I received my doctoral degree from the University of Connecticut’s APA-accredited Ph.D. program in Clinical Psychology. Through the course of my training, I provided clinical services to adults and adolescents seeking care for depression, stress and anxiety-related disorders (including generalized anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorders, and specific phobias), trauma, alcohol and substance abuse, and severe mental illness. I have helped clients work through issues related to self-esteem and identity, adverse childhood experiences, intimate and family relationships, work-related and school-related stress, life meaning and purpose, individual religious and cultural matters, and concerns specific to military service members and veterans. Prior to completing an APA-accredited internship at the Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center, I received training through the University of Connecticut Psychological Services Center, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, and the Center for Cognitive and Behavioral Therapy at Hartford Hospital’s Institute of Living. Currently, I am a Maryland Registered Psychology Associate practicing under the clinical supervision of Dr. Niveen Soliman. When I am not engaged in clinical practice, I conduct psychological studies and program evaluations as a Research Psychologist with the United States Army.
The greatest promise of psychotherapy is its potential to foster lasting change in the way that clients relate to themselves and others. In this way, therapy can empower clients to follow new paths towards lives of fullness, authenticity, love, and joy. To do this, I use a humanistic and client-centered psychotherapeutic orientation informed by psychodynamic process, cognitive-behavioral therapeutic techniques, and motivational enhancement to help clients overcome life’s obstacles and realize their potential.
Treatment begins with exploring reasons for seeking therapy, establishing goals for treatment, and identifying personal and social barriers that prevent clients from reaching their goals. Treatment may explore personal values, coping strategies, problem solving techniques, negative thought patterns, harmful behaviors, social and family relationships, and past life events. I help clients explore their thoughts, behaviors, and relationships with respect to their religious, cultural, and social identities to aid them in finding ways of living authentically. In these complex and ever-changing times, making major life transitions can be more challenging than ever before. As such, I especially enjoy helping younger adults navigate adjustment to school, work, family, and parenthood, and I enjoy working with older adults who might be working through stress associated with loss, retirement, health challenges, and finding purpose in later life.
My approach to psychotherapeutic practice includes evidence-based strategies for clinical care, but no two courses of therapy are the same. Ultimately, treatment is driven by your needs and your goals to help you live your best life. I look forward to helping you on your journey to growth and well-being.
Dr. Gutierrez is under supervision, and thus his fees are not covered or reimbursable by insurance. Dr. Gutierrez’s fee is a reduced rate of $120 per hour.