About

Therapeutic Approach

Whole Person Strategy

My craft is holistic in nature because it considers different systems of the human network as fundamental aspects to a balanced lifestyle (mindbody, spirit, relationships, environment, occupation, purpose…). From this perspective, every conflict or dis-ease has a belief, an emotional, and energetic component that affects the system. Therefore, these seemingly separated areas can be considered integral parts in the healing process that is activated by you, the main character and active participant in this journey.

From this viewpoint, we will pay dedicated attention to the reasons that mobilized you to seek counseling, and see them as opportunities for growth. As lessons in the path, and openings to create a new reality. We will focus on outdated mental programs, such as limiting beliefs, and the emotional components that accompany them, to foster processes that will help you let go of what you don’t need anymore. Taking advantage of the void or space that is created after the release, we will recharge or fill that space with the new. With those experiences that you really want to see manifest in your life. Hence, embodying a finer version of yourself in the now.

We Team Up

My role as a psychotherapist unfolds as a co-creative approach, where we establish a dynamic working relationship. This relationship begins as an exploration of the areas of your life that need the most attention, and we set goals to start making progress. This usually looks like resolving past issues, or adapting to situations in the present moment that require a new set of skills. This process can happen as a combination of dialogue, as in usual talk therapy, or if you prefer we could use D.E.I (Diagnostico Energetico Integral). D.E.I is a diagnostic and treatment tool that allows me to detect disharmonies that are affecting the balance of your biosystem (interaction of emotions, beliefs, spiritual life, nutrition).

The innovative aspect of D.E.I is that we let the ego out of the equation when we just work from this body centered approach, and let the body “tell us” what needs to be addressed first in order to regain balance. Just another way of looking at things from a different angle.

Our Therapy Process

My expertise in our sessions will focus on promoting the application of strategies that will allow you to make informed choices that will support the movement of deciphering your path in the world, through a more balanced way of living, a clearer purpose and response-ability, and overall more vitality and wellbeing.

Please contact me if you are curious about what I do in my practice, as I am more than happy to share what I know and put this knowledge at your service.

Give me a call to find out how we can work together.

Contact Me

Hello, I'm Manuel

I was born and raised in Costa Rica, and graduated from the School of Psychology at the Universidad de Costa Rica. I received my Master’s degree in Somatic Psychology from Naropa University, in Boulder, Colorado. I passionately promote the functional unity of the bodymind to support people to experience higher levels of functioning, creativity, and integrity in their lives. My work is further supported by a strong neuroscience and mindfulness background that guides people in sharpening self-awareness and cultivating internal resources so they may better navigate life’s situations with energy, spontaneity, and skill.

I have over 15 years of experience being part of several teams while providing different mental health services: from psychiatric emergencies and crisis, to outpatient clinics offering support to people with diagnosis of severe mental illness, substance use, and trauma. I am experienced working with adolescents and families from diverse cultural backgrounds and nationalities in different settings such as therapeutic boarding schools, outdoor experiential education, and the public school system. I have also led and coordinated programs that empower youth and encourage them to become active global citizens, while growing into the best version of themselves as young adults.

In addition, I enjoy leading workshops on meditation, body psychotherapy, and movement in collaboration with other colleagues in the yoga and wellness industry internationally. Sitting in circles and sharing with other men the intricacies of masculinity in today’s society is another one of my interests. Finding the balance between the healthy masculine and feminine principles within every individual, and supporting others into making contact with their personal power by living with a sense of purpose and integrity is another one of my passions.

I enjoy playing music, dancing, mountain biking, motorcycling, surfing and hiking with my wife, children, and friends. I am also humbled and marveled on a daily basis by the experience of parenting twin boys.

“Manuel’s professionalism and expertise gave me confidence in processing my issues, and his genuine way of relating made it easier for me to open up and explore my emotions. Thanks to his support, I have gained valuable tools for managing my anxiety. I no longer suffer from panic attacks. I recommend Manuel to anyone seeking a caring and effective therapist.``
ER ~

“Through working with Manuel, I have learned that focusing and investing in myself is not selfish, but an act of self love. This has helped me to set better boundaries and navigate life's challenges with more grace and resilience.”
JT ~

``Our son started doing therapy with Manuel and after a few sessions of working as a family and a team, he helped us figure out how to implement different ways of relating with one another. We have a plan on how to better support C in his transition to adolescence and this has improved life at home and our relationship.``
JM ~

``Manuel es una persona que transmite mucha calma y confianza. Además de que me escucha y me ayuda a encontrar soluciones, también me da su punto de vista cuando se lo pido. Eso me ha gustado mucho del trabajo que hemos hecho juntos porque otros terapeutas nada más escuchan y no dicen nada.``
TC ~

``I appreciate Manu’s understanding of culture and diversity, which allows me to move freely and openly throughout our sessions. I’ve been able to open up, share and reflect on moments of my life as I have never before. He has been very supportive and encouraging while also helping me see my blind spots so I can better myself and keep growing.``
EV ~

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