Psychology/Psychotherapy
CLINICAL BACKGROUND
Brenda Gándara, PHD
During my doctoral studies at Texas A & M University, I focused heavily on multicultural psychology. My internship was completed at a veterans' hospital in Puerto Rico in which I learned how to integrate the mind and body in all clinical interventions. My training includes, but it is not limited to, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), existential-humanistic, EMDR, Internal Family Systems (IFS), shadow work, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), hypnosis, seeking safety, interpersonal therapy, reality therapy, and somatic approaches responsive to our sociopolitical and historical context. Investing time and resources in learning non-western healing practices is also an ongoing commitment of mine.
All this training and 10-plus years of experience as a psychologist have prepared me to work with individuals to help them connect with their inherent wisdom. This will enable them to change deeply, and not only their symptoms. The process is similar to an excavation, where we have to dig down to the foundation to really transform the structure of the building, instead of just applying a fresh coat of paint to the walls.
As part of my research, I have explored empathy and self-compassion among novice therapists, as well as cultural elements among Latina students.