Hello! I’m Mauricio. I am originally from Mexico City but have been in London since 2013. I am a chartered clinical psychologist (BPS) and clinical academic (UCL), specializing in the fields of addictions, identity, and LGBT mental health. I studied an MSc in Developmental Neuroscience and Psychopathology at the Anna Freud National Centre for Children and Families, and the Doctorate in Clinical Psychology at University College London. I am a registered psychologist by the British and Dutch healthcare systems, an accredited Cognitive Behavioural Therapist (BABCP), and soon to be accredited as Dynamic Interpersonal Therapist.

Outside controlling chemsex, I work at the UCL Clinic for Unwanted Behaviours (CUBE) where we support people to manage behaviours that feel out of control; anything ranging from club drug use to excessive pornography use, masturbation, or videogaming. A lot of this work revolves around helping my clients put their behaviours in context to better understand their function and underlying aims, as well as developing new skills to manage their urges. I also supervise trainee clinical psychologists, deliver teaching and training, practice and teach Ashtanga yoga, and have my own private practice where I work with individuals and couples.

As an academic, I work as a Clinical Fellow at UCL and my research focuses on the role of shame and childhood adversity in the development and maintenance of addictive processes among gender and sexual minorities. I have a special interest in chemsex, as I have witnessed the impact it has had on the life of friends and those who support them.

I am thrilled to be part of the Controlling Chemsex team! I find the team’s commitment and passion for our work tremendously inspiring. I am also thankful for this opportunity to help people understand their difficulties, learn new ways of coping, and build a more fulfilling relationship with themselves and those around them.