Bernardo Ruiz Victoria

Psychologist specializing in Clinical Psychology and Expert in Addictions

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Bernardo Ruiz Victoria (Registration No. AO-02556) is a leading figure in the field of mental health and substance abuse rehabilitation in Spain. A graduate in Psychology from the Autonomous University of Madrid and a Specialist in Clinical Psychology, he practices primarily in the province of Málaga (San Pedro de Alcántara, Marbella, and Estepona).

 

With an uninterrupted career since 1984, he has dedicated his career to the study, prevention and treatment of addictive behaviors, both to substances (alcohol, cocaine, cannabis, benzodiazepines) and behavioral (gambling, compulsive shopping).

 

1. Clinical Approach: The "Victoria Program"

 

The biggest milestone in Ruiz Victoria's career is the development and direction of the Victoria Program, a therapeutic intervention method that moves away from conventional clinical admissions to opt for an intensive and psychoeducational model.

 

This model is based on Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and is structured as follows:

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• Immersive Therapeutic Retreats: The intensive treatment takes place during 10-day retreats in a quiet hotel environment (isolated from urban stress) and in very small groups (maximum 8 people).

   

• Psychoeducation and "Mental Traps": The core of the therapy is to provide the patient with a deep understanding of the "ABCs of addiction." Ruiz Victoria works to dismantle the mental traps and justifications that sustain substance use.

   

• Practical Tools: The patient is instructed in the functional analysis of their own behavior, providing them with relaxation techniques, restructuring of negative thoughts, emotional management and, crucially, solid strategies for relapse prevention.

• Long-Term Follow-Up: After the initial withdrawal, the program provides support for a full year to ensure the consolidation of a new lifestyle.

   

In addition to his own program, Ruiz Victoria holds in-person consultations at prestigious medical centers on the Costa del Sol (such as Clínica del Río or Clínica Premium), and provides online therapy.

 

2. Therapeutic Style

 

On a professional level, he stands out for combining rigorous scientific approach with an exceptionally warm and personal touch. Those who evaluate his work often highlight his ability to address addiction in a relaxed and empathetic environment, even using humor therapeutically. This approach is vital, as it eliminates the stigma and guilt that paralyze the patient, facilitating a therapeutic alliance based on mutual respect and trust.

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3. Dissemination and Literary Work

 

Bernardo Ruiz Victoria's work extends beyond his private practice; he has a strong commitment to teaching and prevention. He has led numerous seminars and workshops on drug prevention in schools and primary care settings.

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His work as an author is particularly noteworthy, especially for his book "Objective: Freedom: A Roadmap to Escape the Labyrinth of Addiction." In this book, he democratizes access to his methodology by explaining the Victoria Program step by step through the clinical evolution of five real patients, serving as a guide for both people with addiction problems and their families.

 

Conclusion

 

Bernardo Ruiz Victoria is a top-tier clinical specialist whose main contribution has been transforming the traditional rehabilitation process into a proactive learning experience. His solid clinical training, combined with over 30 years of experience, makes him a highly reliable and effective therapeutic option for anyone seeking to disconnect physically and mentally from addiction and regain control of their life.