Meet Dr. Cristina Gómez | Clinical Psychologist, Educator & Public Speaker

We had the good fortune of connecting with Dr. Cristina Gómez and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dr. Cristina, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
This idea began when I took my first psychology class at a community college; it was then that my love for psychology emerged. I envisioned myself working in a setting where I could create ways to support my community.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am a clinical psychologist, and reaching this point in my professional career has required years of hard work and dedication to fulfill my goal of helping and giving back to the community. Over the years, I have encountered moments of self-doubt, especially while balancing multiple responsibilities. I was always a full-time employee and student. I experienced fear and doubt more than once, but I remained focused on my vision. After years of education, training, and passing board exams, I established my independent practice in April 2020. Given that we were at the onset of the pandemic, I faced several challenges. Despite moments of fear, a fire in my soul drives me to stay focused on my goals.

As a clinical psychologist in private practice, I am dedicated and committed to staying informed and educated to effectively support my community’s needs. I work from a holistic and integrative approach, understanding that trauma impacts the whole person. My goal is to help individuals reach a level of wholeness and wellness in every aspect of their lives. I have served hundreds of individuals, and through my work, I have had the opportunity to see the transformative results of their commitment to healing and growth. When I support an individual to improve their life, they will positively impact others, and the ripple effect of those experiences will affect many others over time. This flow effect can lead to lasting change, potentially benefiting future generations.

For me, taking risks has always been essential for inspiration and creating new opportunities for growth and transformation. I spent twenty years working for a local government agency, knowing I would receive a paycheck every two weeks. It was comforting to know that my income was mostly secure, along with other benefits, without having to hustle for work. Encouraged by others, I decided during that time to go back to school. Although I did not have a clear career path, it was at the community college that I discovered my true passion for psychology. Today, I am also an educator at the same college where I began my academic journey. My mission is to positively impact the lives of people who have experienced trauma by helping them heal and find meaning in their lives through wellness and growth.

Balancing a full-time job while pursuing my studies, I continued my education at a four-year university, graduated successfully with a bachelor’s degree, and set my sights on earning a doctorate. As a Latina and the first in my family to achieve this level of education, I encountered significant challenges. Deciding to change careers after two decades and leaving behind the stability of a steady paycheck was daunting and required a leap of faith. There were moments when I genuinely doubted my ability to succeed. However, through perseverance and a refusal to give up, I achieved my goals.

My work as a healer, clinical psychologist, educator, and public speaker is undoubtedly transforming the lives of individuals today and impacting future generations of families. Through my efforts, I aim to slow or even halt the cycle of transgenerational trauma in individuals and families, promoting the healing of future generations. From that perspective alone, my work is gratifying as I am making a difference.

To me, success is represented by how I live my life and my gratitude for being able to do what I love. Getting up each day and going to my office to see my patients, teaching students at the college, or presenting in front of an audience brings me the satisfaction of knowing my efforts will allow others to enjoy a more fulfilling life.

My success stems from my determination to pursue my passion despite the risks. It required me to dare to step out of my comfort zone, the endurance to follow through with my education, the willingness to set and achieve ambitious goals, and the confidence to strive for excellence despite moments of setback. It was not an easy process, for sure, but I truly believe my sense of grit drove me to the finish line.

My daily work requires me to create space for individuals and their stories of trauma and pain, natural disasters, the pandemic, fires, and communities facing racism and discrimination, to name just a few of the challenges my community encounters, all of which weigh heavily on my soul. I have learned that I must take care of myself to continue doing what I love. I intentionally carve out moments to nourish my body, soul, and mind so I can keep supporting others. During the pandemic, I often worked long hours, and it wasn’t easy to turn away those who needed help. After the pandemic, I prioritized my well-being because being in a good place to support others is vital. I have learned to listen to my body and recognize when it needs nourishment and restoration. Wellness is an essential factor in my life. Giving up is not an option I have considered at this point in my professional journey.

I live my life with intention and recognize that each moment matters. I find joy in simple things, like moving my body. For example, I commit to jogging a few miles every birthday to celebrate myself, and this past year, I completed 17 miles. I also enjoy spending time in nature, watching the hummingbirds in my yard, taking my dog for walks, and working in my garden. Social support is central to my well-being, so I connect with friends and family and volunteer in my community whenever possible. I am intentional about being present in each moment and remind myself that life is a series of moments, each of which is worth embracing.

For me, this means serving and supporting my community and assisting individuals and families on their path toward healthy living and wellness. I am grateful and humbled by the many opportunities I have encountered on my path. I’m not finished; there’s still so much more I can do to make the world a better place.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I love physical activity and being in nature. I believe nature heals and connects us with the earth. Yosemite will be on the list of adventures. I envision spending days connecting and immersing ourselves in nature while hiking long miles and feeling accomplished and replenished by the love of the earth. We will end the days with a warm meal and a restful night.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
So many people have supported me along the way—Karen, Dr. JT, and my husband, to name a few.

Website: https://www.drcgomezpsyd.com

Image Credits
Main photo – credit Stephanie