Five years. 1,825 days. Countless moments of doubt, triumph, and everything in between. That’s the journey of Healing Through Authenticity, PLLC, and wow, what a ride it’s been!
As I sit here reflecting on this milestone, I’m feeling all the feels – pride, gratitude, and a whole lot of ‘how did I get here?!’ It’s pretty surreal to think about how far we’ve come since I packed up my life in Oakland and took that leap of faith.
Want to know how a therapist with a dream turned into... well, whatever I am now? (Still figuring that out, to be honest!) Keep reading to learn about the wild ride of the past five years – the ups, the downs, and all the lessons I’ve learned along the way. Trust me, it’s been anything but boring!
A Leap of Faith: From Oakland to Houston
Five years ago, I packed up my life in Oakland and made the big move to Houston. I didn’t come here with a job already lined up, which, looking back, was both terrifying and exciting. I believed in my vision for Healing Through Authenticity, and despite not having everything neatly laid out, I bet on myself.
Just a week and a half after moving, I launched my practice. Talk about jumping in with both feet! Houston was completely new to me, and I didn’t have things like health insurance lined up. It was scary, but I held onto my belief in this practice. And guess what? It worked out. Clients found me, even those who weren’t the best fit helped me learn about myself, my boundaries, and the kind of work I want to do as a therapist.
Growth and Learning Along the Way
Since launching my practice, I’ve worked hard to grow professionally! I’ve trained in multiple disciplines, like EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), EFT (Emotionally Focused Therapy), CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), and DBT (Dialectical Behavioral Therapy). None of these are certifications I hold yet, but I’m always learning, always growing. EMDR is particularly close to my heart, and certification is definitely on my to-do list.
Right now, I’m also training to become a certified bariatric counselor. This is a newer direction for me, and I’ve even written a book to help bariatric patients as they prepare for surgery. It’s been a wonderful way to blend my love of therapy with my passion for helping people on their journey to better health.
It’s easy to get caught up in what we haven’t done yet, but taking stock of our achievements is so important. And you know what? I’m incredibly proud of all everything I’ve achieved so far!
Stepping Into the World of Writing and Speaking
Aside from my work as a therapist, I’ve also had the opportunity to contribute to a few different articles and podcasts. I’ve been featured in publications like Voyage Houston, Voyage LA, and Canvas Rebel, which has helped get my name out there and spread the word about the work I’m doing.
On top of that, I’m a contributing author in an anthology called Girl, Be Selfish, which has been such a fun project to be a part of. Writing has always been a passion of mine, and seeing my name in print feels like a dream come true.
And speaking of dreams, starting this podcast was a huge step for me. For years, I joked with friends that we should have our own show, and now here we are! Even if it’s not reaching millions, I’m so proud of taking that leap and putting my voice out there. The feedback I’ve received so far has been heartwarming, and I’m so grateful to everyone who’s been along for the ride.
Lessons From the Past Five Years
This journey hasn’t just been about professional growth – it’s taught me so much about myself. Here are a few key lessons I’ve learned:
Perfectionism is Exhausting
I’ve always been a perfectionist, but I’ve had to learn that perfection is an impossible standard. No matter how hard I try, things rarely turn out “perfect.” It’s a contradiction I’ve struggled with – wanting everything to be flawless, but knowing that’s not realistic. Letting go of that need for perfection has been hard, but it’s necessary.
I’ve Done More Than I Give Myself Credit For
It’s easy to focus on what I haven’t accomplished, but when I reflect on the past five years, I realize how much I’ve achieved. I don’t always give myself enough credit for what I’ve done, but I’ve learned to appreciate the progress I’ve made and to acknowledge that I’ve worked hard to get here.
I Can Do Hard Things
There have been plenty of moments where I’ve looked at a challenge and thought, “I can’t do this.” But when I push through, I usually find that it’s not as bad as I imagined. I remind myself that I can do hard things – and I do them all the time.
It’s Okay to Pace Yourself
I’ve had to learn that not everything needs to happen quickly. Sometimes, it’s okay to slow down, be present in the process, and not rush to the next thing. This journey isn’t a race, and pacing myself allows me to enjoy it more fully.
Gratitude for My Clients
I am so grateful to all of my clients – past, present, and future – for trusting me with their stories and allowing me to walk alongside them on their journeys. Every client teaches me something, and even when our paths part, I hope they leave with something valuable. Whether I’m the right therapist for them or not, I want them to find what they need. That’s always the goal.
Looking to the Future
As I move forward, I’m excited about what the future holds. I have more books in the works, and I’m eager to get them out into the world. I also want to focus more on public speaking and networking, despite the fear that often comes with being seen. It’s a work in progress, but I’m learning to push through the nerves and trust that my voice matters!
I also want to continue traveling, attending conferences, and connecting with other therapists who are as passionate about personal and professional growth as I am. There’s so much more of this world to experience, and I’m excited to see where the next few years will take me.
Most importantly, I’m working on allowing myself to be in progress rather than always focusing on the destination. It’s about giving myself permission to be exactly where I am, rather than where I think I should be.
A Heartfelt Thank You
I want to take a moment to thank each and every one of you who has supported Healing Through Authenticity over the past five years. Your belief in this practice – and in me – means the world.
This journey hasn’t always been easy, but it’s been incredibly rewarding. I’m so grateful for the opportunity to do this work, to help people on their paths to healing and authenticity, and to continue growing both personally and professionally.
As we move into the next chapter of Healing Through Authenticity, I’m excited to see what the future holds. Here’s to many more years of growth, learning, and authentic healing!
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