Appointment

Lua Sáenz del Castillo

ACADEMIC EDUCATION

Basic Education

  • Degree in Psychology, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (2005).
  • CEAL-BSCH Scholarship, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid and Universidad Nacional de Córdoba (Argentina) (2003–2004).
  • ERASMUS Scholarship, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid – University of Kent, Canterbury (England) (2001–2002).

Postgraduate Education

  • Postgraduate studies in Gestalt Psychotherapy (2003–2008).
    • Instituto Gestalten, Córdoba (Argentina).
    • Accredited in Spain by Instituto C.I.P.A.R.H., Madrid.
  • Postgraduate Degree in Gestalt Psychotherapy for Children and Adolescents, Instituto Formador Gestalten, Córdoba (Argentina).

SPECIALIZED CONTINUING EDUCATION

EMDR Therapy

  • EMDR – Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. Level I and II, EMDR Institute.
  • Advanced EMDR training focused on Attachment, with Laurel Parnell / P.E.S.I. (Professional Education Systems Institute):
    • Healing Developmental Deficits and Adults Abused in Childhood.
    • Repairing Early Childhood Separation and Loss.
    • Healing Relational Trauma.
    • Childhood Sexual Abuse.
    • Panic and Anxiety.
    • Eating Disorders.
    • Sleep Problems Related to Medical Trauma.
    • PTSD Caused by a Natural Disaster.
  • EMDR for Complex Trauma: Step-by-Step Somatic & Polyvagal-Informed Interventions, with Rebecca Kase / P.E.S.I.
  • EMDR & Internal Family Systems (IFS): Integration Techniques to Resolve Inner Conflicts for Enhanced Trauma Processing Presented, with Daphne Fatter / P.E.S.I.
  • EMDR Integration with Somatic Therapy and Parts Work: Interventions for Trauma, PTSD, Attachment Injuries and Dissociation, with Sandra Paulsen / P.E.S.I.

IFS Internal Family Systems Therapy

  • Clinical applications of Internal Family Systems (IFS): step-by-step procedures for healing traumatic wounds and relieving anxiety, depression, trauma, addiction and other symptomatology, with Alexia Rothman / P.E.S.I.
  • Treatment of complex trauma with Internal Family Systems (IFS), with Frank Anderson / P.E.S.I.
  • IFS in action: guiding clients toward Self leadership, with Richard Schwartz / P.E.S.I.
  • The myth of the unitary self, with Richard Schwartz and Gabor Maté / P.E.S.I.
  • How to apply IFS techniques to anxiety, with Richard Schwartz / P.E.S.I.
  • Masterclass “IFS in Action”, with Richard Schwartz / P.E.S.I.
  • How to Incorporate Internal Family Systems Therapy (IFS) and Parenting, with Frank Anderson / P.E.S.I.

Focusing Therapy

  • Specialization Certification in Focusing, with Fernanda Acuña / Centro Transpersonal de Buenos Aires.

EFT Therapy

  • Certified Practitioner in Tapping (EFT), Centro de Psicoterapias Avanzadas.

Polyvagal theory

  • Polyvagal Theory in Action: Creating Safety & Connection with Trauma Clients, with Deborah Dana / P.E.S.I.

Training in Complex Trauma and Neurobiological Approaches

  • Certified Clinical Trauma Professional – Level 2, Evergreen Certifications.
  • Complex PTSD: an integrative approach for accurate assessment and effective treatment of chronic, repeated and/or developmental trauma, with Arielle Schwartz / P.E.S.I.
  • Healing the Fragmented Selves of Trauma Survivors: Transformational Approaches to Treating Complex Trauma, with Janina Fisher / P.E.S.I.
  • Finding a faster way to treat trauma: a neurobiology-informed approach, with Janina Fisher / P.E.S.I.
  • Shame and self-loathing in trauma treatment, with Janina Fisher / P.E.S.I.
  • Shame and the rejected self: overcoming internal attachment disorder, with Janina Fisher / P.E.S.I.
  • Working with somatic components to overcome fear of well-being in trauma, with Janina Fisher / P.E.S.I.
  • Complex trauma: creating change through parts work, somatic psychology and EMDR, with Arielle Schwartz / P.E.S.I.
  • Treating clients with complex trauma in high activation states: how neuroscience can guide interventions, with Frank Anderson / P.E.S.I.
  • Brain Integration Techniques, Centro de Terapias de Avanzada.

