What makes working with me different?
Well in order to understand that, let me share with you a quick story of why I became a therapist.
I was raised by Cuban immigrants who expected me to have a better life than them. I mean, that’s why they fled their country, right?
Sure, my opportunities were abundant compared to a communist regime. I was able to get an education, speak two languages and choose what I wanted to be when I grew up. What more would I need?
Although these opportunities were available to me, it didn’t mean that they were automatic. Growing up in a Spanish speaking home where English was not easily accepted, made homework time an individual chore which led to my belief that “the only person who can do things right is myself”.
Being raised with firm cultural beliefs at home while learning the American way of choice at school was confusing. Who was I suppose be? Hispanic or American? Well overtime, the stress from the pressures of trying to fit into this idea of always being the best and having the best caught up with me.
I began to feel unfulfilled with no meaning to my life. I was angry. I felt scammed by the idea that my life was going to be better than my parents. I became filled with self-doubt, I was insecure about my choices and ultimately wondered how I became this person.
So, I went to therapy. Made one of my first moves outside of my cultural norm because “therapy is for crazies”. I discovered that my choices revolved around my families and societies belief of what success is, not my own. I mean, I am an American citizen and I have choices, right?
I quickly realized the influence of social media and how it affected me. I learned to set boundaries with my relationships. I learned to accept myself for who I was and set goals that I wanted for myself. Therapy helped me gain control over my life.