In case you were wondering!

Here I am (thank God 🙏🏼) working and staying busy. I’ve been focusing on improving, not just professionally, but also emotionally, spiritually, and growing in ways that allow me to better serve my clients. As a person and as a counselor, I’m still the same (or so I think): transparent, real, no unnecessary filters, just how I like to be.

Almost a year ago, I opened my own business: Summit Valley Counseling, PLLC. Yep, even though I didn’t announce it right away, because, well, we all have our stuff, like fear (that sneaky fear disguised as perfectionism) whispering, “just wait until you get it right.” And I’ve learned that not all fear is irrational; sometimes it stems from our values, from wanting to do things with integrity and heart. (Shoutout to my mom and dad for doing their trauma work so it wouldn’t weigh so heavy on me.)

I’ve been taking care of myself, my family, and learning to value myself a lot more. I’m beginning to set healthy boundaries, to see my time as something valuable, to understand the ins and outs of running a business (not an easy task), and above all, to see and honor myself as the professional I am. Because yes, I have worth… and I am worthy.

I’ve learned when to say yes and when to say no, to see things more clearly, to be ethical, to be professional, to show respect, and most importantly, to respect myself.

I’ve sacrificed a lot (money, time, energy, moments with my family, even my mental peace at times) to still be doubting my abilities.

Do I know numbers? Maybe not, but that’s what calculators and accountants are for (bless them). Because what I do have, and in abundance, is the most valuable thing in this profession: heart, listening ears, an open mind, human warmth, empathy, my emotions, and most of all, that flame that has never gone out… the passion that brought me here in the first place.

I didn’t land in this career by accident or obligation. I came here because something inside me couldn’t stay quiet while my community carried invisible pain. I wanted (and still want) to be that safe space, that pause in the chaos, that breath that makes the load just a little lighter. Because sometimes, all someone needs is to be truly heard, without judgment, with a present soul.

And that, no number can measure.

Being a psychotherapist (counselor) is a beautiful career, very rewarding, as they say, but let’s be real: it has its ups and downs, its heavy days, and its moments of questioning everything. But here I am. With more clarity, more strength, and a deeper purpose.

Thank you to those who are still here, quietly supporting. I see you, I feel you, and I’m deeply grateful. If I disappear sometimes, it’s because I’m walking through processes with others, planning with intention, finding myself again… or simply enjoying how beautiful life can be when you live it fully present. (Try mindfulness, that’s your homework.)

Thank you to my family and friends who always show up with unconditional love, support, and understanding. To my husband, who’s never placed limits on my passion, instead, he pushes me to fly, fully trusting in me. Like the song says, he knows I always return to the nest. Celebrating 15 years of matrimony is not only a testimony of love, but also a constant source of motivation to keep growing and challenging myself. He, and the little ones we created together, deserve a life of abundance, and I’m giving it my all to make sure we are able to provide accordingly. 

Thanks also to the amazing women who have guided me, advised me, and opened doors I didn’t dare to knock on alone. Thanks to them, I realized I wasn’t alone, I was just still searching for my people. And I found them.

Today, I value myself more, I set healthy boundaries, and I walk with purpose. Because I know who I am. And I know I’m not walking alone.

Like a beautiful soul-sister of mine says:

“From this and from everything, we rise transformed.”

— Teresita Silguero, LPC