International Committee of the 18th International PCA Forum 2026, Madrid, Spain
Alberto Segrera-Psicólogo
Alberto Segrera is a Mexican psychologist, born in Cuba, with extensive academic and professional experience. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the Universidad Iberoamericana (UIA) and advanced training in Self-Directed Psychotherapy and Education.
Alberto Segrera is a Mexican psychologist, born in Cuba, with extensive academic and professional experience. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the Universidad Iberoamericana (UIA) and advanced training in Self-Directed Psychotherapy and Education. Additionally, he is a Master in Human Development and has completed studies in Ethics for Social Construction at the University of Deusto, Spain. He is an Emeritus Professor and a Tenured Academic at UIA, where he has taught for over 28 years at the undergraduate and graduate levels.
Segrera is a leading figure in the Person-Centered Approach, creator of the International Forums and Director of the International Archives of this therapeutic approach. He has also served as coordinator and member of various associations and committees related to psychotherapy and human development. He is a consultant, speaker, and author of multiple publications in his field.
He currently lives in Mexico City, where he continues his educational work and promotes the person-centered approach, as well as serving as a therapist and facilitator of encounter groups.
Veniamin Kolpachnikov
Veniamin Kolpachnikov is an associate professor at the Higher School of Economics (HSE University) in Moscow, Russia, specializing in social psychology and psychotherapy, with a particular focus on the person-centered method for psychotherapy, business relationships, education, and conflict mediation.
Veniamin Kolpachnikov is an associate professor at the Higher School of Economics (HSE University) in Moscow, Russia, specializing in social psychology and psychotherapy, with a particular focus on the person-centered method for psychotherapy, business relationships, education, and conflict mediation.
He has worked at HSE University since 2011 and has published on topics such as psychological maturity and attitudes toward seeking professional psychological help.
Luis Rey Yedra-Académico-Investigador
Luis Rey Yedra is a Mexican academic and researcher affiliated with the Universidad Veracruzana, specifically in the Faculty of Pedagogy in Xalapa.
Luis Rey Yedra is a Mexican academic and researcher affiliated with the Universidad Veracruzana, specifically in the Faculty of Pedagogy in Xalapa. He is a career academic with a PROMEP profile and belongs to the National System of Researchers (SNI I).
His work focuses on psychology and human development, with research lines that include violence in dating relationships, the influence of television in promoting values, and the identification of protective factors in adolescents against substance use.
He has coordinated master’s programs in Human Development and has participated in various research projects related to adolescent behavior, violence, and addictions, collaborating with other academics such as Dr. María del Pilar González Flores.
Additionally, he has published works proposing experiential models to promote values in adolescents that protect them from addictions.
Ghizlaine Charaibi-Profesor-Filósofo
Ghizlaine Chraibi is a Moroccan psychotherapist, painter, author, and editor, born in Tangier in 1970.
Ghizlaine Chraibi is a Moroccan psychotherapist, painter, author, and editor, born in Tangier in 1970. She founded the Moroccan Institute for Relational Psychotherapy in Casablanca, where she promotes person-centered psychotherapy inspired by Carl Rogers.
She studied at the Lycée Lyautey in Casablanca and earned a master’s degree in interpersonal communication from the University of Ottawa, Canada, where she lived for nearly 20 years before returning to Morocco in 2010.
She has published several novels, including Un amour fractal, L’Étreinte des chenilles, Un jour la nuit, Que la foudre soit avec toi ! and Les territoires impuissants, as well as essays on relational psychotherapy.
Chraibi is also recognized for her activism in favor of individual freedoms in Morocco and for her participation in literary and cultural events.
Antonio Angelo Favaro Coppe-Psicólogo Clínico
Antonio Angelo Favaro Coppe is a Brazilian psychologist and professor, holding a degree in Psychology from the Pontifical Catholic University of Minas Gerais (1979) and postgraduate (Lato Sensu) training.
