Today we’d like to introduce you to Alana.
Alana, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I knew I wanted to be a therapist as soon as I declared my psychology major in college. As I was graduating, I came up with the initial idea for a holistic center. After finishing my master of social work, I worked several jobs in macro social work before eventually getting licensed and becoming a full time therapist.
When I moved to South Florida in early 2024, my plan was to continue seeing therapy clients virtually from Maryland, and eventually transition to community work through hosting events and opening a holistic center. Because the process of getting licensed in Florida was prohibitive, I assumed that I would eventually transition out of 1:1 client care altogether.
Fast forward to now, I hosted my first official wellness event last month and have been steadily building community through Soul Space and my other business, Matcha & Mocktails, and am continuing to shape the vision of my holistic center.
Miraculously, I was able to get licensed in Florida last month when I suddenly discovered the licensure process had changed, and now I am continuing my work as a therapist and taking on new clients in Florida. It’s been a long and winding journey so far, but I am excited to see where it takes me!
Alright, 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?
Not even close!! Anyone who has gone through a master’s program and/or had to get licensed for their career knows how long and arduous that journey is, and how many surprise setbacks, roadblocks and hoops to jump through there are along the way. I have pivoted my career focus numerous times, moved multiple times, struggled financially, and wondered if any of what I was doing even makes sense. The path forward is still not crystal clear, but I have the most clarity, determination, and drive that I have ever had, and I am so grateful for the growth I have experienced along the way!
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I have a unique approach to therapy that goes beyond traditional talk therapy. I incorporate somatic tools like EFT tapping, deep breathing and yoga to target the nervous system, which is the root of all symptoms and experiences. My approach addresses mental, emotional, physical, spiritual and cultural wellness, allowing for a well rounded experience. I also incorporate spirituality into the sessions, in a way that is both accessible and culturally relevant. I believe my experience with solo travel, speaking multiple languages, living in multiple cities, doing self exploration and having my own spiritual practice have contributed just as much if not more to my approach than what I learned in school. My goal is to help people find a deeper sense of healing, in a way that empowers them to be the agent of their own healing journey. Currently, I only see women in my private practice, but the holistic center will be open to all!
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
Oh my gosh there are so many!
Books:
* Laziness does not exist
* The body keeps the score
* Adult children of emotionally immature parents
* How to do the work
* The Defining Decade
* You Are a Badass
* The Book of Boundaries
Podcasts:
*Yoga Inspired Life
*Big Conversations
Substack:
*Alana Reina (my own)
Pricing:
- 180 per session
Contact Info:
- Website: https://soulspaceholisticwellness.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/soulspaceholisticwellness
- Other: https://tiktok.com/@soulspaceholisticwellness
