Meet the clinicians

Our clinical staff are highly trained in applying Cognitive Behavioral treatments for the most common mental health conditions. Each clinical staff member possesses unique strengths, life experience, and specialized areas of expertise within CBT.

Patrick A. Ong Ante, MA, RPsy, Int. Dip ACBT

Founder-Clinical Director

Patrick "Papo" Ong Ante is a registered psychologist with over 27 years of clinical experience. He obtained both his Bachelor's degree in Psychology and Master's degree in Counseling Psychology from Ateneo De Manila University. He received training in couple and family counseling from the Center for Family Ministries of the Loyola School of Theology. He has extensive experience in implementing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for depression, anxiety, and eating disorders. Patrick has trained under the BECK Institute and other leading CBT centers, including the Center for Research on Eating Disorders at Oxford (online program). He holds an International Diplomate on Cognitive Behavior Therapy by the international credentialing body, Academy of Cognitive Behavioral Therapies. Patrick is the founder and Clinical Director of Solace Center for Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. His current focus of specialization in CBT are on OCD and Health Anxiety treatment, using CBT for couple and family therapy, and integrating spirituality into CBT practice.

CLINICIANS

Jhoanna D. Yambot, RPsy, MP, CSFP

Senior Clinical Psychologist

Credentials

  • Master in Clinical Psychology, Polytechnic University of the Philippines - Manila

  • BS Psychology, Emilio Aguinaldo College

  • Licensed Psychologist, Professional Regulation Commission

Certifications

  • Certified Solution-Focused Practitioner Level I, International Alliance of Solution-Focused Teaching Institutes (IASTI)

  • Certified Specialist in Clinical Psychology, Psychological Association of the Philippines

  • Certified Specialist in Assessment Psychology, Psychological Association of the Philippines

  • Beck Institute for CBT:

    • CBT Essentials I

    • CBT Essentials II

    • CBT for Perinatal Mood Disorders

    • CBT for Anxiety

    • CBT for Depression and Suicide

    • CBT for ADHD in Youth

    • Recovery-Oriented Cognitive Therapy

    • CBT for Insomnia

    • CBT for Older Adults

    • CBT for Couples

    • CBT for Chronic Pain and Medical Illness

    • CBT for Personality Disorders

    • CBT for Trauma

Specializations in CBT

  • CBT for Trauma

  • CBT for Chronic Pain and Medical Illness

  • CBT for Suicide Crisis Management

  • CBT for Personality Disorders

  • Mindfulness-Based CBT

  • DBT-Informed CBT

Marie Elaine F. Avellana, LPT, RPsy, MSc

Clinical Psychologist

Credentials

  • Master of Science in Psychology, Major in Clinical Psychology, De La Salle University

  • BS Psychology, Colegio de San Juan de Letran

  • Licensed Professional Teacher, Professional Regulation Commission

  • Registered Psychologist, Professional Regulation Commission

Certifications

  • CBT Essentials I, Beck Institute for CBT

  • CBT Essentials II, Beck Institute for CBT

  • CBT for Depression and Suicide, Beck Institute for CBT

  • CBT for Anxiety, Beck Institute for CBT

  • CBT for Personality Disorders, Beck Institute for CBT

  • CBT for Eating Disorders, Centre for Research on Eating Disorders at Oxford

  • Integrating Mindfulness into CBT, Beck Institute for CBT

  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Beginners, Psychwire

  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Adolescents, Psychwire

  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for People Pleasing and Perfectionism, Psychwire

