Check Out Miesha Quinones’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Miesha Quinones.

Hi Miesha, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My journey to becoming a licensed Marriage & Family Therapist started in high school, after learning a little about psychology and what a counselor does. You know, when you have that ‘gut feeling’ about something. There was so much clarity in that moment for me. I knew that I wanted to help people. What I didn’t realize, until much later, was that I was already functioning in that role, as the helper and the good listener, from an early age. This prompted my desire to study and major in psychology in college, which only further reinforced my drive towards this field.

When I graduated, I took time to work in the field, in jobs that were focused on providing counsel and support to what some would deem “at-risk youth” in group homes and within the Probation Department, before pursuing a graduate degree. During this time, I was able to see more clearly, the severe and negative impact of trauma across generations, particularly among minority groups, where mental health support was both needed yet greatly stigmatized.

I come from a culture where it used to be taboo to talk about or even acknowledge our “issues.” It used to be unheard of for someone who looked like me, to even utter the notion that they were going to therapy. That just wasn’t something that we would do as a community. It actually wasn’t until I graduated from grad school that I sought out my first melanated therapist, Eve Marie Ford, LMFT. It was a game-changer for me to have someone who looked like me, both supports me in my journey towards healing, as well as being a representation for women like me in this field. And yes, therapists go to therapy too!

Since I have become licensed and joined my group practice, I have noticed an ongoing surge of people seeking therapy from the black and brown communities, despite the preceding stigma. While I work with individuals from all different backgrounds, I recognize the positive shift in the willingness to seek out therapeutic support from the black and brown communities. It is a git to be a witness and support for people on their journeys towards healing and personal growth and I hope that I can continue to be a seed in the soil of hope and healing in our community.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
My journey towards becoming a therapist has been a long road, with some minor setbacks along the way. During my graduate studies, I had some unforeseen circumstances come up to where I had to start graduate school all over again. While this was definitely a stressful time, my determination and desire to do this work persisted and I was able to stay the course.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a Marriage and Family Therapist practicing in Woodland Hills, Ca. Although I have not fully niched, I enjoy working with adults with depression, anxiety, issues around identity and self-esteem. It’s hard to say specifically what I am known for in my work, but one thing I think I can bring to sessions is my sense of humor, when appropriate. Laughter is definitely therapeutic! I am most proud when I see my clients thriving. From time to time, a past client will reach out and provide an update on how they are doing and it really warms my heart. I get to sit with some people in their most vulnerable and darkest times, so to see them thrive or overcome a difficult moment or time in their lives is definitely rewarding.

Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
My advice to anyone starting out would be to first find a mentor or two that is doing what you want to do and pick their brain. They will probably be able to support you in avoiding mistakes and providing you with clarity on steps towards your particular path. Depending on where you are in your journey towards this career, start to identify what you are drawn to (as far as who or what you have a passion working with). Be ready to continue to invest in your learning and personal growth beyond graduation and licensure. Make sure you have a good support system (family, friends, therapist, support group, etc.) and regular self-care.

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: www.mieshaqtherapy.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mieshaqtherapy/