Michelle Gutierrez, MSW, LCSW #102152

First off, I want to thank you for taking the time to find out more about Feel It To Heal It. Looking for a therapist or starting the therapy journey is never an easy process, but you have made the first step. You should be proud of that!

As a person who identifies as Mexican-American, I know how it feels growing up in a culture that stigmatizes mental health. Emotions or feelings are often seen as being weak and there is this  expectation that we have to hold everything together. I have personally seen first hand how this has impacted the hispanic/latinx community.

 Many of the clients I work with struggle with the idea of accepting help, processing past traumas, and being vulnerable about the difficulties they are currently experiencing. We often grow up in households that are overly critical about our decisions and life choices that it also impacts our self esteem. We question our decisions, are fearful of the future, and often stay settled in the past. We don't learn how to balance our well being and eventually it becomes too much to handle.

 I am here to tell you that we can begin to challenge this cultural stigma around mental health and begin to truly heal. It does not make you a selfish person for wanting to be happy and live a balanced life. Prioritizing your needs and your mental well being is a necessity.