I have a general practice and work with people of all ages who want to improve the quality of their lives and their relationships. I specialize in working with individuals who experienced trauma, abuse, maltreatment or violence; those who have anxiety disorders and relationship problems; and those adjusting to major life changes such as immigration or relocation, “coming out” experiences and gender affirmation. I also enjoy working with clients seeking to make lifestyle changes to improve their overall health, such as quit smoking, improve eating habits, increase physical activity, and reduce stress. When I work with children, I build a collaborative relationship with the parents to help them promote their children’s wellbeing and optimum development at home and at school. I provide individual, couple, and family consultations, assessment, and psychotherapy services, both in English and in Portuguese.
APPROACH TO PSYCHOTHERAPY
I work from an integrative treatment perspective in which the needs of each client, couple or family dictate the direction I take in treatment planning. This results in an individually tailored approach to intervention that recognizes my clients’ unique life contexts, motivations, and goals for self-change. I have training and experience providing a range of treatments.
- Humanistic/Existential Psychotherapy
- Psychodynamic Psychotherapy
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
- Clinical Biofeedback
- Motivational Interviewing
- Contextual Therapy for Trauma Survivors
- Dialectical Behavioral Therapy
- Expressive Arts Therapy
- LGBTQ Affirmative Psychotherapy
- Gender Affirmative Care
I enjoy working with clients who are reflective and want to explore the underlying reasons why they feel and behave the way they do, who are willing to try new ways to approach solving problems, and who are invested in the therapeutic process. In times of crisis, I can help clients restore their balance and we may be able to accomplish this goal in just a few sessions; but long-term change takes more time and effort, usually several months or a couple of years. I am happy to work with clients either on a short-term or long-term basis, depending on their needs and wants.
APPOINTMENTS AND FEES
I offer day-time, evening and weekend appointments. I typically meet with clients in my office in Pasadena but also work via phone with existing clients when they do not live in the area and have difficulty driving to the office to meet in person on a regular basis. To schedule a free initial 15 minute phone consultation, please contact me by e-mail at doctormagalhaes@gmail.com (preferred) or call at 954-937-0240. If I don't pick up when you call, please leave a message. I will call you back as soon as I can.
I am not on insurance panels. My practice operates on a fee-for-services basis, and payment is due at the time services are rendered (by cash or check). If you are on a PPO plan or have a Flexfunds account for healthcare expenses, I can provide you with a statement you can submit for reimbursement. My standard consultation/psychotherapy fee for individual work is $200 per hour ($250 for family or couples' work). In some special circumstances, I maybe able to accept a lower fee but special arrangements need to be negotiated upfront and are usually temporary.