Antonio Angelo Favaro Coppe is a Brazilian psychologist and professor, holding a degree in Psychology from the Pontifical Catholic University of Minas Gerais (1979) and postgraduate (Lato Sensu) training.
He works as a clinical supervisor and educator, and is involved in training in Client-Centered Psychotherapy.
Additionally, he participates in editorial projects and facilitation activities in public management.
Martin Lange-Counsellor
Martín Alejandro Lange is an Argentine counselor (psychological consultant) specialized in the Person-Centered Approach (PCA).
Martín Alejandro Lange is an Argentine counselor (psychological consultant) specialized in the Person-Centered Approach (PCA). A graduate of Holos San Isidro, he has extensive training in personal development, psychodrama, fragile processes, and support for couples and families. He has undertaken training with international leaders such as Dave Mearns, Elke Lambers, Margaret Warner, and Charles O’Leary.
He practices privately, supporting individuals, couples, and groups. In addition, he is a lecturer in the Counseling program, a supervisor for professionals, and has presented workshops and papers at national and international conferences. He has been a member of the organizing committee for international events and of the board of the World Association for Person-Centered and Experiential Psychotherapy and Counseling (WAPCEPC), where he also served as treasurer.
Lange is recognized for his role as a trainer, supervisor, and promoter of counseling in Argentina and internationally, standing out for his humanistic approach and his commitment to the personal and professional development of his clients and colleagues.
Leonore Langner-Psicoterapeuta-Counsellor
Leonore Langner is a person-centered psychotherapist and sound therapist with a private practice in Austria.
Leonore Langner is a person-centered psychotherapist and sound therapist with a private practice in Austria. She has additional training in person-centered group therapy, trauma therapy, and person-centered creative arts. She has worked for many years in geriatric and palliative care units, using nonverbal methods and Pre-Therapy with patients in persistent vegetative states. She is a tutor at the Peter Hess Academy (Austrian Institute for Sound Massage Therapy) and, since 2019, chair of the board of PCE Europe, the European network for person-centered and experiential psychotherapy and counseling.
Additionally, she is a supervisor, group psychotherapist, and deputy director of the APG-IPS Institute in Vienna, holding postgraduate degrees in counseling, supervision, and public health, as well as a master’s degree in social sciences.
María del Pilar Gonzalez Flores-Dra. en Psicología.
María del Pilar González Flores is a Mexican academic and researcher affiliated with the Institute of Psychology and Education at the Universidad Veracruzana.
María del Pilar González Flores is a Mexican academic and researcher affiliated with the Institute of Psychology and Education at the Universidad Veracruzana. She is a Full Professor (“Titular C”), with a PRODEP profile, and was a member of the National System of Researchers (SNI) Level I from 2011 to 2017.
Her research interests include human development, addiction prevention, and violence, topics on which she has published numerous scientific articles.
Additionally, she is a professor and founder of the Master’s in Human Development program at the Universidad Veracruzana, where she has promoted the training of professionals in guidance and human development processes.
Dr. María del Pilar González Flores specializes in human development, with an emphasis on addiction and violence prevention, as well as educational guidance and the training of human resources in these areas. Furthermore, she has worked on the design and evaluation of psychoeducational intervention programs and is the founder of the Master’s in Human Development program at the Universidad Veracruzana.
Kazuo Yamashita- Profesor-Filósofo
Kazuo Yamashita, in the context of the Person-Centered Approach (PCA), is a Japanese professional who has contributed to the dissemination and development of this approach in Japan.
Kazuo Yamashita, in the context of the Person-Centered Approach (PCA), is a Japanese professional who has contributed to the dissemination and development of this approach in Japan. According to his own testimony, more than 50 years have passed since the arrival of the person-centered approach in the country, and Yamashita has shared his personal experience regarding the impact and integration of this therapeutic model into Japanese culture.
