We were lucky to catch up with Jeannie Copado recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Jeannie, thanks for joining us today. What did your parents do right and how has that impacted you in your life and career?

It is funny because it is more of what they did wrong that impacted my life and career. Don’t get me wrong, this is something very positive about my story! I came from a broken family when I was 17 years old. What they did right was the decision to separate. I witnessed sadness, life transitions, hardships, adjustments, and happiness. Growing up, my parents were the absolute best when it came to taking care of my sister and me, but as a couple, it was challenging not only for my parents but as a child to see the frequent arguing. Through that tough journey, I knew it had nothing to do with me and that was a situation between my parents. The results led to my parents being best friends instead and we are still a family even though it looks different now. Everyone has a story that molds them into who they are. My parents’ story molded me into a person to learned from their mistakes and wanted me to be better than them in every aspect of life. I always had a desire to help people without question, but from what I experienced I knew in my heart I wanted to help other couples and families that are struggling in their relationships before it is too late. My parents have taught me A LOT of life lessons that I will forever be grateful for and that is another thing they did right that I will take on my journey into my career as Marriage and Family Therapist – Associate.

Jeannie, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I am from Houston, Texas, and graduated from the University of Houston with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy from the University of Houston – Clear Lake. Before becoming a couple’s therapist, in my prior work, I gained experience working with Houston Independent School District tutoring sixth-grade math in low-income communities struggling with learning disabilities as well as providing therapy services for children diagnosed with Autism. I also worked in a program for the Harris County Juvenile Center and at a residential and intensive outpatient center with adolescents providing individual, family, and group therapy.

I switched paths currently, working with couples and adult individuals in a private practice setting at District Counseling at Pearland. I serve clients who are struggling with infidelity, rebuilding trust, conflict resolution, communication skills, anxiety, depression, life transitions, and work-life balance. It can be challenging to find the right therapist, but being able to genuinely have compassion and empathy can take you far. I like to meet my clients where they ARE instead of where I think they SHOULD be. I think that is the key that sets me apart from others.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

A lesson I had to unlearn was that you can’t always solve your problems within the family. In the Hispanic culture, we are taught to not tell our problems to others and that we solve our problems within the family. Hispanic culture doesn’t believe in therapy. “How can someone who doesn’t know me tell me how to fix my problems?” or they laugh when you mention seeing a therapist. Times are changing now, and mental health is becoming more known, but some cultures still hold onto traditional values and beliefs. I am trying to unlearn and change for the benefit of future generations and how I want to raise my children. Family do not have all the answers. It is okay to seek outside help when you are struggling.

If you could go back, would you choose the same profession, specialty, etc.?

There is one thing I live by and that is not to live with any regrets. Some people do wish things were different, but speaking just for me, I feel that if I think about certain situations differently, it would put me in a dark hole because I cannot change certain events. With that being said, I would absolutely choose the same profession! Knowing what I know now and how many people struggle in relationships, I would not change being able to help others build healthy relationships.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://districtcounseling.center/Pearland/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/districtcounselingtexas/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeannie-copado-472bab182/

Image Credits
Gudelio Morales