Kia ora, my name is Carlos. I was born in Nicaragua but grew up in Argentina where i studied Culinary Arts. I first came to Aotearoa in 2006 to explore these beautiful country, work, and learn English. For many years i worked as a chef until i decided to change career and enrolled in the master of music therapy programme at Victoria University in Wellington. In early 2021 I graduated and began my journey as a NZ registered music therapist.

I am passionate about wellbeing, woodworking, permaculture, making musical instruments, playing music, and community events. I love nature, gardening, live music, and any form of creative expression.

As a therapist, my clinical work centers on supporting children, adolescents, and adults who experience psychological, mental/emotional, behavioral, physiological, or neurological challenges. In my work I strive to provide culturally sensitive care to assist people in our communities in a way that is inclusive to all. I bring a non-judgmental, curious, compassionate presence to support the therapeutic needs and well-being of the participants and their whānau. My approach is collaborative, strength-based, values-driven, experiential, empathetic, and playful in the true sense of ‘playing with music’. I believe that highlighting the participants’ strengths while considering their cultural and personal values can help develop and maintain a therapeutic alliance, and support participants achieving therapeutic goals. I follow a humanistic approach to therapy, which emphasizes warmth, authenticity, humor, and appreciation for the uniqueness of every individual.

I am trained in Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy (PAT) with MAPS (Multidisciplinary Association of Psychedelic Studies) in MDMA-Assisted Therapy, KAP (Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy) and Psilocybin-Assisted Therapy with IPI (Integrative Psychiatry Institute) in Boulder, Colorado. I am also trained in the Bonny Method of Guided Imagery and Music, serving as a foundational framework for the use of music as a tool for the exploration of consciousness and healing. I have a particular interest in the intersection of music, music technology, and a curiosity to explore ways to enhance the power of music as a therapeutic modality in PAT.