Specialty Areas:
- Adjusting to Change and Life Transitions
- Childhood Trauma
- Emotional Intelligence
- Feelings of Inadequacy, Shame, and Worthlessness
- Personality Disorders
- Relationship Issues
- Self Esteem and Self Worth Issues
- Trauma and PTSD
- Young Adult Transitions and Issues
- Values Clarification
- EMDR Trained
Abril is a bilingual (Spanish/English) psychotherapist who received her Master's Degree in psychoanalytic psychotherapy at Universidad Complutense of Madrid and a Master's Degree in Counseling from Universidad Iberoamericana in Mexico City. While completing her bachelor’s degree she developed an interest in eating disorders and eating behaviors, provided psychoeducation to the general population, and participated in clinical research, conferences and workshops carried out at college settings. Abril continued her education while experiencing a migration process which triggered her curiosity about migrants' experience, acculturation and the need to develop a culturally sensitive approach in her professional development while being a foreigner herself. Abril has 8 years of experience at different levels of intervention with diverse populations, from an educational setting as a school counselor to a clinical practice with migrant populations with mental health diagnosis. Abril has received education on psychodynamic and contemporary approaches, allowing her to develop an integrative approach. With a trauma-informed lens, Abril utilizes psychodynamic techniques, systemic theory and interventions, and behavioral and solution-focused interventions. Abril has always been curious about others, and believed in connection as a healing path. Abril is excited by working with diverse populations, nationalities and cultures, and she values the uniqueness of every client and the potential for growth and change through the therapeutic process.
Out of the office, Abril is an avid reader, a curious traveler, an outdoor enthusiast and as a part of her self-care activities she practices yoga and vedic meditation.
I value the subjective experience developed in therapy, the personal battles, growth and development I achieved in my own therapeutic path, which drove me to pursue a career as a psychotherapist. I wanted to find a way to offer to others what I found to be healing for myself. I also valued the responsibility that comes with being a mental health provider, you can give voice to social needs, provide psychoeducation and information to contribute to a better understanding of mental health.
1. What attracted you to being a psychotherapist?
My approach with clients is initially based on establishing a trusting relationship, being curious about the client, listening and understanding what is making them come to therapy at this moment. I take my time, and I try to be sensitive to the client's timing as well, to develop a safe space for the therapy process to begin. I share with my clients the importance of their presence in therapy. I work with what they bring into the session, it’s a moment for themselves, to process, to be listened to, to be seen, it's their space and I am there to help them work towards healing, acceptance, growth and/or change.
2. How would you describe your approach with your clients?
“I am not what happened to me, I am what I choose to become.¨
–(Carl Jung).
3. What's your favorite quote about mental health?
When I was starting my professional path I was very surprised by mental illness, understanding pathology and the many ways in which people could be affected in their daily lives, their relationships and their emotional experience. After years of experience, what mostly surprises me as a psychotherapist is the human aspect of it, no titles, no labels, no pathology. The ways in which I have seen people move forward, keep going and deal with whatever life brings to them has been surprising and enriching for my practice.
4. What has surprised you the most about being a psychotherapist?
