Conversations with Sonia Lopez

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sonia Lopez.

Hi Sonia, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Before becoming a therapist, I began my professional journey in public relations. With a Bachelor’s in Communications Studies with an emphasis on Radio, Television and Film, I interned in the entertainment industry in my 20’s, with organizations such as Univision, Radio Express (an international music company), Anita Santiago Advertising, and Amanda Cagan of ABC Public Relations. At the time, it was considered “cool” to be within one degree of separation from names like Alanis Morissette, Alicia Keys, N Sync, Ricky Martin or being in the same room as political figures such as the President of Mexico Vicente Fox and governor of Ca Gray Davis. While this chapter was, exciting and rewarding, I realized I wanted to make a different kind of impact, one that was more personal and meaningful for me.

This realization led me to retrace back to psychology. My mother always told me, “Those who persevere will reach their goal,” and I carry that belief as a guiding force. I jumped with both feet in and took a job working in a residential home supporting individuals with severe mental health illnesses. Returning to my love of psychology (on a side note: my worst grade in High School was in psychology, as stark reminder that our past does not have to define our future), I pursued a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology. Following the completion of my Master’s, I moved to the United Kingdom for a year as support for my partner, who pursued a degree abroad. While there, I worked in transitional housing for individuals experiencing homelessness. Working there and living amongst the locals helped me immerse myself fully in the culture and gain more empathy for individual differences.

Before returning to the States, my partner and I, had the opportunity to travel through parts of Europe. Without substantial inherited support, we have I built our life step by step, through consistent effort, resilience, and grit, values we hope our children carry forward.

Even though there were continuous changes during this chapter of my life, these experiences also broadened my perspective and strengthened my ability to work with people from diverse backgrounds and demographics. For me, the most important step in the therapeutic process is building a strong client–therapist connection and truly understanding and valuing each person’s individuality. I do not view my clients’ lives as vignettes, modalities, or theoretical orientation, they are real lives, with real complexities. My compassion comes from a deep understanding of how life’s changes can ebb and flow, shaping our behaviors and experiences over time.

What I love most about my field is that it offers the opportunity for constant learning. I find this exciting as it keeps me curious and always engaged.

Alright, 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?
Many of my earlier life experiences and challenges have greatly shaped the person I am today. I was born in Texas and raised in California, though part of my early childhood was spent in Mexico. I realize now how fortunate I was as my parents had dual residency in Mexico and the United States, and eventually dual citizenship, which made it easy to travel between these two countries. I am very proud to have grown up bicultural, it really is the best of both worlds in terms of language, entertainment and overall gaining a better map of the world! Before our permanent move to California, my mother worked as an executive assistant at a law firm, and my father was a machinist producing metal profiles for the construction and manufacturing industries. During our short time in Mexico, life was stable and comfortable. But that period of my childhood came to an abrupt end when my six-year-old cousin, who was like a brother to me, was killed in a hit-and-run accident, leaving lasting emotional scarring. Still in grief, my father followed his sister to California where she and the family could start a new life. The move was meant to be momentary, but a few years eventually turned into decades, as my parents never returned. Looking back, I understand that in response to this trauma, my family’s relocation was a way to escape from the pain, in search of a sense of safety far from what was perceived as a threat.

One of the greatest lessons I’ve learned in life is how profoundly change and loss can shape us. Early experiences with grief, relocation, and family instability forced me to grow up quickly, but they also cultivated resilience and empathy.

One of the most pivotal periods of my life was High School. This was a place that had a mix of struggles and victories. It wasn’t always easy as High School can be an awkward and vulnerable time for teenagers, especially when compounded by instability at home. At this time, my parents’ marriage began to face some serious challenges, the family foundation that had brought us to California felt like it was breaking as well. Even in these high-stress moments, I subconsciously surrounded myself with people who had my best interests at heart, and I am forever grateful for their guidance. These experiences gave me a deep compassion for teenagers and young adults, helping me understand that their brains, bodies, and social worlds are navigating a unique developmental phase. Looking back, I realize that acting out was my way of masking the pain I was feeling and numbing myself from everything happening at this particular period of my life. Over the years I was able to gain more clarity and perspective. And while I take pride in the work I have done to grow on a personal and professional level, I am deeply grateful for the steady support of my high school sweetheart, who has been a constant presence since my formative years and remains a consistent, grounding source of strengths and encouragement today.
It also took time for me to understand that my parents’ marital struggles was part of their journey. Despite their ups and downs, they remain a firm foundation in my life, culminating their 53 years of marriage, which has given me a unique perspective in my therapy work with couples.

Over time, I also came to understand that what we often label as “acting out”, or in many cases “going inward” is really an attempt to survive difficult circumstances, a realization that has deeply informed my work with trauma-impacted children, families, and individuals. I’ve learned that true healing doesn’t come from quick solutions, but from presence, consistency, and trust. One of my favorite quotes, often attributed to Theodore Roosevelt, though the exact origin is unclear, captures this perfectly: “People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.” Also, in both in life and work, I’ve witnessed that when pain is acknowledged and redirected, it can become a catalyst for growth, breaking cycles and creating a new narrative.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
After two decades in the mental health field, I continue to focus on supporting individuals facing anxiety, depression, and trauma, among other things. Areas deeply informed by working with a diverse range of people and also from my own personal journey. I approach this work with gratitude, knowing how meaningful it is to walk alongside others in their healing. After spending many years serving outpatient community clinics and providing in-home therapy, I chose to transition into private practice following the birth of my first child. This shift allowed for greater flexibility and more time to be present with my family.

As the demand for services continues to grow and my current capacity is limited, my long-term goal is to expand into a group practice to better meet the needs of the community. My clinical training includes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), EMDR, and most recently, Spiritual Counseling. Through guidance with a spiritual director, I am able to offer an integrated approach that honors spiritual health alongside mental and emotional well-being. My work continues to include clients from diverse cultural backgrounds, belief systems, and identities, and I strive to create an inclusive, affirming space for all clients, including those in the LGBTQ+ community
. Currently, much of my work also focuses on college-aged individuals, a developmental transition that I find particularly rewarding.

Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
Outside of my professional work, I find balance and joy in traveling, spending time in nature, and cheering on the sidelines at my kids’ sport events and taking walks with my dog. I treasure slow mornings sharing tea with my partner, listening to music, and whenever possible, spending a perfect day at the beach.

At the heart of everything I do is the belief that change is possible, mistakes do not define us, and as long as we’re alive, our story is still being written.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://lopezmft.com
• Email: lopezmft@gmail.com

Image Credits
These are travel pictures which I have personally taken.