I am a multilingual and multicultural counselor. Having immigrated from South America, language and culture inform my practice and work with my clients. I have experience working with immigrants, refugees, and Latino communities, but my passion lies in supporting families and their children. Fluent in English, Spanish, and Portuguese, I am committed to empowering children and adolescents to overcome challenges, build confidence, and realize their full potential.

I have experience working with clients with a variety of concerns, including anxiety, depression, parental custody/divorce, trauma, conduct disorders, self-harm, and school performance/attendance. 

My approach when working with children is informed by child-centered play therapy, which allows children to guide the session and show their problems in the playroom, providing them an opportunity to have autonomy, responsibility, and safety. As the relationship strengthens, I also incorporate more directive and collaborative activities to complement and guide treatment towards the goals established. With adolescents, I have found it impactful to utilize narrative therapy, which allows clients to share their story and to find alternative versions to these stories that better fit who they want to be and how to better solve the problems they are facing.

My approach is trauma-informed and inclusive of a variety of approaches, such as narrative therapy, expressive arts, and psychodrama. While working with the children, I also provide parent sessions, which allows an opportunity to share positive and active parenting strategies. My role as a counselor is to help families find better ways to communicate, integrate needs and desires, and create a tight community. 

Outside of the playroom and office, I am enthusiastic about video games, board games and films. I love being involved in my community (Brazilian) and caring for my plants.

Viviane can be reached at viviane@gaiacounseling.com