Today we’d like to introduce you to Edvardo Archer.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Edvardo. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
Unfortunately, the best way to understand my mission is to learn about one of my greatest failures. I WAS A BROKEN PARENT managing a broken family dynamic. I was the parent that did everything he could and still hit a wall. Sadly, my wall resulted in a young man that would later attempt to take his own life.
Twelve years ago, I was the house parent for young men aged out of the foster care system. Granted, I was also pretty young. I barely completed my bachelor’s degree and was excited at the opportunity to lead these young men into their adulthood.
CLAYTON WAS A MESS.
He was an energetic 18-year-old kid that recently exited the foster care system. Within two weeks in my home, he skillfully sabotaged every potential friendship with the other guys in my home. He did all of this to prove to himself and us that he didn’t need any of us. As a result, everyone stopped making an effort of having a relationship with him.
THE DARKEST NIGHT OF MY LIFE.
I came home late one night and found him in a dark family room alone. I quickly learned that he was in a desperately sad and lonely place. Over the next several hours, I gave him all I had. I threw out sermons, gave him quotes and I tried reasoning with him. All this effort was to try to pull him out of his space of hopelessness. I didn’t realize it at the time, but Clayton’s mental space was an accumulation of his recent decisions, internal shame, and a history of trauma. I hit a wall and it broke me.
I was broken because, at that time, I didn’t have enough. I was not enough. I felt defeated. Because of my lack of awareness, I was unable to truly see Clayton. Because of my lack of skill, I was unable to reach him. Hours later, Clay swallowed every pill he could get his hands on. His roommate discovered him in time to call the police and get him help. Luckily, he did not die that night.
WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE?
Clay returned home a week later. We immediately began a journey towards healing. He was surrounded by people that supported him. We gave him professionals that helped him heal. Clayton is doing well today. Today he is married with two little beautiful girls. He is working every day to be a man for himself and for his family.
This dark moment was also a defining moment for me, I then started a journey of gaining education and experience to better support individuals like Clayton and their families.
I have walked a personal journey over the last 12 years to answer this mission. In the summer of 2013, I established AP Family Counseling, LLC. A private therapy practice determined to help families cross their hardest moments. Today, we serve individuals, couples and families all across South Florida through in-person and online therapeutic services.
Has it been a smooth road?
Building my business and working with families require the same mindset. You have to fail in order to discover. Whether it is a failing marriage or figuring out the identity of my business. I have had to learn to be willing to struggle without answers. I am grateful for these moments and experiences over the last decade.
Please tell us more about your work.
I love what I do. I appreciate that in today’s society, the stigmas and fears behind mental health are being removed. Individuals are becoming more aware of their need to balance their mental well being along with all the other aspects of life. What I appreciate about my practice is that people can actually learn who I am before they even walk into my office.
They can do that through some of the resources that I make available online and in-person events. My wife and I publish a bi-weekly podcast called “Defying Self”. I regularly create online videos and posts on social media. I currently have speaking and online events that the public are invited to participate in. I think, going forward, people want to connect with their therapist to help them cross the bridge of meeting with them.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
Like most people would say, I love how diverse and rich in culture our city has been. There are tons of things to intrigue and entertain for all types and walks of people.
The one thing I would change (and this is completely selfish) is I would love for our city to become more friendly towards the cycling community. Everyone in my family rides a bike. It would be great to engage in safe and fun cycling expeditions together to enjoy our diverse city.
Pricing:
- 60-Minute In-Person Session- $150
- 60- Minute Online Session- $135
- 90- Minute Session- $225
- 20- Minute Phone Consultation- FREE
Contact Info:
- Address: 2701 W Cypress Creek Rd
Ft. Lauderdale, Fl 33309 - Website: https://apfamilycounseling.com
- Phone: 9547169138
- Email: eddie@apfamilycounseling.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/edvardo_archer/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/apfamilycounseling/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/edvardoarcher
- Other: https://www.defyingself.com
Suggest a story: VoyageMIA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
