CLINICAL TEAM
Dr. José Manuel Sánchez
Consultant Psychiatrist
Dr José completed his medical degree at Spain’s University of Cádiz before specialising in Psychiatry in London, England. He has completed an additional specialism in Forensic Psychiatry and holds a master’s degree in Addictions from the University of Valencia. He has practised as a Psychiatrist for more than 15 years and has been a part of the Camino team since 2013. Over the years he has participated in a number of studies and publications as well as appearing on television and radio shows. He has a special interest in anxiety disorders, ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder), addictions and dual diagnosis.
Dr. Paula Antony
Consulting Doctor
Clinica Sta. Cecilia’s international team of American and European doctors and nurses offer personalised, professional medical care. The team speak English, Spanish, German, and other languages. Led by director, Dr Paula Anthony, the clinic focuses on a holistic view of wellness including recent scientific developments in the clinical influence of nutrition on health. Utilising clinical diagnostic tools including ultrasound, Doppler, laboratory testing (blood, tissue, microbiologic, genetic), ECG, spirometry, intravenous therapy, oxygen and inhalation therapy, the team works to offer its patients an exceptional level of evidence-based medicine.
Don Lavender, BA, MDiv
Programme Director
Don is an American psychotherapist with nearly 40 years of experience in clinical management and consultative positions. He has worked in some of the most effective and best-known treatment centres in the world, including the Priory hospitals in the UK and Sierra Tucson in Arizona, USA. At Sierra Tucson he was Director of its family programme and also established a new 70-bed eating disorder facility. Don is perhaps best known for his pioneering work in EAP (equine assisted psychotherapy), which he helped develop in US treatment centres 25 years ago. EAP is now widely used in the treatment of trauma, not only in addiction services but also to help former soldiers suffering from PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder). Don also specialises in EMDR (eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing), an intensive treatment with proven success in dealing with trauma.
Ameet Braich, BEng, MA, LADC (IC&RC)
Clinical Director
Ameet graduated from Hazelden (Minnesota, USA) with an MA in Addiction Counselling and has more than a decade of experience working with individuals and families affected by substance dependence, process addictions (such as gambling, overeating and internet addiction) and self-defeating patterns of thought and behaviour. He is a specialist in addiction and trauma resolution and holds a firm belief in a holistic approach to therapy. Ameet also has a BEng in Engineering (Biochemical) from University College London and has completed training in EAP (equine assisted psychotherapy), non-violent crisis intervention, adolescent behaviour, gambling treatment, multicultural issues, and family interventions. He believes that a family programme and trauma resolution are paramount for recovery along with relapse prevention and long-term follow-up.
Charlotte Clayson, MSc, CTA (Certified Transactional Analyst)
Unit Therapist
A UKCP (UK Council for Psychotherapy) Registered Psychotherapist, Charlotte gained her professional qualification and training at Metanoia Institute, London. Now, with more than 25 years of experience in the caring professions and 13 years working specifically in the fields of mental health and substance misuse, Charlotte specialises in depression, addictions and co-occurring disorders, PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder), abuse and trauma. She also provides assessment and treatment for general mood and anxiety-related disorders. Charlotte works together with her clients to identify the thoughts, feelings and behaviours that both help and hinder their situation and then to enable them to adopt new coping strategies.
Meena Lavender
Family Therapist & EMDR Practitioner
Meena trained in bilingual counselling and has a certificate in addictions counselling from London’s University of Greenwich. She has a wealth of experience working in the field of chemical dependency, with a particular interest in family dynamics having taken part in the Family Programme at the Hazelden centre in Minnesota, USA. For the past two decades Meena has used a multi-disciplinary approach to healing – including art therapy, EMDR (eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing) and EAP (equine assisted psychotherapy). She specialises in family and trauma resolution.
Veronique De Buck
Art Therapist
Veronique uses her own life experiences, nature and the world around as inspiration, combined with her knowledge of Art Therapy to help people on their personal journey. Originally from Belgium, she moved to France, where she completed studies in Evolutionary Art Therapy. She has been living in Spain since 2011.
SUPPORT TEAM
Loren Eden
Intake coordinator, Administration and Finance
A Psychology graduate with first-class honours, Loren worked as an Assistant Psychologist within an international school network. Working under the supervision of a Clinical Psychologist she helped develop and monitor a successful special needs initiative.
David Scourfield
Marketing Coordinator
David spent 20 years of his professional life in the sales and marketing industry predominantly concerned with property in the UK and South Africa. His own personal journey led to a career change and he began working in the addictions field in 2009 providing peer support to those in the early stages of recovery. With a passion for sport, David has developed and facilitated successful exercise and nutrition programmes that he sees as a vital part of recovery.
Lionel Billingy
Clinical Aid/Spiritual Advisor
Lionel has worked in health, recovery and spirituality for nearly 30 years. Of Swiss/American nationality he was born and raised in The Bronx of New York City. He spent four years at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania before starting his career as a professional basketball player. He has since lived and worked in numerous countries including France, Belgium, Switzerland and Portugal.
Alan Williams
Clinical Aid/Martial Arts Instructor
Born and raised in South Wales, Alan has had a passion for martial arts and in particular Tae Kwon do from an early age. He has progressed to a black belt Second dan and is passionate about the physical and therapeutic values of the sport. His personal experiences with addiction makes him an invaluable source of information for our clients. He has written extensively on addiction and has more than 16 years of personal sobriety.
Pádraig Mulligan
Clinical Aid
Originally from Dublin, Pádraig has lived in Spain for five years. A Spanish speaker, he has great interest in yoga, walking and gardening. With a wealth of experience working with people on a personal level, such as at family law courts, he is skilled as a mediator and in conflict resolution.
Mari Carmen Silva Aparicio
Chef
Mari was born and raised in Velez Malaga and her passion for all things culinary was nurtured early in life. Her particular passion is in traditional spanish food and she insists upon all produce being local and fresh. Her paella has proved a firm favourite amongst our clients.
Debbie Roos Demas
Chef
Debbie provides a wealth of experience having worked extensively in Europe in the catering and hospitality industry. She has developed a diverse and eclectic mix of cosmopolitan dishes to complement the traditional style of Mari.
WELLNESS
Tanya Boucher
Yoga Instructor
Practising yoga since 2005, Tanya qualified in Yoga Therapy in 2013 at Yoga Vidya Gurukul Ashram in Nashik, India. With focus on breath and body awareness, she teaches yoga so that it benefits not just physically but mentally and spiritually as well.
Sue Stevens
Acupuncture Practitioner
Born in Britain, Sue has lived in Spain for more than 20 years. She has training and experience in the practice of Acupuncture and Tui Na in TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) and is also gaining experience in qigong, an effective form of gentle exercise, breathing and meditation for positive health.
Linda Williams
Holistic Therapist
With more than 15 years as a Holistic Therapist, Linda is experienced in natural healing techniques including reiki, Indian head massage, crystal healing and The Balance Procedure. She encourages her clients to take responsibility for their own healing and direction in life.
Marie Delpeyrat Ferey
Massage Therapist
Marie is a Massage Therapist who has also studied naturopathy and has been a natural practitioner for 30 years. She specialises in deep tissue massage, energetic work and the metamorphic technique. Her passion is the human body and its anatomy. Marie believes massage and energy work opens the door to healing and personal well-being.