My approach to mental health
My approach to mental health starts with a comprehensive assessment designed to evaluate current difficulties and strengths, including any emotional, biological, social or environmental factors that could be playing a part. The clinical assessment may involve screening questionnaires, physical examination or liaison with other professionals and school if you wish. At the end of the initial consultation, I will provide my clinical impression and diagnosis (if any), so that we can start developing a joint personalised treatment plan.
I aim to foster a respectful and compassionate environment to ensure that you feel comfortable and safe to discuss any difficulties. I pride myself in providing excellent standards of care and integrate neuroscience principles with a mind-body approach to achieve emotional and physical positive balance.
When developing a joint treatment plan, I offer a bespoke individual approach to suit your individual preferences and lifestyle. Some of the approaches I regularly use include:
- Psychoeducation: support and information about the condition so that symptoms can be managed better.
- Psychotherapy: psychological talking therapies. I predominantly use Cognitive-Behavioural therapy (CBT), family therapy (systemic therapy), play therapy, social skills therapy, interpersonal therapy or mindfulness-based cognitive therapy.
- Parenting techniques: empower parents through positive techniques to support and understand the child’s difficulties and strengths.
- Behavioural learning techniques: developed in association with your child’s school.
- Stress reduction: mindfulness techniques and mind-body exercises.
- Lifestyle interventions: nutritional changes, exercise, supplements and sleep therapy.
- Medication: if required.
My approach to medication
In my opinion, medication needs to be considered carefully, especially in young people. There are both risks and benefits associated with medications that should be considered as part of a comprehensive joint care plan.
Training and education
I graduated as Medical Doctor at the University of Barcelona in 2003. I consequently trained in General Psychiatry in Spain and Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Centre, USA (ranked as one of the top hospitals in the USA), obtaining my registered specialist in 2008 and 2010 respectively. I gained a master’s degree in Integrative Psychotherapy in 2008 and awarded with a PhD in Psychiatry by the University of Barcelona in 2011 with distinction with honours.
I’ve trained and worked in the most prestigious clinical and research medical centres, nationally and internationally, including the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience ,King’s College London, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, Cornell University, USA, and New York State Psychiatry Institute, Columbia University, USA.
Currently, I combine my faculty appointment as an Honorary Clinical Senior Lecturer at the Centre for Psychiatry, Barts & The London School of Medicine & Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London since 2017 and my private practice in central London.
I have published over 60 scientific articles, book chapters, and abstracts and have been invited as speaker to the most distinguished national and international conferences in the field of neurodevelopmental and mood disorders.
In addition, I hold several notable positions, including:
- Member of Scientific Committee of Fundevas- bond development and health about the importance of the first 1000 days after conception
- Member of the Alicia Koplowitz Scientific Committee in Child and Adolescent Mental Health
- Member of the International Collaboration on Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Substance Abuse (ICASA)
- Member of the Royal College of Psychiatrists (UK)
- Past Member of the Training Committee and Local Faculty Group in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry higher training scheme at the Great Ormond Street Hospital & Royal London Hospital
Furthermore, I have received several honours and distinctions such as the Clinical Excellence Award (2019) and nominee for Team of the Year Award (2018) as a Consultant Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist leading the Clinical and Research multi-disciplinary Paediatric Neurodevelopmental Disorder Team at East London NHS Foundation Trust (rated as Outstanding by the Care Quality Commission) , first prize for the best research presentation at the State of the Art Congress Psychological Medicine: Bio-Social Advances in Psychiatric Research at Queen Mary University of London (2019), and the Donald J. Cohen Fellowship Program, 19th World Congress of the International Association for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Allied Professionals, Beijing, China (2010).
Click here for a list of my recent publications.
My personal interests
Growing up in Barcelona, I always loved being connected with the sea and the sun and appreciate the positive impact nature can have on our wellbeing. I’ve also lived in Italy, the USA and the UK, so I’m fluent in English, Spanish and Catalan and have worked with patients from a wide range of backgrounds and cultures.
