Today we’d like to introduce you to Angelica Cruz.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My love for the field of psychology came at a difficult time in my life. In my first year at my undergraduate university, I was away from home for the first time, and I felt an immense pressure to succeed in college as a first-generation, low-income, Latina student. Initially, I had a passion to become a doctor and displayed an interest in the field of Biology. But during my first year of university, I was struggling to find any interest in my courses for my Biology major, and I began to question whether or not the dream of becoming a doctor was right for me. It was the first time I ever doubted what my future would look like. And it was the first time that I began to allow myself to consider other possibilities that might be out there for me. And it was for this reason that I found myself sitting in an introductory course to psychology. And from there, you could say the rest was history.
I had always known I wanted to help people. And at a young age, I thought the only way I could help people was in the medical field. But as I began taking more courses related to clinical psychology, I knew this was another way I could help people find healing in their lives. And on top of that, I find what I had lost for a minute there. My passion. My drive and reason for helping people. It was to utilize everything I had learned about clinical psychology and my own personal experiences to help others feel less alone and find hope in their lives.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It most definitely was not a smooth road. As a first-generation, Latina woman who came from a low-income household, it was always hard to find others who understood my cultural background. I was the first to do a lot of things in my family, and I am very proud of that. But it also meant having to figure out a lot of things on my own. So at times, I felt alone and doubted if I would make it through.
Additionally, it was difficult to find role models who looked like me in the field of psychology. And I think a large part of that has to do with the cultural stigma that Latinx cultures still have towards mental health. I know that it was a struggle for others in my culture to understand why I wanted to work in the field that I do. So there were several times where I found myself having to explain myself and/or correct misconceptions that others in my culture have about mental health.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am currently a Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist finishing up my hours before applying for my licensure. I am currently working in private practice. As a Certified Grief Informed Professional, I typically work with individuals who are experiencing grief and loss related to the death of a loved one, anticipatory grief, the end of a friendship/relationship, and major life transitions. I also love working with couples who are experiencing significant life transitions, trauma, conflict management issues, or culture clashes. As a Latina therapist, I love working with Latinx folks, and I am proud to be able to serve my community by offering services in Spanish as well. My approach to therapy is culturally-sensitive, compassionate, and direct to help my clients find healing in their lives so that they may thrive, not just survive.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
Many people who know me would be shocked to hear this about me, but I am an introvert. I struggle to put myself out there sometimes. But that’s one of the things I’ve had to learn how to do once I entered into the field of private practice. So my advice is to put yourself out there a bit more (I know, easier said than done!). I joined several groups on Facebook and followed so many pages on Instagram related to mental health. And whenever I saw a networking event occurring, I pushed myself to go. I would have a script ready to go so that I could share with others who I am and who I work with. I then reached out to individuals I met at these events for coffee chats. I put myself out there by going to these events and then reaching out and connecting on a more individual basis to start creating a community for myself in this field. And it’s been the best thing that I could have done. Because I have gotten to see how kind, generous, and open people can be in this community.
Pricing:
- Individual Therapy: $150 / 50 minute session
- Couples Therapy: $165 / 50 minute session
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/angelica-cruz-redondo-beach-ca/1319919
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/angelica.cruz.amft/
- Other: Latinx Therapy Listing: https://latinxtherapy.com/therapists/angelica-cruz-amft-cgp/
