I am a bicultural psychologist who immigrated from Peru approximately 20 years ago. The adventure started with a year-long internship after graduating from college. Little did I know that by the end of that year DC would feel like home. Living in a diverse and international community was personally and professionally stimulating. Through my early clinical work in DC, I developed a passion for understanding people’s individualities, the process of identity development, the difficulties of navigating life transitions and to help people learn about themselves and to be comfortable with who they truly are. 

My life experiences have shaped how I see the world and how I understand people as a psychologist. From growing up in a country marked by political unrest, to navigating the difficulties of being an immigrant to the United States, to coming out as a gay man after being raised in a conservative environment, I developed a deep understanding of the impact of the environment on people’s emotional experience.  My training and experience give me a unique skillset to help people honor their true self. 

My approach to therapy is based on an empathic and collaborative relationship with my clients. My goal is to create a safe environment for exploration and to help you feel understood and seen. I work primarily from a psychodynamic and emotion focused perspective, but also draw from multiple theoretical orientations and techniques in order to tailor the best plan to help you accomplish your goals.

I have nearly 20 years of experience in the field. I obtained my Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) degree from The George Washington University and completed my pre-doctoral internship at the New York University/Bellevue Hospital Center in New York City. Additionally, I have advanced training in Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy (AEDP) and in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT).

My clinical experience as a therapist includes working with adult clients in healthcare settings (outpatient clinics, in-patient units, psychiatric emergency rooms), community organizations, university counseling centers and in private practice. Having worked in such diverse treatment settings has given me the opportunity to deeply understand the complexities of human experience.