Today we’d like to introduce you to Ingrid Jones, LMHC.
Hi Ingrid, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I discovered my passion for mental health at a very young age. After graduating NSU in 2008 with a Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling, I pursued my dream of becoming a psychotherapist and became licensed in 2010. I realized early on in my career that if I wanted to have my own private practice, I had to acquire as much experience as I could in different fields, and therefore worked for three different companies for the first three years after graduating, which included taking a job as an aftercare coordinator (which would be considered a step back from being a therapist) just so I could work for that company at the time; with hard work though, I was able to take a therapist position six months later. Most of my colleagues thought I was crazy about changing jobs so much (especially when it looked like I was going backwards) but the truth is, I had a goal in mind, which was to be able to specialize in a variety of issues and be trained in a range of modalities. Outside of my office, I have had the extraordinary opportunity to make an impact on young lives as an Adjunct Psychology Professor at Broward College for the past eight years.
I can honestly say that I’m very passionate about my work, both as a therapist and as a Professor, so much so that I usually tell people that I don’t work for a living, I play for a living, and that my office and classroom are my playgrounds.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
As a native of Colombia, I struggled with some language barriers when I started my Bachelor’s degree at FAU; given that English is my second language, there were times where I had a hard time with homework and felt so discouraged from achieving my goal that sometimes I would just go home and cry… but I never gave up; I would do my crying, I would allow myself to dwell on my own thoughts and emotions for a bit and then I would pick it right back up the next day and go to class. I think what helped me the most was not allowing the fear of looking bad to stop me from asking questions or for clarification when something wasn’t clear for me. I was okay with people “judging” me. I was okay with them having a negative opinion about me, but I knew I was never gonna be okay with not achieving my dreams, so I never stopped. I asked for help when I needed it and received cum laude honors with my Bachelor’s degree.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Center for Change and Growth?
I am passionate about inspiring and empowering people to achieve their highest potential and create a life full of possibilities and purpose. In 2012, I opened my private practice, Center for Change and Growth LLC. I take therapy to a whole new level. I am highly intuitive, which makes me good at sensing what other people are thinking and feeling. My main approach to therapy is known as “Reality Therapy,” which focuses on problem-solving, the here and now and on creating a new future where you are the author of your life. I am very involved during sessions and have the ability to confront my clients when their behaviors don’t seem to match their goals in life. I’m also good at establishing boundaries and connecting with people in an open, caring and empowering way. I work with couples and individuals and have advance training in the areas of depression, anxiety, eating disorders, addiction, codependency, and relationship issues, among others. My clients are highly motivated and committed to making changes in their lives and I dedicate my sessions to providing them with techniques and tools so that they can reach their full potential.
What does success mean to you?
To be honest, there are two things that come to mind when I think about success and what it means to me. First, I feel I’m most successful when I’m surrounded by those I love and care for because in the end, I know that money, cars and other material things will come and go, but the love and connection of those I care about is something that will never fade away. Second, success is about making an impact, creating change, supporting growth. I’m successful every time I get to contribute to someone’s life.
Contact Info:
- Email: ingrid@changetogrow.com
- Website: changetogrow.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/changetogrow/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/changetogrow
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/ingridjoneslmhc
