About Raul

I am a first-generation bilingual (English and Spanish), bi-cultural therapist who understands the conflict of growing up and raising children in two different cultures.

I began my training working in a school-based setting with children and their families of lower socio-economic status.  I learned to utilize art therapy, play therapy, and sand tray play therapy to allow my clients to disclose and cope with their traumas, but more importantly allowing them to cultivate positive relationships with their teachers, their peers, and their family.   From school-based therapy, I continued to work with at-risk adolescents who were involved in the juvenile justice system, the foster system, and living through homelessness.  I helped my clients to grasp a better understanding of their feelings and emotions as a result of their experienced trauma, and assisted them in forging strong bonds and healthy relationships with their family members, friends and teachers.

I received my Bachelors degree in Psychology at San Diego State University.  I have worked in the social services field with various non-profit agencies in San Diego prior to obtaining a Masters Degree in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy from Azusa Pacific University. Currently I am a registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist #119954.

I have received advanced training in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and I am Level 1 Certified in Gottman Method Couples Therapy.  Additionally, I have received training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Solution-Focused Therapy.

Therapy with Raul 

Humans are relational beings.  We need to feel secure in our relationships as we maneuver through life.  Children need us, as parents, we need to be present with them and support them as they encounter and experience the hurt and pain, but also the joy and excitement of growing up.  As adults, we need our partners to be responsive to our needs.

In relationships, we often begin to argue about the most insignificant topics and our attempts in reaching out to our partner go unnoticed and/or are rejected, which leads us to begin to question if they love us or if they even care. But, what leads us to argue with our partner is not the topic at hand, rather feeling unloved, under appreciated, alone, and disconnected.

I work to create a strong alliance with my clients, as well as create a safe environment where we can explore the areas of insecurity and disconnect within our relationship, in order to foster stronger and healthy relationships.  

Education

  • Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from San Diego State University
  • Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy from Azusa Pacific University

Trainings

  • Advanced training in Emotionally Focused Therapy - Externship and Core Skills
  • Gottman Method Couples Therapy Level 1
  • Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Counselor 
  • Play Therapy - Art/Sand Tray 

Contact

Phone: (619) 786-7663
Email: raul.roman@icloud.com