Today we’d like to introduce you to Gabriela Ramos.
Gabriela, before we jump into specific questions, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
My story, through the process of therapy, is cultivated through curiosity and a desire to help others. My passion for relating to others, providing a safe space, and collaborating to find helpful skills was modeled to me by my mother. As an immigrant family from Cuba, we found ourselves in a new world full of uncertainties and unprecedented challenges. My mom always found ways to comfort our family and she really modeled what it looked, and most importantly, what it felt like to be transparent and feel safe doing so.
In return, I was also that safe space for her as I grew up and naturally it followed through my own friendships and relationships. I remember being eight years old at the time and asking my parents, “why are people the way they are?” My interest in the human mind, our varying personalities, and how we overcome challenges has always been at the forefront of my interests. So much so, that I sought a professional career and a Masters degree in Marriage and Family Therapy. I am currently continuing my education and seeking my Doctorates in Clinical Psychology, furthering my specialty.
Great, 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?
The challenges I have faced during the process of my education may have come primarily from my own fears of “not being or doing enough.” This has been a battle I have worked on (in my own therapy) to challenge as a limiting belief. And I know I can speak for several of us and know I am certainly not the only one with those limiting beliefs. In addition, as an immigrant to a different country, I have faced my personal struggles with the dominant culture and the acculturation process. It is difficult enough to leave your family and familiar culture behind and it’s even harder to learn a new language, adapt to an unfamiliar way of life, and stay true to who you are. I found this experience to come with several challenges, but they have certainly made me reflect on how proud I am to be a Latina woman.
My advice to young women: dig deep to access your roots, & stay true to who you are!
We’d love to hear more about your work.
My specialties may come across as complete polar opposites, but I have found it incredibly cathartic and useful to join both my experience as a national and international Professional Dancer and my profession as an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (supervised by Paul Kindman #96984). As I continue my Doctoral education in the field of Clinical Psychology, I am continuing to grow my private practice in psychotherapy. I specialize, and dodo my best work with individuals who may be highly sensitives, perfectionists, anxious, creatives, and who desire to explore the possibilities of self-discovery and healing.
I am a part of an incredibly inclusive, culturally sensitive, compassionate group practice, Kindman & Co. I feel so humbled in working with such a passionate community of therapists who embody what it is like to be fully human – quirks, mistakes, transparency and all!
Looking back on your childhood, what experiences do you feel played an important role in shaping the person you grew up to be?
I have been so fortunate to have been surrounded by mentors throughout my childhood experiences, both through my passion for dance and learning from those I looked up to. I dove deep into self-awareness/self-development books in my early adolescence, and through what I learned in my readings and personal experiences, I would reflect on my actions, my thoughts, and my beliefs a lot. Additionally, my father and mother always encouraged knowledge and education, and immigrating to a new country certainly helped foster my efforts in doing so.
Pricing:
- Tele therapy sliding scale $80-$150
Contact Info:
- Address: 109 N. Avenue 56
Suite B
Los Angeles, CA 90042 - Website: https://www.kindman.co
- Phone: 2137938223
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/monarch.mvmt/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kindman.co/
Image Credit:
Paul Kindman
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