  • Art and Play Therapy with Children, Sydney Centre for Creative Change

  • Art Therapy in Adult Mental Health, Sydney Centre for Creative Change

  • Playful Narrative Therapy, Sydney Centre for Creative Change

  • Storytelling Therapy, Sydney Centre for Creative Change

  • Symbols and Sandplay, Sydney Centre for Creative Change

Specializations in CBT

  • Mood and Anxiety disorders

  • Eating disorders

Jessicca Mae O. Dee, RPsy, MP, RPm, PCBT

Clinical Psychologist

Credentials

  • Masters in Developmental Psychology, Ateneo de Manila University

  • BS Psychology, Ateneo de Manila University

  • Top 1 (2023) Psychology Board Exam, Professional Regulation Commission

  • Registered Psychologist, Professional Regulation Commission

  • Registered Psychometrician, Professional Regulation Commission

  • Level 1 CBT Practitioner, British Psychological Society

Certifications

  • BPS-Approved Certification in CBT for Children, British Psychological Society

  • CBT Essentials I, Beck Institute for CBT

  • CBT Essentials II, Beck Institute for CBT

  • CBT for Depression, Beck Institute for CBT

  • CBT for Anxiety, Beck Institute for CBT

  • CBT for ADHD in Youth, Beck Institute for CBT

  • CBT for Personality Disorders, Beck Institute for CBT

Specializations in CBT

  • Mood and Anxiety disorders

  • Children and Adolescents

Shyne C. Mangulabnan, PhD, RGC

Senior Clinicians

Credentials

  • Doctor of Philosophy in Family Dynamics, Miriam College

  • Masters Degree in Guidance & Counseling, Miriam College

  • BS Psychology, St.Paul College

  • Licensed Guidance Counselor, Professional Regulation Commission

Certifications

  • CBT Essentials I, Beck Institute for CBT

  • CBT Essentials II, Beck Institute for CBT

  • CBT for Anxiety, Beck Institute for CBT

  • PRC Licensed Guidance Counselor

Specializations in CBT

  • Marriage & Couples

  • Family Dynamics

  • Workplace Counseling

Juan Carlos Alessandro A. Reyes, RPsy, MP, RPm

Clinical Psychologist

Credentials

  • Master in Counseling Psychology, Ateneo de Manila University

  • BA Behavioral Sciences, University of the Philippines-Manila

  • Registered Psychologist, Professional Regulation Commission

  • Registered Psychometrician, Professional Regulation Commission

Certifications

  • CBT Essentials I, Beck Institute for CBT

  • CBT Essentials II, Beck Institute for CBT

  • CBT for Depression, Beck Institute for CBT

  • CBT for Anxiety, Beck Institute for CBT

Specializations in CBT

  • Mood and Anxiety Disorders

  • Executive Functions

  • Adolescent and Adult ADHD

  • Autism Spectrum Disorder

  • Panic Disorder

  • Sports Performance and Sports Mental Health

Michelle Alexandra S. Edillon, RPsy, MA

Clinical Psychologist

Credentials

  • Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology, Ateneo de Manila University

  • BA Psychology, University of the Philippines-Diliman

  • Registered Psychologist, Professional Regulation Commission

  • Registered Psychometrician, Professional Regulation Commission

Certifications

  • CBT Essentials I, Beck Institute for CBT

  • CBT for Trauma, Beck Institute for CBT

Specializations in CBT

  • Mood and Anxiety Disorders

  • Trauma

Maria Celina P. De Luna, MA, RPsy

Junior Clinical Psychologist

Credentials

  • MA Counseling Psychology, Ateneo de Manila University

  • Program Awardee, BS Psychology, Ateneo de Manila University

  • Best Graduate Thesis, Psychological Association of the Philippines, 2025

  • Licensed Psychologist, Professional Regulation Commission, 2025

Certifications

  • CBT Essentials I, Beck Institute for CBT

  • Psychological First Aid, Ateneo Bulatao Center

  • Research and Teaching Assistant, Ateneo Bulatao Center

  • Program Manager for Mental Health Workshops, Ateneo Bulatao Center

  • Graduate Clinical Intern, Solace Center for CBT

Specializations in CBT

  • Bipolar Disorders

  • Maladaptive Perfectionism

  • Depression

  • Anxiety

Joanne Y. Chua, MP, RPsy

Clinical Psychologist

Credentials

  • Top 7, Board Licensure Examination for Psychologists, 2024

  • Registered Psychologist, Professional Regulation Commission

  • MP Counseling Psychology, Ateneo de Manila University

  • BA Economics, Minors in Music and French Studies, Cornell University

Training/Experience

  • CBT Essentials I, Beck Institute for CBT

  • CBT Essentials II, Beck Institute for CBT

  • Overview of Narrative Therapy, Ateneo Bulatao Center

  • Introduction to Internal Family Systems, Circle of Hope Community Services

  • Children in Trauma, SEL Network

  • Crisis Line Training, In Touch Community Services

  • Basic EMDR Protocols, EMDR Philippines

  • Mental Health First Aid, In Touch Community Services

Angelica Francesca A. Tumbocon, MSPsy-CP, RPSy, RPm

Clinical Psychologist

Credentials

  • Licensed Psychologist

  • Licensed Psychometrician

  • Master of Science in Psychology, Major in Clinical Psychology, De La Salle University

