Adela Zayas
Adela Zayas is a Salvadoran clinical psychologist, trained at Jesuit Central American University “José Simeón Cañas,” with dual a master's degrees in clinical and health psychology and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. She also holds training in EMDR therapy and brings a strong integrative approach to her clinical work, grounded in psychodynamic principles. Since 2017, she has been dedicated to the private practice, supporting adolescents and adults through processes related to anxiety, depression, abuse, interpersonal relationships, grief, and personal development.
Her professional experience extends into the community and international fields, having served as Regional Director for Latin America and the Caribbean at International Partners in Mission. In this role, she led initiatives focused on mental health and well-being across communities in Latin America, as well as in countries such as India, Nepal, and Kenya. Her work integrates clinical psychology with social development, promoting human-centered support, leadership, and social justice.
Adela also designs and facilitates psychoeducational workshops and experiential spaces for communities, organizations, and institutions, addressing topics such as self-care, emotional regulation, leadership with well-being, and mental health. Her approach emphasizes the integration of mind, body, and emotions, creating meaningful experiences that foster self-awareness and personal transformation.
Accompanying Pain: A Practical Toolbox for Supporting Survivors of Sexual Violence Across Cultures
Friday, May 29th, 2026
10:30 AM – 12:00 PM (CT)
1.5 contact hours
Working with survivors of sexual violence requires more than clinical knowledge; it calls for the capacity to hold complex emotional experiences with sensitivity, respect, and cultural awareness. Each survivor’s story is shaped not only by the traumatic event itself, but also by the cultural, relational, and social contexts in which it is lived and expressed.
In my clinical experience working in Latin America, I have encountered the profound ways in which culture influences how trauma is understood, silenced, and embodied. These insights have highlighted the importance of developing approaches that are not only trauma informed, but also culturally responsive and attuned to the survivor’s pace and reality.
This workshop offers a practical, accessible framework, similar to Psychological First Aids, to support professionals in their initial response to survivors of sexual violence. Through a structured toolbox, participants will learn how to provide accompaniment, safety, emotional support, and guidance while minimizing the risk of re-traumatization and honoring each survivor’s unique process.
