Great to meet you!
In my experience, the best therapy comes from helping others. Even when I’m feeling down, I make it a point to support those around me and listen to their concerns. My journey with therapy began when my father passed away when I was 10 years old. At the time, I was confused and my mother encouraged me to express my feelings to a therapist. That period was a blur, as I struggled to articulate my emotions. Growing up in a family that valued privacy and relied on prayer for solace, I often felt something was missing.
During my freshman year of college, I enrolled in my first psychology course. The passion of my professor inspired me to consider switching my major to psychology. At that time, I was dealing with depression, anxiety, and unresolved trauma. I decided that if I wanted to become a counselor, I should first address my own issues through therapy.
This decision allowed me to learn coping skills and gain firsthand experience of the counseling process. I realized that professional training and studies would equip me with the knowledge and confidence needed to handle situations involving intense emotions. As I continued my education, I aspired to be a “super therapist” or, as I jokingly called it, “The Beyoncé of therapists,” eager to help everyone. While I understood that was unrealistic, I chose to focus on the populations that interested me the most, including individuals dealing with trauma, anxiety, depression, and those within the LGBTQ+ community.