Javier Robledo Rivera, PsyD & José Francisco Avilés-Acosta, PsyD

We believe in the power of working with you, not for you. Island Therapy Collective is committed to breaking down hierarchical structures often present in traditional therapy. We prioritize genuine collaboration, ensuring your lived experience is the guiding force in our work together. Embracing a liberation psychology lens, we acknowledge the inherent humanness of every individual and the societal forces that shape our lives. Our collective mission is to foster your personal growth and build resistance against oppressive systems. Meet our team: Dr. Javier Robledo Rivera (he/they) has a Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology from the Albizu University of Puerto Rico. They are a queer, Boricua, Spanish and English-speaking Psychologist licensed in Puerto Rico and Ohio. They hold training in Gottman Method Couples Therapy, Interpersonal and Social Rhythm Therapy, and Gender, Kink and Polyamory Affirming Care. Javier's clinical interests are gender identity, racial trauma, mood instability, polyamory, kinks, relational concerns, and liberatory and decolonial practices. Some of their research interests include clinical supervision, liberation psychology, decolonizing mental health, gender affirming care, and training. Javier enjoys video games, spending time with partners, reading, anime, exploring nature, and being at the beach. Dr. José Francisco Avilés-Acosta (they/them) is a non-binary, bilingual (Spanish/English) licensed clinical psychologist (PsyD) with a background in Liberation Psychology and interculturalism. Originally trained in Puerto Rico, their early experience as a hairstylist shaped their empathic, listening-centered therapeutic style. Their clinical work integrates psychodynamic, narrative, solution-focused, pluralistic, interpersonal, DBT, process-based CBT, and the unified protocol approaches. Dr. Avilés-Acosta specializes in working with emerging adults, LGBTQIA+ communities, immigrants, and individuals navigating identity, trauma, and mood disorders. They are trained in Gottman Method, Interpersonal and Social Rhythm Therapy, anti-racist approaches, and more. Outside of therapy, they enjoy poetry, cooking, gaming, writing, and warm weather. They’ve contributed to publications on clinical supervision and presented at national and international conferences.