Today we’d like to introduce you to Melinda Clark.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Melinda. So, let’s start at the beginning, and we can move on from there.
Becoming a psychotherapist in Miami has been a long, exciting, and at times challenging journey. It was a goal, a dream, hard work, and worth every minute getting here!
From a young age, I struggled with reading, especially reading comprehension. Sadly not until the age of 15, was I officially diagnosed with a learning difference, Dyslexia. Fortunately, I now had an answer and an educational plan in place, but the scars from my struggles were still there. I never forgot some of the harsh words I heard from different teachers. Knowing I was bright, talented, and had plenty of ambition, I fought through my educational challenges. Through it all, I mentally told myself to never give up. I realized the power of the mind and how our experiences, positive or negative, influence us. I knew I wanted to learn more about psychology and help others learn about themselves.
I moved across the country and attended The University of Miami to earn my Masters in Mental Health Counseling. Like most recent graduates, my first job was not a dream job, but it was the most influential and educational. It is the reason I am where I am today!
I enjoy sharing my past so that people feel empowered, and driven to persevere eventually reaching their dreams.
Great, 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?
Is there ever a smooth road?
Anything worthwhile is worth fighting for. When challenges arose, I continuously told myself to continue to try, and when I fell, to try again. When I decided to open my own practice, I became not only a therapist but also an entrepreneur finding new daily challenges. When looking for a home for Insight Counseling Center, my first leasing application was rejected. I had no idea how to be the founder of a company and was challenged on how to market myself. Pulling from the knowledge gathered from my undergraduate business degree, along with plenty of on the job experience, I fought hard to make it happen. The challenges I discovered made me stronger mentally, more determined to succeed, and far more in love with my chosen career.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Insight Counseling Center – what should we know?
Insight Counseling Center is a calming place that offers comfort and connection. Named Insight Counseling Center, it is an environment encouraging the importance of gaining insight into our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors in order to understand and have control over them. We explore together why people do what they do, and how they feel about what they have done. This critical knowledge is something we can all benefit and thrive from.
I am a licensed psychotherapist specializing in working with people who are challenged by Miami’s societal pressures (partying, dating, substance use, work, etc.). Miami’s culture puts pressure on us to feel the need to look the part, act the part, and earn the right salary. This pressure can cause us to act in unbalanced and excessive ways. I also work with teens who are challenged with a learning difference. Adolescents struggling with their self-confidence while working to create themselves.
To help my client achieve their goals, I must first adapt to them. I use a combination of techniques such as active listening to fully understand my client’s world and help them build the tools to overcome their daily challenges.
As an addictions recovery expert, with a focus on Miami’s societal pressures, I love working with my clients to find ways to feel balanced in a chaotic lifestyle. Through our day-to-day experiences, we develop outlets. Sometimes this outlet can impede our success and overall wellbeing.
One thing I am most proud of is my innate desire to want to connect! I am the co-founder of a networking group for mental health professionals – Miami Mastermind. Our goal is to connect, educate one another, and help each other grow their private practice. On top of all of this, we have a lot of fun!
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
I believe we make our own success. We often times have long-term goals that we never reach due to several factors. One, in particular, is that we change our idea of success along the way. For example, being in private practice was never one of my goals. My life experiences led me here. Ultimately my work became a part of who I am.
I am a therapist because therapy is the way I naturally think, and it is a part of how I live my life. I have always loved exploring myself and helping others explore who they. Discovering how their mind and emotions guide their behaviors fascinates me. These conversations excite me. Success is being able to do what you love with your life. I believe that if you do what you love, success will follow.
Contact Info:
- Address: 1330 Coral Way
Suite 202 Miami, FL 33145 - Website: www.insight-miami.com
- Phone: 305-505-3789
- Email: melinda@insight-miami.com
- Instagram: @insightmiami
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/insightcounselingmiami/?ref=bookmarks
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