Today we’d like to introduce you to Xiomara Suarez-Espinal.
Xiomara, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Ever since childhood, I have been a person of service. I have always been intrigued by an individual’s story and their resilience. In high school, I completed a project where I was asked to choose a profession that I would like to pursue as an adult. I chose Social Work and continued with this idea into college. During my studies, I enrolled in a course, Psychology of Personal Effectiveness, and realized that the human mind and one’s motive were much more intriguing to me. I completed my degree in Social Work; however, I recognized my passion was in the field of Psychology. Subsequently, I completed my undergraduate and graduate degree in Psychology with a concentration in mental health counseling and school counseling.
At the age of 30, I accepted a position as an adjunct faculty member at the college where I once completed the psychology course which changed the course of my life. It was surreal to teach the same course almost ten years later. It was definitely a high point in my career.
As a professional, I have worked with many populations which include children, adolescence and adults facing various challenges such as addiction, homelessness and persistent mental health issues. My career, naturally led me to join a group practice, Life Discovery Psychotherapy, in 2018. In this work, I am assisting people on their journey to wholeness.
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?
Success does not happen by chance. Success does not happen alone. I have been fortunate to have family, friends, and mentors that have helped me on my journey.
In this field, I have had every position imaginable. Each one with its own challenges and lessons. One of my biggest challenges, was in my early twenties while completing my undergraduate degree and fostering three children. It was not easy being a parent, pursuing a degree, and working full-time. Internally, I had to draw resiliency and determination and sometimes it was not enough. During my undergraduate, all the demands both emotionally and financially became overwhelming that I dropped a semester. Months later, the dean of the student affairs contacted me and offered me a scholarship to return and complete my degree. With much support and determination, I completed my degree as Magna Cum Laude. The experience, affirmed the importance of community and support in one’s life. And, unfortunately, there are many that don’t have the support that I did and do which is why behavioral science and social service are so important in our communities.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Therapy Outside the Box Blog story. Tell us more about the business.
Therapy Outside the Box Blog started in the hearts of two women that met in college.
Our intention is to connect, support, inspire, and empower people through deep exploration and meaningful conversations.
As professionals, we strive to provide “outside the box” counseling as we believe in authenticity, creativity, and self-expression.
We recognize the importance of supporting one another in going beyond our perceived roles. As human beings, we recognize the importance of going beyond perceived fear and returning to a space where we are all respected and valued.
We are people of service and are driven by passion and a belief in the power of change and self growth. We believe in positive thinking, practicing holistic teachings, and engaging in creative endeavors. Most importantly, we believe in the healing power of community and unity.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I am not sure luck has much to do with one’s success, at least not mine. I am a firm believer that whatever doesn’t kill you makes you stronger (if you allow it to). I grew up as a daughter of a single mother who struggled to make ends meet at times. Through my mother’s strength, not luck, we not only survived but we thrived. I believe that people are placed in your path for a reason and a lesson. However, it is one’s choice to learn and apply the lesson. Through introspection, questioning and learning, I have attracted people and situations that have moved me higher in my life and career. I learned you can’t wait on luck, you have to set the pieces in motion and let synchronicity play its role.
Contact Info:
- Address: 5201 Blue Lagoon Drive, Miami, FL 33126
- Website: www.therapyoutsidetheboxblog.com
- Phone: 305-912-9096
- Email: xsuarezlfdiscovery@gmail.com
- Other: https://www.psychologytoday.com/profile/371389
Image Credit:
X.S. Love Photography, Vica Photography, 725 Creative
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