mental health settings, and intensive outpatient programs.

At The Menninger Clinic in Houston, I spent several years in the Young Adult Program specializing in dual diagnosis and personality disorders while supervising clinical interns and fellows. This experience deepened my respect for the resilience of people navigating complex psychological challenges and reinforced my belief in treatment that is individualized, thoughtful, and developmentally attuned.

Training

My years of formal post-graduate training have been deeply influenced by psychoanalytic and psychodynamic thinking.

I am in advanced psychoanalytic training at the Houston Center for Psychoanalytic Studies and completed two years of psychodynamic psychotherapy training at the Pittsburgh Psychoanalytic Center and I continue to remain actively engaged in the psychoanalytic community.

In addition, I have formal training in several evidence-based and trauma-informed modalities, including:

• EMDR
• the ASSYST (Acute Stress Syndrome Stabilization) protocol for critical stress incidents
• Exposure and Response Prevention through the Behavior Therapy Training Institute for OCD
• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
• Trauma-Sensitive Yoga through the Center for Trauma and Embodiment

I am also a certified yoga teacher and hold a certificate in Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy (CPTR) with specialized training in Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy.

Leadership and Teaching

Engagement in the psychoanalytic community is an important part of my professional life.

I currently serve as Immediate Past President of the Houston Psychoanalytic Society and previously served on the board of the Houston Group Psychotherapy Association. In 2025 I received the AAPCSW Diana Siskind Excellence in Writing Award for my clinical paper examining immigration and the analytic encounter.

Training and mentoring emerging clinicians has also been a meaningful part of my work. I have taught as an adjunct professor at the University of Houston Graduate School of Social Work and currently provide consultation, supervision, and case conference groups for therapists interested in depth-oriented and integrative practice.

Community Work

Community engagement has always been central to my work as a clinician.

I have participated in city and county efforts providing psychological first aid and trauma response following natural disasters, including Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Harvey. I have also helped expand low-cost and pro bono psychoanalytic community mental health services for migrants seeking asylum in Houston and in Austin.

In Austin, I co-founded ATX Spanish Speaking Psychotherapists, a network created to strengthen collaboration among bilingual clinicians. I also partner with migrant-serving organizations across the country to support culturally responsive mental health care for displaced communities.

In addition to psychotherapy, I provide forensic immigration evaluations, including psychological assessments for asylum cases, hardship waivers, VAWA petitions, and related immigration proceedings.

I approach this work with clinical rigor, cultural sensitivity, and deep respect for the individuals and families whose stories are entrusted to me.

A Personal Note

Outside of my clinical work, I am drawn to practices that support reflection and presence, including yoga and contemplative traditions. These interests continue to shape how I think about healing, resilience, and the many ways people find their way toward a fuller life.

If you feel that my approach may resonate with you, I welcome you to reach out to schedule a consultation.

b