about
Monica
A Compassionate Guide on Your Journey Toward Healing
Therapy is not just about overcoming difficulty. It is about understanding who you are, rebuilding resilience, and creating space for meaningful change.
I offer a warm, confidential, and culturally sensitive space in English and Spanish, tailored entirely to your story.
Why I Became
a Therapist
My path to psychotherapy began with a fundamental truth: every person deserves to be heard without judgement.
Drawing on both my Colombian roots and my life in the UK, I appreciate how culture, identity, and lived experience shape our inner world.
I became a therapist to help people navigate life's challenges, rediscover their strengths, and build fulfilling lives.
"I didn't become a therapist to fix people. I became a therapist to remind them of their own strength and offer a safe space to find their way back to themselves.".
My Therapeutic Approach
An integrative, evidence-based framework designed around your unique needs. Here is how we work together:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Explore the connection between thoughts, feelings, physical sensations, and behaviours to break unhelpful cycles and create lasting change.
Person-Centred Counselling
A confidential, empathetic environment where you can explore difficult experiences at your own pace, supported by unconditional positive regard.
Culturally Sensitive Care
Honor your cultural background, identity, and values with an inclusive approach that respects your unique perspective.
Integrative Therapy
Combining structured CBT with relational counselling to provide a personalized therapeutic journey tailored to your goals.
Trauma-Informed Approach
Safe, gradual processing of painful memories and life challenges to restore a profound sense of inner security and self-control.
Education
& Credentials
Licensure:
MBACP Registered Counsellor.
British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP)
BABCP Member.
British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies.
Education:
Postgraduate Diploma in Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapy.
The University of Salford / 2020 – 2022
MSc in Counselling and Psychotherapy.
The University of Salford / 2016 – 2020
BSc (Hons) in Psychology.
The Open University / 2009 – 2015
Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology.
Universidad Santo Tomás, Colombia /1992 – 1998
Specialized Training & Certifications:
Certificate in Third Wave CBT & Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT).
SDS Seminars / BPS Approved.
E-Therapy Support & Peer Mentoring Training.
SelfHelp Services UK / 2016 – 2017
Professional Memberships:
Registered Member of the British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy (MBACP)
Member of the British Association for Behavioural & Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP)
Continuing Education:
Committed to clinical excellence and ongoing professional development in evidence-based CBT, trauma recovery, and culturally inclusive mental health care.
Clinical Experience
Online therapy from wherever you are
Expertise
Anxiety & Panic
Generalised anxiety, panic disorder, health anxiety, social anxiety, and phobias.
Trauma & PTSD
Childhood trauma, complex trauma, sexual assault, domestic violence, and traumatic loss
Depression
Persistent low mood, loss of energy, negative thought patterns, and emotional dysregulation.
OCD & Intrusive Thoughts
Obsessive-compulsive patterns using evidence-based CBT and ERP strategies.
Bereavement & Life Changes
Grief, loss, major life transitions, relationship difficulties, and self-esteem.
Relationship Issues
Communication patterns, attachment wounds, boundary-setting, and relationship anxiety
Diverse & Inclusive Practice
With extensive clinical experience across NHS primary care services (IAPT), occupational health care, and community charities in Manchester, as well as therapeutic practice in Colombia, I am deeply committed to providing inclusive care for adults of all backgrounds, cultures, and identities
Clinical Experience
The trust my clients place in me is something I never take for granted. Here is what some of them have shared about our work together.
"I felt listened to and understood from the very beginning."
"I was quite nervous about starting therapy, but Monica made it feel so natural. She helped me understand the patterns behind my anxiety and gave me practical tools that actually work in my daily life."
Sara M.
"I was nervous about starting therapy, but Monica made it so easy.
"She listens without trying to fix everything immediately and gives me tools I can actually use. I've learned so much about myself in just a few months."
Michael T.
"Being able to express myself in my own language made all the difference."
"Navigating a major life transition while feeling overwhelmed was tough. Working with Monica in a bilingual setting allowed me to explore my thoughts with total authenticity and find my way forward."
-
Elena R.
Outside the Office
A Little More About Me
When I am not in session, I value time spent connecting with nature, staying curious through learning, and nurturing relationships with family and friends.
Drawing strength from my dual Irish and Colombian culture, I remain deeply passionate about reducing mental health stigma and making compassionate, evidence-based therapy accessible to everyone.
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