I was born in Salvador, Bahia, in Brazil. I dreamed about traveling and lavender fields. From an early age, I have been interested in psychology, the brain, mental health, spirituality, and the healing potential of expanded states of consciousness. I started learning about meditation, hypnosis, states of trance, and how the conscious and subconscious work.
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In my twenties, I moved to Amsterdam, where I studied Psychology and Neurosciences at the Vrije Universiteit, followed by PhD research at the University of Amsterdam/Amsterdam Medical Center, at the department of Psychiatry, where I investigated the structure and function of the brain in people with schizophrenia and psychosis. After completing this work, I started giving more space to spirituality. I realized that science and technology
are still limited in the understanding of mental health and that there is a need for a more inclusive and holistic approach. For me, it was clear that science, though of paramount importance, is incomplete when based only on materialist perspectives.
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In the past ten years, parallel with my work in clinical operations and research, I have gained scientific and personal knowledge of the therapeutic value of psychedelics, including ayahuasca, psilocybin, ketamine and MDMA. I was trained by and worked for the Multidisciplinary Association of Psychedelic Studies (MAPS), where I was responsible for setting up and leading the first clinical trial of MDMA-assisted therapy for PTSD in Europe. I have participated in scientific conferences on psychedelics, workshops on psychotherapy with psychedelics, received training and education from renowned experts in the field, such as Rick Doblin, Roland Griffiths, Bill Richards, Michael and Annie Mithoefer.
I’ve always been fascinated by the beauty and mysteries of life. I am inspired by nature, arts, poetry, and the spiritual teachings of Ramana Maharshi, Nisargadatta Maharaj and Rupert Spira. In my private practice, I have witnessed the profound benefits of psychedelics as a catalyst for inner healing, and personal and spiritual growth.
