Meet Viridiana Rodriguez | Latina Mental Health Therapist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Viridiana Rodriguez and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Viridiana, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
I’m Mexican-American raised in Anaheim, CA and currently reside in Long Beach, CA. I’m the youngest in my family and first generation in breaking many cycles. Being the first Latina to leave home without being married or not having any kids has made an impact in the typical mold of what is “normal” in our culture. I would question many culture norms and core beliefs that at times I doubted myself because I didn’t see an example within my family. The constant feeling of not being good enough is an intergenerational pattern that stops with me. I’m doing the work to pave the way for future generations.

What should our readers know about your business?
It definitely has not been easy but it’s been worth it! I started my business in 2020 with Amar Therapy, A Licensed Cinical Social Worker Professional Corporation. I started it as a side hustle business when I had my school-based mental health position. I worked Monday-Friday at my 9-5 school district job while seeing my private practice client’s on Saturday mornings. I built a solid foundation for two years until I felt comfortable to take that leap of faith. I had many challenges the last school year before I decided to take the leap it was as if the universe was giving several reasons to leave. I left my 10 year school-based mental health role to bet on myself and take Amar Therapy to the next level of entrepreneurship. Amar means “to love” in Spanish. I wanted a word that represented my culture but also it’s one of the many reasons why individuals come to therapy because of love. In therapy we learn to love ourselves more, to break free from the unlovable core beliefs we learned in childhood, to question what is love and to believe we are lovable.

I provide individual therapy services to adults who are experiencing symptoms of depression and anxiety due to past trauma. I’m trained in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) a psychotherapy treatment that was originally designed to alleviate the distress associated with traumatic memories.
I’m also a reiki practitioner it’s an energy healing technique that promotes relaxation, reduces stress and anxiety through gentle touch. It’s a hand on or off deliver energy to your body, improving the flow and balance of your energy to support healing.

It’s important to get curious and learn different healing modalities to your journey. We are not a one size fits all so explore what works for you. This encouraged me to create and become co-founder of Healing Connections. A wellness event where a group of healers and therapist come together in a space to offer mini sessions. These mini sessions are examples of different techniques to massage therapy, breathwork, yoga, reiki, sound bath healing, EFT tapping, art therapy and acupuncture. By offering a diverse range of methods, we strive to provide the resources and support needed to enhance your physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.

My mission is to spread love and hope in our healing journey through Amar Therapy & Healing Connections. To remind you that you are lovable!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’m such a beach person so that’s a must! I also love a great breakfast spot. I would start by having breakfast at Vibes Beach Cafe with their yummy drunkin’ berry pancakes and an amazing coffee cup. I love to connect with friends through vulnerable talks on what’s life like for them at the moment. After some heavy conversations I would take a beach walk and have our toes feel the sand for some grounding, such a therapist thing to do. For some fun I would take a bike ride by the beach boardwalk for some beautiful California views. Later, take a stroll by second street for a good cocktail and dinner at Viaje a great Mexican restaurant. And finally, making it back to the beach to watch sunset and cherish the simple moments of life.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I wouldn’t be where I am without the support of my family, friends and mentors/supervisors I have had along my career. Let’s start with my parents Ana and Javier, as immigrants coming to the U.S. for a better life all they ever wanted for me was a great education and live my dreams. I can say that I’m living my dream life as a private practice owner and with a master’s degree from one of the best universities (USC & CSUF). To my siblings, Ivon, Javier Jr. and Araceli thank you for always being in my corner and celebrating my successes. To all my friends and colleagues in the field of therapist who’s made an impact in my career, thank you for holding space for me. Shoutout to my friends Darlene, Amy and Susana for being present in one of the most toughest times in my life. My mentors/supervisors thank you for providing the words of encouragement when work becomes overwhelming. In specific, shoutout to Kelly for reminding me what type of therapist I am when my self-doubt thoughts came in. Most important, thank you to all the students, clients, parents and families I have had the honor to know your story and trust me in your healing journey.

Website: amartherapy.com

Instagram: @amartherapy @_healingconnections

Facebook: Amar Therapy

Image Credits
Image credits to Carolyn Gabrielle & Randi Kokis