The Power of Deep Listening
Hi I’m Irene,
I’m a mental health counselor that thrives on listening to others. I strongly believe that non-judgmental listening and presence gives humans the opportunity to connect and thrive and nothing fills me more than giving another person the secure space they need to explore their feelings.
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 two 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.
KIND WORDS FROM MY CLIENTS
“The way Irene listens to us when we express our worries about our daughter has made us feel understood throughout the years.”
— HAPPY CLIENT
KIND WORDS FROM MY CLIENTS
“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