  • BA in Psychology, Ateneo de Davao University)

  • SPED Assistant Teacher, Davao Autism Intervention Center Foundation, Inc

  • Counseling facilitator, St.Gemma’s Orphanage

  • SPED Consultant and Therapist, J.A Bernal Center for Exceptional Children

  • Senior Hopeliner, Silver Lining Hopeline

Certifications

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Autistic Adults Provider Training (CBT-AAPT), Stanford Medicine, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences 

  • CBT Essentials I, Beck Institute for CBT

  • CBT Essentials II, Beck Institute for CBT

  • Effective Management of Deviant Behaviors in Children and Adolescents

Specializations in CBT

  • Autism Spectrum Disorder

Kisha Anne A. Dimaisip, RPsy, MSc

Clinical Psychologist

Credentials

  • Master of Science in Psychology Major in Clinical Psychology, De La Salle University Manila

  • BS Human Ecology Major in Human and Family Development Studies, University of the Philippines Los Baños

  • Licensed Psychologist, Professional Regulation Commission

Certifications

  • CBT Essentials I, Beck Institute for CBT

  • CBT For Autistic Adults Provider Training, Stanford University School of Medicine

  • Identifying Red Flags of Developmental Delay, University of the Philippines Open University 

  • Essentials of Trauma-Informed Practice, Better Steps Psychology, Inc.

Specializations in CBT

  • Adult Autism

  • Neurodivergence

  • Mood Disorders

  • Anxiety

Sophia C. Lim, RPsy, MP, RPm

Clinical Psychologist

Credentials

  • Master of Practice in Counseling Psychology, Ateneo de Manila University

  • AB Psychology, Ateneo de Manila University

  • Registered Psychologist, Professional Regulation Commission

  • Registered Psychometrician, Professional Regulation Commission

  • Brief Psychological Services Program Officer, Ateneo Bulatao Center

  • Psychologist Consultant, Ateneo Bulatao Center

  • Katatagan Plus Resilience Program Facilitator and Coach, Ateneo Bulatao Center

  • Facilitator and Coach, Psychological First Aid

Certifications

  • CBT Essentials I, Beck Institute for CBT

  • CBT Essentials II, Beck Institute for CBT

  • People & Culture, Clink IT Solutions

Specializations in CBT

  • Mood and Anxiety Disorders

Matthew Christian C. Sy, RPsy, MP

Clinical Psychologist

Credentials

  • Masters in Counseling Psychology, Ateneo de Manila University

  • BS Management Engineering, Minor in Project Management and Theater Arts, Ateneo de Manila University

  • Licensed Registered Psychologist, Professional Regulation Commission

  • Professional Certified Coach, International Coaching Federation

Training/Experience

  • CBT Essentials I, Beck Institute for CBT

  • Certified Applied Positive Psychology Practitioner, The Flourishing Center

  • Certified Crisis Line Responder, In Touch Community Services

  • Conflict Dynamics and Strategies, Canadian International Institute of Applied Negotiation

Niel Kintanar, MA, RPsy

Senior Clinical Psychologist

Credentials

  • MA Psychology, Major in Counseling, Ateneo de Manila University

  • AB Psychology, Ateneo de Manila University

  • Permanent Faculty, University of San Carlos, Cebu City

  • In 2015, approved by the Philippine Regulatory Board as a psychologist without examination

Training/Experience

  • Psychological First Aid/ Post Psychosocial Interventions Lead to Natural and Man-made Disasters

  • Assessment Psychologist

  • Expressive Art and Play Therapist

  • Life and Performance Coach and Employee Assistance Consultant among BPO Companies

  • Happiness and Well-Being Coach

  • LGBTQIA+ Affirmative Therapist

  • Training, workshops, seminars (online and offline), motivational speakers

Specialties in CBT

  • Anxiety (GAD, Health, Panic)

