I was born in Lima, Peru and came to the United States when I was twenty-one-years-old. Growing up in Peru, I was exposed to a way of life that mixes daily events with mystery. I came from an intellectual family who rejected the metaphysical world on the basis that it was superstition and as such, plain ignorance. At the same time I had the great opportunity to learn that there was more to life from the cook who worked at my house.

Benita showed me the power of herbs, spirits, and ritual to help us heal physically and emotionally. Benita was a -curandera- or healer and people came to see her to be healed from all kinds of ailments. Benita was a great influence in my life and today I practice my own way of healing from being exposed to her beliefs and way of life.

Unbeknown to me, I learned to hold opposites while growing up. This has guided my work with clients in helping them achieve a balanced life. I spent years taking classes in philosophy, anthropology, world religions, and expressive art. I also had the experience of living in Europe for several years where I was exposed to various cultures. This deepened my appreciation and understanding of the differences among human beings.

In the United States, I chose to be formally trained as a healer by studying psychology. I remember my first psychology class and how clear it was to me that psychology was my calling. I went to Chestnut Hill College in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania where I received my Bachelor and Master degrees in psychology. The school had a psychodynamic orientation and I was trained in Object Relations.

I am proud to inform you that I graduated with Honors from this fantastic traditional college. I moved to San Francisco after finishing my Masters. In San Francisco, I was exposed to many types of therapies. My first internship was at a Gestalt Center where I learned much about how self-responsibility helps decrease depression, anxiety, and other mental suffering. Just by living in the City, I learned about Buddhism which helps me live my life with peace and contentment. I went to the World School of Massage and Healing Arts where I learned bodywork, energy work, and healing. It is in San Francisco where I became a licensed marriage and family therapist. I keep learning new and exciting things. I am in the process of beginning a certificate in Energy Psychology.

I have a private practice in Santa Barbara where I live with my husband, my cat Jones, and with Orville the bird.

My professional training and life experiences enable me to bring a unique perspective to my work. I hope that as you read my website, you developed a feeling for who I am and the way I work. Whatever needs and challenges you may have, I will work respecting your individuality and at your pace. The next step is usually the most difficult one for most people. It is to make the first phone call. After this step, life begins to unfold the way it was meant to be. You will see.