The person-centered approach, originally developed by Carl Rogers, is based on trust in people’s ability to understand themselves and resolve their own problems within a climate of acceptance, empathy, and authenticity. Yamashita has been one of Asia’s representatives in the creation of chapters and international reflections on the evolution and adaptation of the PCA in different cultural contexts.
In summary, Kazuo Yamashita is a leading figure of the person-centered approach in Japan, known for his work in dissemination, reflection, and adaptation of the model to the Japanese reality, as well as for his participation in international projects on person-centered psychotherapy.
Jkjell Ribert-Profesor-Filósofo
Kjell Ribert is a facilitator and trainer in Focusing, director of Ribert Kultur & Kommunikasjon AS, specializing in foreign language acquisition and experiential, relationship-based learning methodologies.
Kjell Ribert is a facilitator and trainer in Focusing, director of Ribert Kultur & Kommunikasjon AS, specializing in foreign language acquisition and experiential, relationship-based learning methodologies. He has led workshops and conferences, such as “Awakening the Inner Linguist” (“Despertando al lingüista interno”) in Seville, and promotes a humanistic and experiential approach to teaching and learning.
Additionally, Kjell Ribert is a consultant in culture and communication based in Oslo, Norway.
Marcia Tassinari-Dra. en Psicologia
Marcia Tassinari is a renowned Brazilian psychologist, holding a PhD in Psychology. She is a psychotherapist and professor at Santa Úrsula University in Rio de Janeiro.
Marcia Tassinari is a renowned Brazilian psychologist, holding a PhD in Psychology. She is a psychotherapist and professor at Santa Úrsula University in Rio de Janeiro. She is one of the world’s leading experts in the Person-Centered Approach (PCA), a humanistic current in psychology developed by Carl Rogers.
Tassinari coordinates the Specialization Program in Clinical Psychology in the Person-Centered Approach and leads initiatives such as the Conexão Formativa Project, which provides training and psychological services in Brazil.
Her work is notable for promoting empathy, authenticity, and client autonomy in the therapeutic process, as well as for implementing psychological emergency services to support people in crisis situations, both in clinical and community settings.
In addition to her teaching and clinical work, Tassinari is an author and international speaker on humanistic psychotherapy and the PCA.
Jean-Marc Priels-Psicólogo Clínico
Jean-Marc Priels is a clinical psychologist and psychotherapist specializing in Carl Rogers’ Person-Centered Approach (PCA, Approche Centrée sur la Personne), which he also embraces as a philosophy of life.
Jean-Marc Priels is a clinical psychologist and psychotherapist specializing in Carl Rogers’ Person-Centered Approach (PCA, Approche Centrée sur la Personne), which he also embraces as a philosophy of life.
He works in psychiatric institutions, mental health services, and private practice, facilitating both individual and group psychotherapy, as well as coordinating and supervising multidisciplinary teams in hospital settings.
He has played an important role in training, supervision, and seminar coordination, as well as organizing discussion groups and creative expression workshops. Priels also contributes to specialized publications and collaborates with suicide prevention centers and health psychology research groups, integrating approaches such as art therapy and nonverbal communication.
Claudio Rud- Psiquiatra-Psicodramatista
Claudio Rud is a renowned Argentine psychiatrist, psychodramatist, and university professor, graduated from the University of Buenos Aires (UBA).
Claudio Rud is a renowned Argentine psychiatrist, psychodramatist, and university professor, graduated from the University of Buenos Aires (UBA). He is the general director of the Casabierta Association and a clinical supervisor for professionals in the person-centered approach.
Together with his mentor Manuel Artiles, he introduced the work of Carl Rogers to Argentina in 1969, becoming a leading figure in the dissemination and practice of the person-centered approach in the country. Rud has an extensive academic and clinical background, has written books and articles on psychotherapy and human relationships, and is an international speaker.
In addition to his work in psychiatry and psychotherapy, he has ventured into theater and psychodrama, and maintains an active professional practice, both in person and virtually, focused on the person-centered approach.
