The Power of Deep Listening
Hi I’m Irene,
I’m a licensed clinical psychologist from El Salvador.
Listening is at the heart of everything I do. I integrate CBT with ACT, DBT, and mindfulness-based approaches.
My mission is to help parents learn how to listen to their teens, so their presence can become a place of comfort, safety, and guidance. Through my work with teens and adults, I support healthier relationships, emotional growth, and lasting change.
I believe that presence gives humans the opportunity to connect, heal and thrive.
How did I get started?
I started my career as a School Counselor 20 years ago after completing my B.A. in Psychology and M.Ed in School Counseling & Human Development at George Washington University in D.C. Throughout my career, I’ve worked both in school and clinical settings providing 1:1 sessions to teens and parents.
My current goal is to teach parents how to listen to their teens so that they can become their child’s first source of comfort and guidance.
Giving your teen your undivided attention and presence allows them to feel heard, validated and ultimately improves their mental health state.
Knowing how to be there for your teens isn’t easy.
As parents we sometimes tend to want to fix our teens' problems or give them advice.
By learning how to listen to your teens through my HEAR Method™, I teach you the skills of presence, attunement, and companionship.
Being present for them will give them the support they need to help them feel they are not alone, like they don't have to carry their struggles on their own, and clarity over their thoughts.
These skills will allow your teen to feel like they can come to you when they’re faced with a challenging situation.
THERAPY DOGS | LEARNING | LOVE OF BOOKS
In addition to being passionate about listening, I also believe in continual learning, which is why I recently completed master’s degrees at ISEP, Madrid in Animal Assisted Therapy and 3rd wave behavioral therapies.
My love for dogs has led me to certify one of my dog’s as a medical assistance therapy dog.
When I’m not outside enjoying nature with my dogs, I enjoy soaking up the early morning sunlight with a cup of coffee and a good book.
“The way Irene listens to us when we express our worries about our daughter has made us feel understood throughout the years.”
— HAPPY CLIENT
“When we have sessions with Irene, we have the opportunity to learn how we need to listen to our daughter when she’s in a crisis.”
— HAPPY CLIENT
EDUCATION & CREDENTIALS
B.A. in Psychology and Sociology,
George Washington University, Washington, D.C.
Clinical Psychologist J.V.V.P 2892
(Licensure in El Salvador)
M. Ed in Counseling and Human Development, George Washington University, Washington, D.C.
MA in Animal Assisted Therapy,
Insituto Superior de Estudios Psicológicos, Madrid
MA in 3rd Wave Behavioral Therapies,
Insituto Superior de Estudios Psicológicos, Madrid
HOW CAN WE WORK TOGETHER?
HEAR Method™ Masterclass
This 60-minute online masterclass is designed for parents who want to become more open and understanding, and create a deeper, more meaningful relationship with their teens—one where conversations feel easier, more connected, and enjoyable for both.
This 60-minute online masterclass will be offered four times throughout the year, giving parents multiple opportunities to join and learn practical tools they can begin using right away to create more open, connected, and meaningful conversations with their teens.
1-ON-1 HEAR SESSIONS
A dedicated hour focused entirely on you, so you can create more openness, deeper understanding, and a relationship with your teen that you both actually enjoy.