Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Liana Lorenzo-Echeverri.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I was born and raised in South Florida and come from a beautiful, strong family of Cuban immigrants. My parents divorced when I was seven years old and my sister was three years old. Despite the divorce, I always considered myself to be very lucky to be raised in such a close-knit family. My sister and I were always taught family is the most important thing. Therefore, my parents did an amazing job of co-parenting and ensuring we remain in a tight bond. Fast forward to my undergrad years at Florida International University, where I studied Psychology, and then to when I eventually applied to the Marriage and Family Therapy program (MFT) at Nova Southeastern University (NSU), where I found my calling to become a Marriage and Family Therapist. The MFT program was the right fit for me, and my upbringing led me to pursue this education and eventual career. What drove my passion was to help others navigate through life transitions, assist families in hearing one another’s perspectives, managing conflict and learning how to communicate with one another.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I would not exactly define it as a smooth road, I would describe it as challenging at times. I was determined to accomplish the goals I set for myself. Life will always have its challenges, I had to check-in and reminded myself, as I do, with my own clients of my strengths, capabilities and the reason of having these aspirations to attain these goals. That helped me along the way, along with my amazing support system. There was the goal of wanting to reach milestones in my academic life while wanting to achieve milestones in my personal life. I was working a full-time job and planning my wedding during my Master’s degree.
Then, I made the decision to apply to the Doctorate program for Marriage and Family Therapy and then become licensed. Towards the end of my Doctorate degree, my husband and I wanted to begin our family. I became pregnant with our daughter while becoming licensed, writing, and proposing my Applied Clinical Project (ACP). During a pandemic at seven months pregnant, I finally defended my ACP, which was the last step to obtaining my doctorate degree. My determination absolutely stems from my Cuban immigrant roots. I was brought up by a resilient and strong-minded family. These milestones were not just for myself but for my family that chose to leave their home to ensure I had this possibility. Despite all the challenges, it was definitely worth it because I followed my dreams of becoming a Doctor in Marriage and Family Therapy and a mommy.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I find great joy and specialize in working to empower all women. My clientele is centered on working mainly with mothers and expecting mothers. Along with couples navigating the decision of whether or not to have children. I create a safe space where they can seek support in an unbiased, non-judgmental environment. I create a therapeutic relationship of respecting and meeting my clients where they are and with what they need. I work with my clients to see what they wish to gain from therapy. For my clients to feel comfortable in trusting me, and utilize this time dedicated to themselves and their goals. I find it essential to provide them a safe space to engage in their self-care. I advocate for self-care and to empower yourself and give yourself the mental, physical and emotional health my clients deserve. I work with my clients to have them feel heard, supported, and empowered.
As a mom to a nine-month-old baby girl, I myself understand the rollercoaster of emotions that come with being a new mom. The saying the days are long but the years are short is a true indication of that. I cannot relate on every level to my clients because everyone’s story and the situation is unique. Though, with my personal experience, I have insight and empathy of what being a mom entails. I also specialize in working with couples that are navigating through the decision of whether to have children or not. That is what I wrote my Applied Clinical Project on and I believe this is such a fundamental topic for couples to have open conversations about. I enjoy facilitating couples in having honest conversations while providing an understanding, unbiased role in that process. Both perspectives in a relationship should always be heard and understood even if you disagree.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
I am extremely lucky to have a family that are always my biggest motivators and supporters. Without them, I would not have made it to where I am today. Especially my husband and sister that was always there to encourage me and support me throughout the long road to achieve my doctorate degree. My sister, Katrina Lorenzo, is a Registered Marriage and Family Therapist Intern of South Broward Therapy, also sees clients at Counseling and Wellness Center of South Florida. I love the opportunity to work with my best friend. Doctor Jeff Bauman, Licensed Psychologist, was my employer during my undergraduate career at FIU. Dr. Bauman taught me a great deal early on of what it takes to run your own private practice. He has always has had words of wisdom and encouragement. I am lucky enough to still have him as my mentor all these years later.
Dr. Bauman has been extremely successful in building his private practice and has a great relationship with his clientele. He is an expert in working with ADHD, anxiety and school challenges. Though I did not follow his exact footsteps, he is a great mentor and someone I seek advice from and can trust full-heartedly, along with knowing his ethics are always in great standing. Staci Schnell, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, is another mentor and is the owner and clinical director of the private practice, Counseling and Wellness Center of South Florida, which I am a part of. Staci is a great motivator and mentor in showing me what a woman can achieve and how she has built and grown her private practice. She is someone I can always trust and feel comfortable seeking advice from. Staci is beyond generous with her time and advice and is always willing to teach and help you grow.
Contact Info:
- Email: Liana@southbrowardtherapy.com
- Website: https://www.southbrowardtherapy.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/lianatherapy?igshid=1nxa5s8csq307
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/dr.lianalorenzoecheverri/
Image Credits
Werner Kahn Photography
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