Fatima Beccar Varela

Therapist

Fatima Beccar Varela, MSCD, was born in Argentina, and through her work with young children in the slums of Buenos Aires, became passionate about working with underserved families within a multidimensional, ecological approach. 

In 2005, Fatima moved to Chicago where she completed her Master of Science degree in child development atthe Erikson Institute and worked as a research assistant measuring the impact of relationship-based education on child development. Through this research, Fatima more deeply understood how the power of attuned responsive, and nurturing parent-child relationships can act as a protective shield against adversity and risk.  Fatima has always loved the phrase, “The action of development is in the interaction”, understanding that when providing clinical services, we must address all participants in a relationship through a strength-based approach that nurtures relationships where both parent and child feel competent, successful, loved, and enjoy being together.

In New York, Fatima completed her training in parent-infant psychotherapy at Columbia University’s Parent-Infant Program. She has worked in Washington Heights and the Bronx for many years, supporting parents and young children through home visits, parent-child socialization groups, and dyadic services. The project closestto her heart provided support for parent-infant dyads during their stay in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, helping parents navigate the medical world while finding their voices and roles as primary caregivers.

Fatima was awarded the 2018 Emily Fenichel Award by the New York Zero-to-Three Network and presented some of her work in infant mental health at conferences such as the Bank Street Infancy Institute, ZERO TO THREE and the EHS National Research Center. 

In her spare time, Fatima enjoys spending time outdoors, hiking, and riding her bike around town. Fatima and her daughters engage in community-building experiences with their Girl Scout troop visiting a senior center, cooking at a homeless shelter, and assisting young mothers with supplies for their infants.