Ivana Rizvi-Pedagoga
Ivana Rizvi is a Brazilian professional recognized for her work in education, psychology, and management, with a special focus on the Person-Centered Approach.
Ivana Rizvi is a Brazilian professional recognized for her work in education, psychology, and management, with a special focus on the Person-Centered Approach. She has been highlighted as one of the few exponents in the Ibero-American region to apply this approach in organizational and social settings.
Rizvi is known for her work as a facilitator, explorer, and learner, promoting the importance of human connections and personal and community development.
Additionally, Rizvi has contributed to the development of therapeutic presence and the integration of psychological and organizational perspectives, fostering healthy leadership, productive creativity, and cooperation within teams. Her work also includes guidance for victims of abuse and the promotion of values such as respect and gender equity.
Paul Diacoescu- Miembro PCE Europa
Paul Diaconescu is a prominent member of PCE Europe (European Network for Person-Centred and Experiential Psychotherapy and Counselling), a European organization dedicated to person-centered psychotherapy and counselling.
Paul Diaconescu is a prominent member of PCE Europe (European Network for Person-Centred and Experiential Psychotherapy and Counselling), a European organization dedicated to person-centered psychotherapy and counselling. Diaconescu serves on both the Scientific Committee and the Board of Directors of PCE Europe, and his work focuses on the relationship between mental health practice and ethics. Additionally, he is associated with the ARPCP of Romania and is recognized for his passion for the person-centered approach.
Andrés Sánchez Bodas-Psicólogo
Andrés Sánchez Bodas is a renowned Argentine psychologist, graduated in 1972 from the University of Buenos Aires, specializing in the humanistic and person-centered approach.
Andrés Sánchez Bodas is a renowned Argentine psychologist, graduated in 1972 from the University of Buenos Aires, specializing in the humanistic and person-centered approach.
He created the Counseling degree program in Argentina in 1987 and founded the First Argentine School of Counseling.
He has been a pioneer in counselor training in the country, developing the “Holistic Person-Centered Approach” and directing the Holos Sánchez Bodas and Berneman educational institution, with locations in Buenos Aires and other cities.
Sánchez Bodas is the author of 14 books in his field and a leading figure in topics such as the humanization of healthcare, grief, and bioethics.
Additionally, he has directed master’s and postgraduate programs in counseling and has organized international conferences on the subject.
His work has been fundamental to the development and professional recognition of counseling in Argentina and Latin America.
Antonio Santos-Psicólogo
Antonio Santos is a Brazilian psychologist with over 40 years of professional experience in Brazil and the United States, specializing in humanistic psychology and the “person-centered approach” (abordagem centrada na pessoa), inspired by the principles of Carl Rogers.
Antonio Santos is a Brazilian psychologist with over 40 years of professional experience in Brazil and the United States, specializing in humanistic psychology and the “person-centered approach” (abordagem centrada na pessoa), inspired by the principles of Carl Rogers.
He is the author of the best-seller “O Peso da Cura” and works as a psychoanalyst, psychologist, supervisor trainer, organizational consultant, professor, writer, and international speaker.
His work is notable for promoting humanistic psychotherapy and training other professionals in this field.
Amal Khayal-Defensora Palestina
Amal Khayal is a Palestinian trainer and advocate who uses yoga to help Palestinian women and girls manage stress and motivate them to pursue their own passions.
Amal Khayal is a Palestinian trainer and advocate who uses yoga to help Palestinian women and girls manage stress and motivate them to pursue their own passions.
She has worked as a trainer in Gaza and is recognized for her efforts in empowering women through physical and wellness activities.
Additionally, she has collaborated with organizations such as the Palestinian Centre for Human Rights and UN Women.
She has also been identified as responsible for CISS Palestine in international cooperation activities. On social media, she presents herself as originally from Gaza, Palestine.