  • Depression

  • Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

  • Insomnia

  • Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (Adult)

  • Trauma and abuse

  • Gender Dysphoria

  • Internalized Stigma (homophobia, biphobia, transphobia, HIV/AIDS phobia, among others)

Patricia Ann M. Velasco

Junior Clinical Psychologist

Credentials

  • Masteral units in Clinical Psychology, University of the Philippines Diliman

  • BA Behavioral Sciences, University of the Philippines Manila

Training/Experience

  • Psychological assessment (Neuropsychological, personality, intelligence, career), Philippine General Hospital

  • Therapy-Play, Behavior Modification Therapy

  • Conduct of workshops on Early Detection and Management of Developmental Disorders

  • School Psychology, Practicum training of psychologist-interns

  • Mindfulness-based interventions

  • Clinical Health Psychology - Philippine General Hospital (12 years)

  • Rehabilitation Psychology - Philippine General Hospital (12 years)

  • Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) for Anxiety/Depressive Disorders, Beck Institute

Specialties in CBT

  • Perinatal Mood Disorders

  • Bipolar Disorder

  • Chronic Pain Recovery-Oriented Cognitive Therapy

  • Managing Suicidal Crises

  • Depression

  • Anxiety

Emmanuel “Noel” F. Silan, PhD, RPsy

Junior Clinical Psychologist

Credentials

  • PhD in Organization Development, SAIDI – Graduate School of OD

  • Master in Counseling Psychology, Ateneo de Manila University

  • MA in Guidance and Counseling (no thesis), Xavier University

  • MA in Instruction Development and Technology, SAIDI – Graduate School of OD

  • Certified NLP and Coaching Master Trainer, International Association of NLP and Coaching Institutes (IN and ICI)

  • Currently starting PhD in Psychology at Ateneo De Manila University

Training/Experience

  • Former High School Principal in several private schools and founder of a private school

  • Co-Founder of NLP Manila Corp. - A behavioral management company focused on management and leadership training and consultancy focused on Neuro Linguistic Programming and CBT

  • Seasoned corporate consultant - Facilitator, and trainer on NLP, behavioral management, leadership development, team building

  • Seasoned facilitator-trainer, coach and counselor - Has been providing NLP-based Coaching and Counseling for individuals, teams, and corporate leaders

  • Head of Corporate Professional Development, DBA Global Shared Services (2018 – present)

  • Executive Coach, Our Home (2021 – present)

Specialties in CBT

  • PTSD and Suicidal Cases

  • Depression, Anxiety, and Anger Management

  • ADHD and Bipolar Cases

  • NPD and other Personality Disorder Cases

  • Executive Coaching and Counseling

  • Growth-Mindset and Psycho-Emotional Management for Corporate Leaders

Christina Marie Ysabel O. Cruz, MP, RPsy

Clinical Psychologist

Credentials

  • Top 6, Board Licensure Examination for Psychologists, 2024

  • MP Counseling Psychology, Ateneo de Manila University

  • BS Psychology, Minor in Development Management, Ateneo de Manila University

Training/Experience

  • Psychologist Consultant, Ateneo Bulatao Center (2023-Present)

  • Psychologist Consultant, GOALS (Present)

  • Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) Basics, Beck Institute

  • Introduction to Internal Family Systems, Circle of Hope Community Services

  • Facilitator, CARES Psychological First Aid

  • Brief Psychological Services Counselor, Ateneo Bulatao Center (2021-2023)

  • Therapist, Applied Behavior Analysis

Ryan David R. Ong MP, RPsy

Clinical Psychologist

Credentials

  • MP Counseling Psychology, Ateneo de Manila University

  • Board Passer, Board Licensure Examination for Psychologists, 2024

  • BS Management, Minor in Information Technology, Ateneo de Manila University

Training/Experience

  • Associate Psychologist, Childfam-Possibilities Psychosocial Services (Present)

  • Psychologist, Illuminare Psychological Services (Present)

  • Brief Psychological Services Counselor, Ateneo Bulatao Center (2023-2024)

  • Facilitation and Coaching, Katatagan Plus Community-Based Mental Health Program (2023-Present)

