Meet Our Team | Camino Recovery Spain

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.

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.

Sally Harland

Mindfulness Practitioner

Originally Sally has worked in the field of support for over 12 years both in the UK and Spain.She has worked collaboratively with clients around a range of needs including addiction, depression, anxiety and trauma.She has a masters degree in Youth and community work specialising in mental health, a counselling qualification, is trained in mindfulness based stress reduction and is a qualified yoga therapist. She teaches mindfulness techniques to help develop healthy responses to stress and craving and to improve self care.

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.

WELLNESS

Tanya Boucher

Yoga Instructor

Practising yoga since 2005, Tanya gained her teacher training diploma in 2008 and 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.

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.