Silvia Vila-Psicóloga
Graduate of the Psychology program, Universidad de la República, UdelaR. Specialization in Carl Rogers’ Person-Centered Approach and Counseling at the Centro de Psicología Humanista Alandra Mendízábal.
Graduate of the Psychology program, Universidad de la República, UdelaR. Specialization in Carl Rogers’ Person-Centered Approach and Counseling at the Centro de Psicología Humanista Alandra Mendízábal. Training in Gestalt Therapy at the Centro de Estudios Gestálticos del Uruguay.
Specialization in Gestalt Therapy for Couples and Relational Systems at Somos Presencia.
Basic training in Systemic Coaching and Organizational Constellations at Syst Basic Training.
Specialization in Gestalt Therapy and Methodology for working with children at Centro Gestáltico Montevideo.
Oneness University, Deepening Process, India, Golden City, Chennai.
Founder and Director of Casagrande, Espacio de Desarrollo Humano Punta del Este. Former Vice President of the Asociación Gestáltica del Uruguay.
Member of the Department of Academic Development at the Asociación Gestáltica del Uruguay.
Alessandra Caporale- Counsellor
Alessandra Caporale has chaired the National Council of the Presidency of AssoCounseling (the association of counselors) since 2018.
Alessandra Caporale has served as President of the National Council of the Presidency of AssoCounseling (the association of counselors) since 2018.
In addition to her leadership role within the association, she is a trainer and supervisor of counselors, with extensive experience in the education and supervision of counseling professionals.
As a recognized expert in the field, Caporale is the author of the book Being a Counselor: Identity and Perspective of a Profession, published by Franco Angeli in 2022. This work delves into the counselor’s identity and their role in today’s society, addressing emerging challenges and needs that call for guidance, support, and professional counseling. The book has also been published in English under the title Shaping the Counselor Identity by the Center for Studies of the Person in La Jolla, California.
Alessandra Caporale is known for her expertise in the thought of Carl Rogers, a key figure in humanistic psychology and counseling.
Her professional approach combines academic rigor with active practice, promoting the development of relational skills and personalized support.
She resides in Bologna, Emilia-Romagna, Italy, and works as a counselor and business coach at Aicis, an association she co-founded.
Her professional activity includes training and supervising counselors, as well as direct intervention in both individual and organizational contexts.
Raquel Flnkelstein- Counsellor
Raquel Finkelstein was part of one of the first official graduating classes of the Holos Humanistic Psychology School in Buenos Aires in 1997.
Raquel Finkelstein was part of one of the first official graduating classes of the Holos Humanistic Psychology School in Buenos Aires in 1997. Since then, she has developed an extensive and recognized professional career in the field of Counseling in Argentina.
Previously, she studied Psychology in San Miguel de Tucumán, falling just a few subjects short of graduating, at which point she had to move to Buenos Aires for family reasons. There, she settled, started a family, and decided to continue her training through Counseling, following the Person-Centered Approach.
Within the field of Counseling, she specialized in both personal and family development, as well as in workplace settings, especially in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). She was a workshop coordinator for the EAP (Employee Assistance Program) service at ICAS Argentina and worked on relationship issues in family businesses through EPOGE, Counseling Services. In addition, she was a member of the supervision and assistance services of the Argentine Association of Counselors and Holos. She currently continues to work as a counselor in her own private practice.
Raquel also has a distinguished teaching career. She held the chair in Couple and Family, and for nine years taught a postgraduate course on the same subject at Holos.
She was also vice president of the Argentine Association of Counseling (AAC) for two terms and later served on its Ethics Committee. Raquel is certified by the International Association for Counseling NBCC Argentina and has participated in numerous ECP congresses and forums as an attendee, workshop facilitator, and presenter.
In addition to her professional work, Raquel is a visual artist. She has held numerous exhibitions and firmly believes that the sensitivity fostered by art helps to facilitate human connections.