Somatic Therapy

  • Yoga Instructor Training Red GFU (Cultural Network for Universal Fraternity). Comprehensive training in Hatha Yoga, breathing techniques (Pranayama) and meditation applied to health.
  • Training in Microexpressions with PAUL EKMAN GROUP, LLC.
  • Training in Subtle Expressions with PAUL EKMAN GROUP, LLC.
  • Training in Micro Expressions Profile with PAUL EKMAN GROUP, LLC.
  • Training Micro Expressions Intensive with PAUL EKMAN GROUP, LLC.
  • Training Responding Effectively: Family with PAUL EKMAN GROUP, LLC.
  • Foundations of Somatic Therapy for Trauma: 9 key techniques for effective body therapy, with Abi Blakeslee / P.E.S.I.
  • Somatic Therapy to Calm the Survival Response and Heal Implicit Memories, with Abi Blakeslee / P.E.S.I.
  • Embodying Emotions, with Raja Selvam / P.E.S.I.
  • Sensorimotor Psychotherapy: Module 1, with Pat Ogden / P.E.S.I.
  • Psicoterapia Sensoriomotriz: Módulo 1, con Pat Ogden. P.E.S.I.
  • Working with What the Body Knows: Introduction to Somatic Experiencing, with Peter Levine.
  • Trauma & Memory Workshop: Clinical Strategies to Resolve Traumatic Memories and Help Clients Reclaim Their Lives, with Peter Levine / P.E.S.I.
  • Addressing the Emotional Roots of Physical Pain, with Peter Levine / P.E.S.I.
  • The Body as Healer: Working from the Bottom Up, with Peter Levine / P.E.S.I.
  • Bottom-Up Healing for Childhood Sexual Abuse, with Peter Levine / P.E.S.I.
  • Healing from the Bottom Up: How to Help Clients Access Resource States, with Peter Levine.
  • Healing From the Bottom Up: Resource States in Trauma Work, with Peter Levine / P.E.S.I.
  • Peter Levine's Trauma Master Class.
  • Releasing the Body from the Bonds of Trauma: A Somatic Approach to Healing Abandonment Issues and Attachment Wounds, with Peter Levine / P.E.S.I.

Narcissistic Abuse, Codependency and Boundaries

  • Working with Narcissistic Abuse, with Ramani Durvasula / P.E.S.I.
  • Psychoeducation and Narcissistic Abuse: Different Types – Different Experiences, with Ramani Durvasula / P.E.S.I.
  • Traumatic Bonds with an Abusive Partner, with Rhonda Freeman / P.E.S.I.
  • Disarming the Narcissist in Couples Therapy, with Wendy T. Behary / P.E.S.I.
  • Codependency: Treatment Strategies for Clients Who Lose Themselves in Others, with Nancy L. Johnston / P.E.S.I.
  • Gaslighting: Recognition and Recovery, with Stephanie Sarkis / P.E.S.I.
  • After Self-Betrayal: Strategies to Help Clients Find Their Authentic Self, with Amy Kempe / P.E.S.I.
  • Strategies for Setting Boundaries: Recovering Emotional Autonomy, with Lindsay C. Gibson / P.E.S.I.
  • Leaving an Abusive Relationship Safely, with Katelyn Baxter-Musser / P.E.S.I.
  • Rebuilding Healthy Instincts After Manipulation, with Brynn Cicippio.
  • Grief and Narcissistic Relationships, with Amy Marlow-MaCoy / P.E.S.I.

Sexuality and Couples

  • Certification in Integrative Sex and Couples Therapy, with Tammy Nelson / P.E.S.I.
  • Sexual Education, Asociación para la Sexología, Madrid.

Groups

  • Training in Group Facilitation, Escuela de Biodanza de Córdoba (Argentina).
  • Group Facilitator Training: Practical Aspects to Establish an Effective Therapeutic Group, with Ari Badaines / P.E.S.I.

Integrative Approaches

  • Diploma in Art Therapy, Metafora Art Therapy School.
  • Compassionate Inquiry in Action, with Gabor Maté / P.E.S.I.
  • The Biology of Loss: How to Foster Resilience When Bonds Are Affected, with Gabor Maté / P.E.S.I.
  • Psychedelics in Modern Healing, with Gabor Maté / P.E.S.I.
  • Online Course - Psychedelic-Assisted Psychotherapy for Trauma: Essential Insights into Ketamine, MDMA, Psilocybin, & More / P.E.S.I.
  • Exploring the Psychedelic Power of Meditation, with Richard C. Schwartz / P.E.S.I.
  • Covering the Pros & Cons of Psychedelic-Assisted Psychotherapy, with Bessel A. van der Kolk and Richard C. Schwartz / P.E.S.I.
  • Transformative Psychotherapy: Process and Methodology, with Gita Vaid / P.E.S.I.
  • Training Medical and Mental Health Professionals to Psychedelic-Assisted Psychotherapies, with Janis Phelps / P.E.S.I.
  • Internal Family Systems (IFS): A Simple and Effective Map to the Psychedelics Territory, with Richard C. Schwartz / P.E.S.I.
  • Integration Strategies for Psychedelic Psychotherapy with Ketamine, with Phil Wolfson / P.E.S.I.
  • Expanding the Nature and Breadth of Consciousness: A Holistic Psychedelic Approach, with Phil Wolfson / P.E.S.I.
  • Trauma & Altered States of Consciousness: Results of Psychedelic Studies, with Bessel A. van der Kolk / P.E.S.I.
  • Learning from Non-Ordinary States: Mindfulness, Compassion, & Psychedelics, with Ronald D. Siegel / P.E.S.I.
  • Forward to the Past: Healing and Therapies in the 21st Century, with Gabor Maté / P.E.S.I.
  • Foundations of Bioneuroemotion (CP1), Instituto Español de Bioneuroemoción.
  • Professional Training in Personal Coaching, Universidad Americana de PNL.
  • Nonviolent Communication (NVC), Foment Formación.
  • Healing Power of Story: Therapeutic storytelling, post traumatic growth and the hidden power of folktales, with Kim Billington / P.E.S.I.

