Today we’d like to introduce you to Fernando Campos.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I knew the day I went into therapy that I myself wanted to be a therapist. This was in 2011 after dealing with severe depression for about a year with no hope in sight and suicide on my mind.
The back story is I was an entertainer. A dancer or breakdancer to be exact. I would host and entertain parties for a living and was a founding member of the “House of Drums” with some of my best friends all while trying to learn more about my life spiritually. See at the time, I went to a Christian church and fell in love with an amazing woman who I thought highly of for years before our union. Our relationship was not to last though and the result of that separation spiraled me into a mental discourse that I could not find my way out of. Not only did I lose her but friends, and even a part of my spirituality at the time. After a few months, my behaviors changed and demeanor shifted to that of someone who did not want to live any longer. I became reckless and ultimately struggled with suicide. That struggle not only hurt myself but my family and the friends closest to me. I needed help and was guided to a therapist office. I was scared, nervous, and completely apprehensive to the experience but was met with warmth, sincerity, and hope by my therapist. I knew she cared not for my money but for my life. I knew she didn’t have all the answers but didn’t mind me asking them questions and helping me find them for myself. I knew that I wanted to become like her. That was it.
From then, I enrolled back into school transferring all my biology credits into my new psychology major at NSU. Having a newfound passion for life, I strived to appreciate all aspects of the university experience and participated in social groups, greek life, and artistic performances. I knew that the more I experienced, the more tools I would have to build a connection with the people around me and my future clients. My professors helped to guide my academic success and direction and in my final semester my last professor turned out to be the therapist who I had met a few years prior at my lowest. Kinda full circle. After graduation, I came into contact with Dr. Kate Campbell who mentored me and really invested time and energy to groom me to not only be an effective clinician but entrepreneur. I worked for a few years in the community gaining experience with hundreds of family’s and clients and ultimately made the decision to start my own practice. Here is where I am now. Serving the Fort Lauderdale area as a couple’s, individual, and family therapist with an unconventional and creative approach to not only my personal style… as in the hair… but towards solutions and guidance in whatever unique circumstances and situations my clients find themselves.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It has not been smooth. Depending on the phase of my career, I encountered different struggles and hurdles. Initially, it was the motivation to get out of bed and fight against depression. Then, the difficulty of sitting in classrooms for 3 hours at a time trying to retain information. You would think to graduate would be enough but then, you have at least two years experience before you can get your license and then all the hurdles of being a business owner. All while trying to work full-time jobs to make ends meet throughout the entire process. It’s very draining which is why self-care is so important.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Avant-Garde Therapy story. Tell us more about it.
The company is called Avant-Garde Therapy. I work with couples, individuals, and families who want to enact change. Not only to heal the hurting but to strengthen the stable. It’s hard not to say my catchphrases but they are just too good.
I’m different. My entire life I’ve felt that has put me in a place of solitude. That solitude taught me to explore in the spaces outside my comfort zone to find commonality. Connection is my strength. The ability to connect and empathize while also providing an alternative perspective is what I’m known for. That and my hair. I pride myself on being eclectic and recognizing that every person needs a tailored approach to their uniquely tailored life. Often, therapy can feel like a scolding session where you’re told all you have done wrong. Or the opposite where you feel comforted but with no set direction. My approach isn’t to lay out the map in front of my clients and tell them where they need to go. My approach is to explain to my clients that I am an expert in creating maps and using their experience, both positive and negative to understand the terrain of their life. From their own personal map do they then decide which direction is best to go. It’s not easy but it becomes much clearer which is something I love to provide to my clients. Clarity, Inspiration, and Hope.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I don’t have much to say about this one. I think life has the essence of chance built into it while also allowing for people to improve or hurt their odds by their actions. I do whatever I can to improve my odds, like study, listen, create, and dream.
Pricing:
- Standard rate is $150 per hour but I offer a sliding scale and package discounts depending on my client’s needs
Contact Info:
- Address: 2419 E. Commercial Blvd Suite 203
Ft. Lauderdale, Florida 33308 - Website: A-GTherapy.com
- Phone: 9543915305 ext 513
- Email: Fernando.Campos@A-GTherapy.com
- Instagram: Fernandocampos_lmft & Avant_Garde_Therapy
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AGTherapy
- Other: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/fernando-campos-fort-lauderdale-fl/419132
Image Credit:
@shadelife, @brendaneldom
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