Dr. Eunice Avilés
Dr. Eunice Avilés has a doctorate in Clinical Psychology, is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, a Licensed Professional Counselor, a Gender Specialist, a certified Sex Educator, and an AASECT Certified Sex Therapist. She is a full member of the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH).
She began her career in Puerto Rico performing clinical work and research with children who were victims of physical, psychological, and sexual abuse. In 2005 she moved to Massachusetts where she completed her internship in Clinical Psychology, began her training in gender therapy and served as President of the Human Rights Committee for a residential program for mentally disabled individuals. Additionally, she was an appointed member of The AIDS Foundation of Western Massachusetts.
Dr. Avilés' general practice focuses on the treatment of depression, anxiety, trauma, and the emotional consequences of discrimination and bullying (for youths and adults). Her private practice with the transgender and gender non-binary community includes the evaluation and treatment of children, youth and adults presenting with gender dysphoria. She specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of sexual dysfunction as well as sexual orientation issues.
Dr. Avilés has been a featured guest on many television, radio and online media outlets discussing gender identity issues and the results from her research study about the needs of the transgender community in Puerto Rico. Her interviews and presentations include an interview with the LGBTQ Policy Journal at the Harvard Kennedy School of Government about her research, work with the transgender community, involvement with Amnesty International and the creation of innovative policy solutions for the transgender community. Dr. Avilés served as a panelist for a Trans Inclusive Policy Discussion organized by the Kennedy School's LGBTQ Policy Journal. She was also a guest speaker during Amnesty International Puerto Rico's presentation of their 2015/2016 Annual Report on the state of the international human rights and presented her research “Needs, obstacles and action plan to meet the needs of the transgender community in Puerto Rico” in Cuba at the 7th Intercontinental Convention on Psychology, sponsored by the American Psychological Association.
Dr. Eunice Avilés
Doctor in Clinical Psychology and Specialist in Gender Therapy.
Dr. Avilés provides services in both English and Spanish and strives to be sensitive to cultural differences. She was one of the founding organizers of the former Professional Training track of First Event, a conference held annually in Massachusetts where pertinent topics of interest about the transgender community are addressed.
In 2015 she founded Transcending Identities, an organization committed to improving the quality of life for transgender and gender non-binary individuals through research, professional training and consulting. Through her work Dr. Avilés has helped companies and organizations establish a respectful workplace, free of discrimination. She continues to work towards her life's goal of ensuring that these individuals are treated with dignity and respect.
Education
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2004 - 2006 Doctor in Clinical Psychology with Distinction
Psychology Department
Universidad Carlos Albizu, Puerto Rico
Major: Clinical Psychology
Doctoral Dissertation Topic: Psycho educational program design to promote integral sexual health in survivors of domestic violence.
Director of Dissertation: Carmen Auger, PsyD
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2000-2004 Masters of Science with Distinction
Psychology Department
Universidad Carlos Albizu, Puerto Rico
Major: Clinical Psychology
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1996-2000 Bachelor of Arts
Universidad de Puerto Rico
Major: Psychology
Licensure & Certifications
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Licensed Psychologist (# 002719), Puerto Rico by examination
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Licensed Mental Health Counselor (#6706), Massachusetts by examination.
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Licensed Professional Counselor (#37PC00610400), New Jersey
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Sexuality education certification series, Planned Parenthood League of Massachusetts.
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Certified Sex Therapist by the American Association of Sex Counselors, Educators, and Sex Therapist (AASECT).
Honors and Awards
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2016 - Certificate of appreciation for publicly helping and supporting the transgender community in
Puerto Rico Nuestra Familia, LGBTT, Puerto Rico
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2007 - Cambridge Who’s Who Registry of Executives and Professionals.
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2006 -Distinction- Universidad Carlos Albizu, Puerto Rico (Doctoral Degree)
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2004 - Distinction- Universidad Carlos Albizu (Master Degree)
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2000 - Magna Cum Laude- Universidad Puerto Rico
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1999 - Member of the Golden Key National Honor Society
Professional Activities and Memberships
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American Association of Sex Counselors, Educators, and Sex Therapists (AASECT)
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World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH)
Volunteer work
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April 2015 - Present
Amnesty International Puerto Rico
Consultant in the areas of gender identity, gender dysphoria & transgender health
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2007 - September 2014
Chair of the Human rights committee, Gandara Center, MA
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2006-2007
Human Rights Committee, Gandara Center, MA
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December 2011 - February 2013
Board of Directors, AIDS Foundation of Western Massachusetts
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December 2011- 2013
Board of Directors, Massachusetts Career Development Institute, Inc.