Today we’d like to introduce you to Sara Arce.
Sara, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
My story begins in San Juan, Puerto Rico, where I was raised along with my two siblings. My mother was a teacher and so I was lucky enough to attend private schools all through elementary, middle and high school. This afforded me a solid education and a great social environment to grow up in. I was always the kind of friend people turned to when they need to talk something out, and so it made sense that I became a therapist, which I have found it to be a natural career for me.
I moved to Florida in 2001 for college and attended the University of Central Florida in Orlando. I earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and then continued on to receive a two Masters Degrees. My first masters is in Counseling and Psychology and the second is in Public Administration, with a concentration in Healthcare Management. Over the past 10 years, I became a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and a Certified Addiction Professional and have been working in the mental health and substance abuse treatment field. I initially started out as a therapist working in residential centers with adults, and later transitioned into more administrative work.
I was hired for my first Director level position by the time I was 30, overseeing outpatient services at a community mental health center. I’ve continued to work in leadership roles, overseeing treatment services, improving service delivery and program development. Almost 2 years ago, I decided to go back to my roots and open my own office. I provide outpatient therapy services, clinical supervision for interns and court-ordered assessments. Most recently I became interested in volunteering with the Red Cross and have joined the local Palm Beach Disaster Response Team.
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?
I have had my fair share of struggles, both professionally and personally. But there are a few major events that I would say have influenced the person I am today.
The first being my parents’ divorce at age 8, which was particularly hard for me. I carried anger and resentment for many years after this, which I believe led to my rebellious nature as a teenager. It took time, but as I got older I understood things better and all those negative feelings dissipated. The second occurred when I was 23, while on vacation from college in Puerto Rico. Out with my sister and some friends one night, I was a witness to a murder and shot twice as a result.
Thankfully I survived without major injuries, but I did have to drop out of college, undergo surgery, rehabilitate myself and see a therapist to help manage my symptoms of acute stress. I had truly come face to face with death and was given a second chance.
There’s something about this experience that gives a person depth. Since then I’ve taken life more seriously. The third challenge I’ve encountered is related to my work.
Throughout my career, I have unfortunately encountering ethical and legal issues that have tested my character time and time again. Fraud and abuse are rampant in the healthcare industry, unfortunately, more so here in south Florida than in other areas. I see it as my responsibility as a healthcare professional to safeguard the vulnerable people I treat. Unfortunately, I’ve lost jobs and friends for doing the right thing. But not once have I regretted it, no matter what the cost.
Thankfully with support from my friends, family, and colleagues, I’ve been able to overcome each and every one of these tests. The approach to life that has helped me the most has been to always learn from my experiences. Good or bad, I believe everything we go through can teach us something. I try not to dwell on the past, I learn from it, try and keep in mind how it influences me and do my best to move on.
Reclaim Life Counseling – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
I provide individual therapy for adults who are dealing with symptoms of mental illness and substance abuse. Some of my preferred therapeutic models are Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Brief Therapy, Motivation Interviewing, and Relapse Prevention. In working with addiction, I am receptive to both abstinence-based, harm reduction and medication-assisted models.
My approach is solution focused, goal oriented and personalized. I use a flexible, laid-back approach to therapy which my clients find to be non-judgemental and supportive. I can also be direct, however, and am open and honest in sharing my feedback. I see my purpose as helping my clients discovery their goals for therapy and supporting them in working toward those. I also provide qualified supervision for register mental health counseling interns and conduct court-ordered comprehensive mental health and substance abuse assessments.
Pricing:
- Individual Therapy Session – $150
- Comprehensive Assessment – $250
- Clinical Supervision – $90/Hr
Contact Info:
- Address: 7000 West Palmetto Park Road Suite 210 Boca Raton, FL 33433
- Website: www.reclaimcounselingfl.com
- Phone: 954-601-4330
- Email: reclaimcounselingfl@gmail.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/reclaimlifecounseling/
Getting in touch: VoyageMIA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
