About
Meet Mónica
I'm a bilingual psychotherapist providing therapy in English and Spanish for adults and couples. Originally from Colombia, I moved to the United States to pursue my education and build my career, and I now call Belgium home. Having lived and worked across different cultures, I understand the challenges that can come with building a life in a new place, balancing different identities, and navigating relationships across cultures. I enjoy working with clients from diverse backgrounds and strive to create a space where you feel understood, respected, and comfortable being yourself.
For more than 25 years, I've worked with adults in private practice, hospitals, universities, and community mental health settings. Alongside my clinical work, I've led programs and trained and supervised mental health professionals, graduate students, and multidisciplinary teams. While much of my work has focused on trauma and resilience, I also work with adults and couples experiencing anxiety, depression, relationship concerns, burnout, life transitions, and other emotional challenges.
I believe therapy is most helpful when it combines insight with practical tools. My approach is thoughtful, collaborative, and tailored to your individual needs, integrating psychodynamic psychotherapy with evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT).
Finding the right therapist is an important decision. If you're wondering whether we're a good fit, I invite you to schedule a free 20-minute consultation. I'd be happy to answer your questions and learn more about how I can support you.
Experience
Qualifications and Professional Background
Education & Licensure
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Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW-R), New York, USA
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Master of Social Work (M.S.W.), New York University
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Advanced Training in Psychodynamic Psychotherapy, New York Psychoanalytic Society & Institute
Advanced Clinical Training
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Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
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Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
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Certified Addictions-Informed Mental Health Professional
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Specialized training in victim advocacy and forensic trauma interviewing
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Clinical supervision (SIFI)
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Ongoing postgraduate training in trauma, anxiety, couples therapy, grief, addiction, ethics, and evidence-based psychotherapy
Clinical & Leadership Experience
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More than 25 years of clinical experience
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Providing psychotherapy in private practice since 2008
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Clinical and leadership roles in hospitals, universities, community mental health, and nonprofit organizations
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Extensive experience supervising and training clinicians, graduate students, volunteers, and multidisciplinary teams
Professional Recognition
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Lydia Martinez Multidisciplinary Collaboration Award (2020)
Presented by the New York City Alliance Against Sexual Assault in recognition of outstanding multidisciplinary collaboration and service to survivors of sexual violence.