Dr. Ricardo E. Gonsalves

Experience

I have several years of experience working with diverse populations across a wide range of mental health issues. I received my doctorate, an Ed.D. in Human Development and Psychology from Harvard University. I have conducted research on lifestyle changes, stress and identity formation. I utilize a variety of psychological theories such as Constructivist, Postmodern, Developmental, Existential and Psychodynamic approaches. I acquired my undergraduate degree at UC San Diego in the area of Communication Arts.

Currently I serve on the faculty of the Chicago School of Professional Psychology and I am  licensed by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences as a Marriage and Family Therapist, license number MFC48576.

Professional affiliations;

American Psychological Association / Div. 39 Psychoanalytic Psychology

Academy for the Study of Psychoanalytic Arts

California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists

California Latino Psychological Association

The Constructivist Psychology Network

About my approach:

Psychotherapy is symptom focused. The goal is to remove distress or acquire insight and amelioration of troubling behaviors. Psychotherapy is dedicated to fixing and maintaining the mental and emotional infrastructure that supports your daily existence. It can address past or current trauma, help in repairing broken relationships, address the pain of depression or the chaos imposed by anxiety and compulsions. Psychotherapy is about healing and empowerment.

Human Development is focused on stages of growth and change across the life–span. While it can employ psychotherapy to understand the past and the present it can also serve as an approach to planning the future. This includes preparing for the Next Big Thing that may be coming your way. For example, if you are about to become a parent then you may want to invest some time in considering your own childhood and deciding how to become a positive influence on your child.  Other events include marriage, divorce, retirement, or issues of identity and changing your lifestyle. Human Development is about how to create a personal road-map for the future.

The goal of this combined approach is to reach a deeper understanding of the opportunities and constraints that surround a changing individual in a changing world. It is a perspective by which you may examine your options for fulfillment and joy!