Today we’d like to introduce you to Rose Junie Therapy.
Hi Junie, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I am a first-generation Filipino-American, licensed marriage and family therapist and the founder of Rose Junie Therapy located in Long Beach, CA. I started this group practice with an ardent desire to help others who are going through difficult times. Whether in Alaska, my home state, or in California, finding myself in a room full of people as the only nonwhite therapist has been a huge challenge. Seeing that there is a minimal representation for Asian and Pacific Islander (AAPI) professionals in the mental health profession is literally what motivated me to establish a practice filled with women of color and varied cultural backgrounds.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
I wish I could say that this was as easy as a walk in the park, but who am I kidding? As a first-generation Filipino-American female business owner, I had to go through some of the most challenging and devastating hurdles. There were a lot of trials and errors, self-doubt and unlearning patterns that I was accustomed to and taught as a young child. Some of the most important lessons I have learned are to continuously give myself some compassion and grace; speak more kindly to myself; set clear boundaries with others; and continue to learn from my mistakes. I have realized that the relationship I have with myself takes precedence over any other relationship that I have with others. I also make sure not to burn both ends of my candle and to take time for myself so I can more effectively tend to others.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Rose Junie Therapy?
Rose Junie Therapy is a group practice located in Belmont Heights, Long Beach, where the cultures are diverse. We specialize in treating complex trauma, affair recovery and healing from toxic family dynamics. We offer psychotherapy services to individuals, couples, families, and children. As a clinical team of licensed psychotherapists and associates from a variety of cultural backgrounds, we are very proud to provide culturally-centered psychotherapy services in different languages. I want our brand to be known as the first of its kind: where your cultural roots are perceived as significant, beautiful and valuable. This is what sets us apart from other practices– we aim to provide the highest level of care to our clients by understanding their history through their cultural lenses.
What are your plans for the future?
I am currently expanding our practice and hiring more associates. I plan to continue to effect changes, in small ripples, until people from different cultural backgrounds are able to relate to one another with respect and acceptance despite their diversity. I want readers to know that the main ethos of my group practice is to treat people first in the context of their values, beliefs, goals, culture and society. My goal is to continue to raise awareness, break barriers and reduce the stigma around mental illness in the AAPI community.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.rosejunietherapy.com
- Instagram: rose.junie_therapy
- Facebook: Rosalisa Junie Abito, LMFT
- Other: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/rose-junie-abito-emdr-intensives-long-beach-ca/401911
Image Credits
Kristin Eldridge Photography