  • Crisis Line Responder, In Touch Community Services (2022)

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (Basics), Beck Institute

  • BetterSteps: Essentials of Trauma-Informed Practice (September 2024)

  • Level A: Basic Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) Training (July 2022)

  • Gottman Institute: Clinical Foundations in Method Couples Therapy - Level 1 and Level 2 (January 2025)

  • InTouch Certified Crisis Line Responder (December 2022)

  • Psychological Assessment Series: Evidence-based Psychological Assessment in Philippine Practice (November 2023)

  • Introduction to Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapy (April 2024)

  • Katatagan Plus: Training of Trainers (June 2024)

Isabela N. Miguel, MP, RPsy

Clinical Psychologist

Credentials

  • MP Counseling Psychology, Ateneo de Manila University

  • BS Psychology, Ateneo de Manila University

  • 2nd Place, Best Undergraduate Research, Psychological Association of the Philippines - Junior Affiliates (2021)

Training/Experience

  • Program Manager and Developer for Mental Health Workshops, Ateneo Bulatao Center

  • Psychosocial Support Provider, Fully Psych

  • Workshop Provider on Self-Care, Well-Being, and Mental Health

  • Brief Psychological Services (BPS) Responder, Ateneo Bulatao Center for Psychological Services

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (Basics), Beck Institute

FELLOWS

Joseph Eric S. Sardan, RPsy

Psychologist Fellow

Beatrice Marie P. Schallenberg, RPsy

Psychologist Fellow

Kelsey Ann V. Florendo, RPsy

Psychologist Fellow

Bianca Marie S. Hilario, RPsy

Psychologist Fellow

Maria Cristina R. Puno, RPsy

Psychologist Fellow

Maria Jolina S. Diaz, RPsy

Psychologist Fellow

INTERNS

Clarisse Aeaea M. Kilboy, JD, MA (Cand.)

Intern, Clinical Psychologist

Credentials

  • MA Counseling Psychology (2020-present), Ateneo de Manila University

  • Juris Doctor (2006), Ateneo de Manila University

  • AB European Studies – International Relations Track, Minor in German (2002), Ateneo de Manila University

Training/Experience

  • Graduate Clinical Intern – Solace Center for CBT (February 2024 to present)

  • Psychotherapy Intern - Mind Camp (February 2024 to present)

  • Counselor and Trainer - UGAT Foundation, Inc. (May 2021 to present)

  • Brief Psychological Services (BPS) Responder - Ateneo Bulatao Center for Psychological Services (June 2021 to December 2022)

Specialties in CBT

  • Substance and Process (Behavioral) Addictions

  • ADHD

Lara Elise V. Florencio, LPT, MP (Cand.)

Psychologist-Intern

Credentials

  • Master in Counseling Psychology (Cand.), Ateneo de Manila University

  • BS Child Development & Education, Miriam College

  • Licensed Professional Teacher, Professional Regulation Commission

  • Katatagan Plus Resilience Program Facilitator, Ateneo Bulatao Center

Certifications

  • CBT Essentials I, Beck Institute for CBT

  • Creative Problem Solving, Creative Education Foundation

Riana Danielle M. Mercado

Intern

Loridin Joie "Mia" S. Chua, MP (Cand.)

Credentials

  • Masters in Developmental Psychology (Cand.), Ateneo de Manila University

  • BS Psychology, Ateneo de Manila University

Certifications

  • CBT Essentials I, Beck Institute for CBT

  • CBT Essentials II, Beck Institute for CBT

Specializations in CBT

  • Anxiety

  • Depression

  • Panic Disorder

  • ADHD

Manuel Ramon H. Rafael

Intern

Jonathan J. Jiao

Intern

Ma. Almira I. Tumibay

Intern

Reinard John A. Malolos

Intern

ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF

Lara Elise V. Florencio, LPT, MP (Cand.)

Clinical Administrative Manager

Paolo K. Florencio

Clinical Administrative Officer

Marijene V. Padua

Clinical Administrative Officer

“[I regard a patient as] a fellow traveler. We are traveling together across a very bumpy road. I am a kind of a guide. I have been there before, but I am not superior to the person.”

- Aaron T. Beck (2015)