I am Rhina Lovo
I am a person, a women, a wife, a mom, a daughter, a sister, a catholic, a loyal friend, an eternal student, a dedicated psychologist, a compassionate psychotherapist, a consultant in training, a community worker. I love humor, languages, musique, nature, deep conversations, games, dogs, writing, learning and giving massages.
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A CHILD OF WAR AND AN EXPAT
I was born in El Salvador in 1971, as the older of three kids. My father was a diplomat and my mom was a devoted stay at home mother. The Civil War started in 1979. Between 5 and 15 years old, I grew up in San Salvador, New York and Geneva, Switzerland. Death, bombs, shootings, blackouts... then, walks by the Leman lake. I learned to embraced changes as opportunities to re-invent my self.
A SCHOOL TEACHER AND PSY
Back in El Salvador, I studied at the French School. I was a good student, so soon after highschool, I was offered a job at the same school. They trained and mentored me as I served as a preschool teacher. I was studding psychology and graduated in 1994. Eventually I became the Pre-Schhol and Elementary School Psychologist at the french school, while starting my Private Practice. I completed a degree in Family Counseling and my Basic EMDR training soon after. I started doing community work at this time: I was surrounded of people is need.
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THE RE-INVENTED ME
I moved to Puerto Rico in 2009, with my husband and three kids. I completed my master, got my PR license in 2013, and started working as a School Psychologist in a Bilingual Private School. I started my private practice in PR while studding my PhD in Counseling Psychology.
I also got Certified in Health Psychology and Primary Care, and soon started working with the Child Diabetes Foundation of PR.
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A LEADER
In 2019, I graduated, and 4 months later got voted President of the School Psychology Association of PR. Also, got EMDRIA Certified. A dedicated a lot of my presidency to advocate for trauma victims and worked very hard after a terrible Earthquake, leading Psychological First Aid brigades.
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A RESILIENT NEW ME
During the Pandemic, I completed a 1 year Certification in Trauma- Focused Therapy online, provided by The Trauma Institute and Child Trauma Institute, MA. I also got Certified as a Tele-mental Health Provider and worked from home for Kendall Psychological Associates (offices in Boston and Salem, MA).
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A SPECIALIST
Most recently, I got accredited in Psychotraumatology with the Institute of Traumatology of PR, and completed a Certification on Global Mental Health, Trauma and Recovery offered by Harvard Medical School.
A ¨DIFFICULT TO PUT A LABEL ON¨ PERSON
Due to my background, I am open to diversity, to multi-cultural and spiritual backgrounds, and sensible to cross-cultural challenges. I have experienced war and peace, uncertainty and safety, fear and freedom. I have tasted a bite of heaven and a bite of hell. I am not fully from one place, I am from here and there. My home is in the present. My hope comes from my creator.
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As a certified trauma therapist, I perform EMDR psychotherapy treatment that facilitates the accessing and processing of traumatic memories and other adverse life experiences to bring these to an adaptive resolution. After successful treatment , affective distress is relieved, negative beliefs are reformulated, and physiological arousal is reduced.
Professional History
Summary
I am a psychologist with more than 20 years of experience.
I am an accredited Trauma-Focused Therapist, a Certified EMDR Clinician and an EMDRIA Approved Consultant-in Training. I offer psychotherapy, counseling, consultation, lectures and workshops.
2016 - to date
Psychotherapist in
Private Practice
I offer EMDR Trauma Focused Psychotherapy in English, French and Spanish. I address PTSD,
C-PTSD, depression, anxiety, grief and loss, life crisis, acute stress, among others. I also work with no-symptomatic clients that are looking for a better performance in arts, athletics, academics, etc.
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Associate Psychologist at Kendall Psychological Associates, MA.
2020-2021
Trauma Therapy, EMDR, Flash Technique, & Progressive Counting. Remote therapy for chronic pain, PTSD, attachment trauma, generalized anxiety, depression, phobia, panic attacks, and grief.
Primary Care Psychologist At The Diabetes Pediatric Foundation, Puerto Rico
2019-2021
Assessment and treatment of mental health problems of patients with diabetes type 1 and 2. Psychological counseling in diabetes management and its implications in learning, behavior and socio-emotional aspects.
Psychological First Aid
Since 2001 to date
Earthquake, 2020, Puerto Rico
Hurricane María, 2017, Puerto Rico
Hurricane Irma, 2017, refugees from St. Thomas
Earthquake, 2001, El Salvador
School Psychologist and School Counselor at Academia del Perpetuo Socorro
Perpetuo Socorro Academy is a Bilingual Private School in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
2013-2016
Children and Youth Psychology at Services Psychologiques
2000-2009
Services Psychologiques is located in El Salvador-
Psychological assessment and counseling for children, youth and parents. Psychological and psychoeducational assessments.
Counseling Psychologist HIV Patients
2007-2009
Hogar Reina De La Paz is located in El Salvador. This is Clinic was founded by Mother Theresa of Calcuta. I offered individual and group psychotherapy.
School Psychologist at Lycée Français
1998-2004
Lycée Français is located in El Salvador. Psychological and academic counseling to the school community, students, teachers, parents.