Today we’d like to introduce you to Roxana Tefel.
Roxana, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Hi, my name is Roxana (she/her). Becoming a psychotherapist wasn’t always obvious to me. I grew up enamored with painting as a kid and I aspired to be an artist. Yet, when I got a little older, I couldn’t figure out what I wanted to be. I was convinced that I would enter college with an “undecided” major. But that didn’t happen. In my last year of high school, I was totally hooked on a psychology class. I had discovered science that I could actually apply to my life! Little did I know that psychology would become what is now my passion. It is fascinating to understand human behavior for two things: a greater ability to get through obstacles and learning how to make meaningful connections.
My curiosity for healing the human mind sent me off to graduate with a Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from Florida International University. I’m glad I did! I now have the privilege to help and see people heal mentally, emotionally, and spiritually through my counseling clinic, Better Life Therapy. Before I reached my dream of owning a counseling business, I had other jobs that unknowingly guided me on my journey. Fresh out of grad school, I provided therapy at a drug rehab for two years (I quickly learned skills there). Then, I had other counseling jobs, like in-home therapy visits and working in a group practice setting. I saw myself grow professionally and personally in all these jobs. But then I outgrew them. I knew in my heart that owning my counseling clinic would allow me to cultivate the relaxed and welcoming environment that I envisioned would support people. When I reflect on how my knowledge benefits people’s wellbeing, I am eternally grateful.
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?
In no shape or form has my journey to becoming a psychotherapist and business owner been a smooth road. It’s important that I share the rocky road with readers because I want people to know that journey’s aren’t perfect. I have six years’ worth of degrees in psychology (frustration and tears were shed during this). Us mental health professionals don’t stop learning at graduation. For two years after schooling, I had to complete 1500 hours of supervised counseling and pass a board exam to earn my license in mental health counseling. Without that license, I was limited in what I could do in the field and was paid less. I didn’t always agree with the job settings I was in either. I learned a hard truth: the perfect scenarios I learned about in school don’t always happen in the real world for various reasons.
Creating my counseling business came with other challenges, like finding a cozy office with gender-neutral restrooms or learning where to invest my time so that the people that need my services would find me. Now, I did have a bit of a smooth road to starting a business. I had saved enough money to start, had the support from loved ones, and learned tips from colleagues who were already running their own counseling business.
Please tell us about Better Life Therapy.
I help people live their life the way they want to live. Better Life Therapy is a private practice counseling clinic in Florida, tailored to adults and teens (including their parents) of all genders. Things I specialize in are relationship issues, anxiety, self-esteem, gender identity issues, coming out, and depression. I really love helping people struggling with expressing their needs and wants, setting much-needed boundaries, and building a strong self-confidence. I am known for my expertise in helping trans and nonbinary individuals meet their social, mental, physical, and emotional needs. Matter of fact, I am a Certified Transgender Care Therapist. As cliché as it may be, the thing I’m most proud of as a business is delivering high quality, individualized care. People deserve to receive care and respect and to feel welcomed as soon as they engage with any counseling service. So yes, expect to be heard and respected when you speak with me!
What were you like growing up?
People usually point out my personality traits to me, so this is an interesting question. I have always been calm, intuitive, and observant. A lot of times I get comments like, “Talking to you made me feel calm because you’re calm.” However, I have also been one to often worry about things to the point where I feel overwhelmed and freeze for a moment. Yup, even therapists struggle sometimes! Fun and good things for me are creating art, talking about art and music, merging with nature, and connecting in meaningful conversations.
Contact Info:
- Address: 7550 SW 57 Ave, Suite 110
South Miami, FL 33143
(Offers video and in-person appts) - Website: www.betterlifetherapyforyou.com
- Phone: (786) 823-9262
- Email: roxana@betterlifetherapyforyou.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/getbetterwithroxana/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/getbetterwithroxana/
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