Contextual behavioral psychotherapy

A space to understand your life, not just your struggles.

I offer online psychotherapy for adults using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). Evidence-based approaches to help you build a meaningful life, even when things feel difficult.

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About me

Science, compassion, and human connection

I'm Constanza Ilarraz, a psychologist and PhD in Health Sciences from the University of Buenos Aires. Before focusing on clinical work, I spent more than ten years conducting neuroscience research at the University of Buenos Aires and CONICET, studying how the brain shapes experiences such as pain, emotion, and learning. That experience taught me to ask questions, look closely at evidence, and appreciate the complexity of human behavior.

Over time, I realized that I also wanted to work directly with people, one person at a time. Today, I practice from a Contextual Behavioral perspective, primarily drawing on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). These evidence-based approaches go beyond symptom reduction to help you build a life that feels meaningful and worth living.

I don't believe therapy is about "fixing" people. It's about understanding how we have learned to relate to our thoughts, emotions, and experiences, developing new skills, and creating changes that are sustainable and aligned with what matters most to you.

Alongside my clinical work, I teach behavioral neuroscience at the university level. My background in research and teaching helps me maintain a practice that is thoughtful, scientifically grounded, and informed by current evidence.

My goal is to offer a space where you can feel heard, understood, and supported, without losing the scientific rigor that guides my work. I believe warmth and evidence are not opposites—they can work together to create meaningful change.

  • Psychologist — University of Buenos Aires
  • PhD in Health Sciences — University of Buenos Aires
  • National Professional Registration (Argentina) — No. 83993
  • Adjunct Professor — Universidad Abierta Interamericana
  • Former Neuroscience Researcher — UBA / CONICET
  • Training in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
  • Training in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
  • Member — Association for Contextual Behavioral Science (ACBS)
My approach

Different tools, one shared goal: a life that feels worth living

I don't work from a single rigid model. I draw primarily from contextual behavioral therapies and tailor the work to your needs, goals, and circumstances.

ACT

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps us step out of the constant struggle with difficult thoughts and emotions so we can regain freedom to act. Together, we explore what matters to you and take concrete steps toward a life guided by your values, even when difficult feelings come along for the ride.

DBT

Dialectical Behavior Therapy

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) brings acceptance and change together. Its goal is not simply to reduce suffering, but to help you build a life worth living. We work on practical skills for managing intense emotions, getting through crises without making things worse, strengthening relationships, and moving toward what matters to you.

Areas I can help with

Some of the concerns I commonly work with

Frequently Asked Questions

Questions you may have before getting started

Do I have to be in crisis to start therapy?

Not at all. Many people start therapy because they want to understand themselves better, navigate a major life change, or develop new skills before things become overwhelming. Therapy can also be a space for growth, self-awareness, and prevention.

What can I expect in our first appointment?

The first session is a chance for us to get to know each other, talk about what brings you to therapy, and discuss your goals. You'll also have time to ask questions and decide whether working together feels like a good fit.

Are sessions online or in person?

I currently offer online therapy. Sessions can take place wherever you have a private space and a stable internet connection.

How long is a session, and how often do we meet?

Sessions run about 50 minutes, usually on a weekly basis.

Do you accept insurance?

I currently offer private-pay sessions. Because insurance requirements vary by plan and location, please feel free to reach out if you have questions about payment or reimbursement.

What therapeutic approaches do you use?

I primarily work from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), two evidence-based approaches within the broader field of Contextual Behavioral Science.

What does it mean to work from a contextual perspective?

It means looking beyond symptoms to understand your history, your environment, your patterns of behavior, and what matters most to you. Rather than trying to eliminate every difficult internal experience, we work toward greater flexibility and meaningful action.

How do I book an appointment?

You can reach out through WhatsApp or complete the contact form. I'll get back to you to discuss availability and arrange an initial consultation.

Contact

Let's take the first step

You can reach out through WhatsApp to ask about availability, or fill out the contact form to schedule an initial consultation.

WhatsApp

For quick questions or scheduling.

Message me on WhatsApp

Contact form

Tell me briefly what brings you to therapy, and we'll arrange an initial consultation.

Fill out the form