Paula Botero
Psychologist
About
Paula is a registered Psychologist and is a member of the Australian Association of Psychologists (AAPi). Paula´s therapeutic approach takes place within a person-centred framework that corresponds with her values of collaboration, compassion and authenticity. She believes in the importance of establishing a genuine therapeutic relationship with her clients. She values being fully present with clients in order to identify the areas within their lives that require change, so that they can lead more meaningful lives.
Paula has experience in clinical, educational and community psychology. She has worked with adolescents and adults with a range of issues, including depression, anxiety, anger management, low self-esteem, issues relating to emotional regulation, grief and loss, as well as interpersonal difficulties. Paula also holds interests in clinical areas such as trauma, complex trauma, as well as challenges in relation to personality disorders/traits. Additionally, Paula is experienced in linking health services to occupational goals, including assessments for psychological work capacity, clinical and vocational counselling for job seekers returning to work.
Paula´s international experience combined with her education in Australia has strengthened her intercultural competencies to work with people from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) communities. She has worked with migrants, mainly from Spanish speaking countries, to address issues related to acculturation, cultural-transition and adaptation to a new environment.
To complement her clinical work, Paula has authored a number of research papers and journal articles in mental health. You can see a list of her publications here.
Therapeutic Approaches
Paula utilizes a combination of skills training and insight-oriented approaches. She practices within the following evidence-based interventions:
Mindfulness based therapies
Motivational Interviewing (MI)
Solution Focused Therapy (SFT)
Trauma-informed interventions
Psychodynamically informed approaches
Paula speaks fluent English and Spanish.
Languages
Paula has authored a number of research papers, journal articles and book chapters in English and Spanish since 2011.
Please see here for a list of her publications.
Master of Counselling, Monash University
Master of Psychology, Universidad Católica de Colombia.
Professional degree in Psychology. Fundación Universitaria Konrad Lorenz.