Cognitive-Behavioral and Applied Psychology Training

  • Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT): Intensive certification course (4 days).
  • Cognitive-Behavioral Assessment and Treatment of Drug Addiction, Centro de Psicología Aarón Beck.
  • Cognitive-Behavioral Assessment and Treatment of Clinical Cases, Instituto Superior de Psicología Alborán.
  • Positive Psychology Course, Colegio Oficial de Psicólogos de Madrid.
  • Psychological Report Writing Course, Colegio Oficial de Psicólogos de Madrid.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

  • Since 2006: Working in private practice as a Clinical Psychologist for adults.
  • Nov 2012 / Sept 2013: Comsense International Talents. Psychological assistance and personal coaching for Spanish nurses in camps for German linguistic and cultural integration. Selection processes.
  • Dec 2008 / Dec 2010: Collaboration contract as an associate psychologist with Egopsicólogos (Cisne Aseguradora, Asiser, Ocaso, Racc, Legalitas, Cigna Aseguradora), and with Club Fiatc. Psychotherapist for children, adolescents and adults.
  • Sept 2008 / Jan 2009: Gabinetes de Psicología y Salud SL (Psicólogos S.M.). Psychotherapist for children, adolescents and adults.
  • Dec 2007 / Sep 2008: Ayuntamiento de Berzosa del Lozoya (Madrid). Sociocultural facilitator.
  • Sept 2007 / Aug 2008: Centro de Salud del Ayuntamiento de Valdemanco (Madrid). Psychotherapist for children, adolescents and adults.
  • Aug 2006 / Jun 2007: Clínica Santa Ana (Córdoba, Argentina). Psychotherapist for children, adolescents and adults.
  • Aug / Dec 2006: Ayuntamiento de Córdoba (Argentina). Internship in multiaxial DSM IV assessment. Evaluation of people with different degrees of intellectual disability.
  • Apr / Nov 2005: ONG Serviproh, Córdoba (Argentina). Psychoeducational assistance. Planning and execution of psychoeducational activities for children and adolescents.
  • May / Dec 2004: Geriátrico “Padre La Monaca”. Psychoeducational assistance.
  • Jun 2002 / Sept 2002: ONG Barretstown Gang Camp, Kildare (Ireland). Therapeutic recreation counselor with children and adolescents with oncological conditions, during seven summer camps.
  • Mar / Jun 2001: ASION (Association of parents of children with cancer, Madrid). Volunteer in hospital accompaniment (Hospital La Paz) and design and implementation of Therapeutic Recreation Workshops.

TEACHING EXPERIENCE

  • Since 2012: Private centers. Facilitator of group workshops in Gestalt Art Therapy, Tapping and other psychotherapy techniques.
  • March 2016 to February 2019: Cervantes Training. Teacher of the course: “Coaching in educational contexts to reduce early school leaving”.
  • August 2014: Art Center (Shanghai, China). Art Therapy workshop for creative professionals: “The expansion of your creative self”.
  • Year 2011: Neurona Formación. Writer and online tutor of the courses “Coaching” and “Teamwork and conflict resolution”.
  • Aug / Sep 2010: Autoescuela Diana. Teacher of the course: “Trainer of trainers MM.PP.”.
  • May 2010 / Jul 2010: Empresa Femxa. Teacher of the course: “Psychological and social support techniques in crisis situations”.
  • Sept 2008 / Jan 2009: Cruz Roja Española. Teacher of the course: “Psychological First Aid and Crisis Intervention”.
  • Sept 2007 / Aug 2008: Centro de Salud del Ayuntamiento de Valdemanco (Madrid). Design and implementation of workshops: “Creative connection” and “Art Therapy and personal development”.
  • Aug 2006 / Jun 2007: Clínica Santa Ana (Córdoba, Argentina). Design and implementation of courses: “Productive management of stress and anxiety”, “Physical and mental relaxation techniques for adults”, “Prevention in drug addiction”, “Affective-sexual education”, and “Social skills”.
  • Apr / Nov 2005: ONG Serviproh, Córdoba (Argentina). Design and implementation of workshops: “Self-esteem and self-help for women groups”.
  • May / Dec 2004: Geriátrico “Padre La Monaca”, Córdoba (Argentina). Design and implementation of courses: “Creative Connection” and “Social Skills”.
  • Jul / Aug 2001: ONG Fe y Alegría (Colegio Fe y Alegría 4, Lima, Perú). Design and implementation of workshops: “Self-esteem and assertiveness development” through theatre, in groups of children aged 10-11.

PUBLICATIONS

2017: Book Publication: How to Overcome Cannabis Addiction: “The Shadows of Marijuana”. A psychological self-help guide for the treatment of cannabis dependency.

LANGUAGES

  • English: Advanced level spoken and written. C2
  • Catalan: Intermediate level spoken and written. B1