I decided to become a mental health therapist once I realized how much of an impact and the person I was, thanks to my therapist at the time. I thought to myself, "If I could make as much of an ounce of a difference in someone else's life, the way my therapist did, that will make me happy". From then on, every class, school and experience I had in this field has validated my decision continuously.

I believe I change my demeanor around children. I even sit on the floor with them! Creating that bond with a child, teaching them the tools everyone can benefit from, while providing constant, warm and safe environment to express their emotions, creates a world of a difference for them. I do notice that teenagers and young adults I can relate to very well since I am still closer to their age than most adult relationships that they may currently have.

Anyone who is willing to work on themselves, wants to be in therapy, or are at least open minded to it! This is crucial as it helps make things easier and there is more room for growth and change. I am not going to reject someone who is resistant, but it makes it more challenging for sure to build that relationship, trust, and at times it delays the process even more.

Therapy is meant to be safe place for everyone. I like to describe it as a routine check up/in with someone, learning about yourself, identifying things from the past, etc. It is not meant to come as a quick fix (or in a medical example like a hospital for emergencies). There can be emotional sessions and some sessions filled with laughter. But, it does benefit everyone and can make a world of a difference once you are dedicated and trust your therapist completely!

I was amazed with the fact that this company was founded and is mostly lead by clinicians. This was comforting as I know from one therapist to another- we all know the type of support we need in this field. As I work with kids, learning about Therapy Land and having access to it made it even more enticing. Lastly, I wanted to work somewhere more local to my own home and be a part of my community in addition to helping those near my community.

Both my family and my clients inspire me. Growing up in a hispanic community, mental health wasn't an immediate go to and had a negative stigmatization around it. I want to actively talk about it and teach my own family, amongst others in the community, that getting help and seeing a therapist IS OKAY! My clients progress is what continues to fuel my desire to help. When I hear feedback from parents, clients themselves or anyone else involved in their treatment, it means the world to me.

Transparency and information. I am very honest with parents, children, adults about what therapy is and what it isn't and making sure confidentiality is understood. I try my best to make sure the person understands what a therapist does (when I see kids) and I answer all the questions, hesitations or concerns they may have. The first session is always different as it entails gathering so much information and meeting a new person. If there is enough time, I may have an activity or game to do with the child, or just continue to get to know the person. This varies on a case by case basis.

I just want to be able to answer anything they ask, provide an idea of what therapy looks like and build rapport while gathering everything I need.

I am a very happy person that is constantly smiling. I can be serious, if need be, but you will see a smile on my face 90% of the time!

I like to spend time with friends and family, bake and cook, watch tv and get my nails done!

I am a person who has gone through a ton of life experiences. I am human too! Although most weren't happy ones, it has shaped me to who I am today, so in the end, I am grateful for that. I strongly believe in "everything happens for a reason" even though I may not understand it at the time.