We were lucky to catch up with Lluliana Flores recently and have shared our conversation below.

Lluliana, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Looking back at internships and apprenticeships can be interesting, because there is so much variety in people’s experiences – and often those experiences inform our own leadership style. Do you have an interesting story from that stage of your career that you can share with us?

During my internship as a therapist, I was fortunate enough to have a mentor named Elias Burboa. Elias was not just a mentor; he was a guiding light, a wellspring of wisdom, and, most importantly, someone with an enormous heart.
One day, early in my internship, I found myself facing a challenging case that left me feeling uncertain about my therapeutic approach. The complexity of the situation weighed heavily on me, and I decided to reach out to Elias for guidance.

Without hesitation, he welcomed me into his office with a warm smile. As I poured out my concerns, he listened intently, nodding thoughtfully. Instead of providing a quick fix or telling me what to do, Elias recounted a humorous story from his early days as a therapist. His ability to infuse humor into the most challenging situations was truly a gift.

Between bouts of laughter, he seamlessly wove in invaluable lessons about the therapeutic process. It was as if humor was his secret ingredient for making wisdom more palatable. Elias emphasized the importance of not taking ourselves too seriously, even in the world of therapy. He began sharing stories from his own early days as a therapist. That day he also spoke about the importance of empathy, the power of active listening, and the beauty of connecting with clients on a human level.

His words resonated deeply with me, and it was evident that he wasn’t just imparting knowledge; he was instilling in me the essence of my therapeutic approach. Elias emphasized the significance of treating each client with respect, understanding, and an open heart.

As weeks went by, Elias continued to be a pillar of support. He would allow me to shadow his sessions as often as I wanted and as long as the client felt comfortable, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to my growth as a therapist. His generosity extended beyond me – he was known for being available to anyone in need, always ready to offer a listening ear and words of encouragement.

Looking back, I realize that Elias not only taught me technical aspects of therapy but also the profound importance of compassion and a generous spirit. His big heart became a beacon, guiding me through the challenges of my internship and shaping the therapist I have become. Muchas gracias, Elias.

Lluliana, 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 a compassionate and dedicated licensed clinical social worker of Salvadoran descent and first-generation American born and raised in Phoenix, AZ. I am the founder and primary psychotherapist of Flores Therapy and Wellness. I pursued my education at ASU, experiencing a significant cultural shift from being part of the majority in my neighborhood to a minority on campus. I am grateful for the Hispanic Mother Daughter Program (HMDP) and LINK at ASU, which provided an immediate support system. While at ASU, I was able to navigate instances of being the only person of color in a room with the preparation and support from these programs. Dealing with anxiety even then, these spaces became crucial for self-discovery and understanding others. Today, I am more comfortable in diverse settings, thanks to these experiences and my ability to connect with welcoming individuals.

In my professional capacity, I offer mental health services in English and Spanish to adults and adolescents via telehealth. A large percent of the population served are from the BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) community. I stay informed about the specific needs and nuances of this community by actively participating in ongoing training. Specializing in helping individuals enhance self-awareness, develop healthy coping mechanisms, improve emotion regulation skills, enhance relationships, and build self-esteem and self-compassion. I recently added services related to perinatal mental health due to a recognized high demand for providers in this specialization. My services encompass a diverse range of modalities tailored to meet individual needs, including but not limited to cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), mindfulness-based approaches, and trauma-focused therapies (i.e. EMDR/Brain Spotting).

Acknowledging burnout, I learned to embrace aspects of my identity beyond being a psychotherapist. An enthusiast of all things turtles, I can easily get sidetracked into engaging conversations about them. I find joy in Zumba, light hikes, walks, playing the alto saxophone, drawing, and assembling LEGO sets.

What sets me apart is not only my dedication to cultural sensitivity, ongoing learning, and a diverse range of therapeutic modalities but also my genuine passion for creating a safe and inclusive space for individuals from all walks of life. I firmly believe in the transformative power of therapy and strive to foster an environment where clients feel seen, heard, and valued. My commitment to accessible and culturally sensitive mental health services is a personal mission rooted in my own experiences as a first-generation American and a member of the BIPOC community. I understand the importance of tailoring therapy to the unique needs and backgrounds of each individual.

I take pride in the resilience that has shaped my journey, as it allows me to connect with clients on a deeper level. My approach is holistic, addressing not only immediate concerns but also the underlying factors that contribute to an individual’s well-being. I am honored to be a part of my clients’ transformative journeys, and I look forward to continuing my mission of making mental health services not only accessible but deeply meaningful and culturally relevant.

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

I had to let go of the exhausting perfectionism dance – it made me a high achiever but drained me. Despite its perks, the fear of not doing things perfectly lingered. I was not aware of how anxious it made me. The real battle with perfectionism began when health issues surfaced, making me rethink my work-life balance and confront the shame of feeling tired or under the weather. Working with a therapist during this time was a game-changer, freeing me from perfectionism, allowing me to embrace vulnerability, and be more present for myself and those around me.

I had to deconstruct distorted thoughts about my self-judgment and expectations, realizing the impossibility of perfection in myself and others. That led me to embrace the middle path, acknowledging that life isn’t all or nothing, nor good or bad. At times, I still struggle but now I am aware and can consciously decide how to approach the situation. For me, humor acts as the secret ingredient, easing the awkward stretches along the way. I’ve also learned to lean into self-compassion and self-love – the superheroes in life’s story. Self-compassion reassures us that it’s absolutely fine not to have everything figured out, while self-love empowers us to embrace our unique quirks. Together, they create a team that goes beyond challenges, turning our journey into a delightful comedy with moments of growth, resilience, and a sprinkle of cosmic laughter.

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

If given the opportunity to revisit my past choices, I would unquestionably opt for the same profession. The ability to witness and actively support the personal growth and healing journey of children and families of color is profoundly inspiring. Knowing that I play a role in providing a secure and nurturing space for them to heal, create, and live the life they rightfully deserve is not only empowering but also reinforces my commitment to making a positive impact on their lives. The profound sense of purpose derived from contributing to their well-being makes every aspect of this profession deeply fulfilling and meaningful.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://floreswellness.org/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/florestherapyandwellness/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FloresTherapyandWellness

Image Credits
Mauricio Duran