We recently connected with Alia Perr and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Alia thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to hear about the things you feel your parents did right and how those things have impacted your career and life.
Like all human beings, my parents have their flaws. I grew up in a broken home with a father who, to this day, continues to struggle with addiction and a mother who took care of my sister and I on her own. Without the support of my father, my mother spent most of her time juggling multiple jobs and going to night school. As you can imagine, my sister and I spent most of our time alone, figuring things out together.
Some may feel sad for us because we didn’t have a “normal” or “stable” upbringing, but I would argue that this is what my parents did right for my life. I was raised that if I want something bad enough, then I have to go out there and make it happen for myself. When I wanted a cell phone, I got a job so I could pay for it. When I started driving and wanted a car, I worked harder to make that payment.
Watching my mom work hard and hustle showed me what work ethic meant and because of that, I am a business owner, a full-time guidance counselor, and a mom. I have learned that if you want something bad enough, you will make it happen. My only hope is that my daughter will know that all of the hard work I do is for her just like my mother did for me.
Alia, 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 feel that my unconventional childhood and life experiences drove me to become a therapist. My theory is, if I can make it through childhood trauma and be successful, I can help other kids do the same. I own Young at Heart Counseling, a private practice in Fort Lauderdale where my team and I work with children, teens, adults, and couples. We offer support to those suffering from anxiety, depression, trauma, and life transitions.
There are 5 clinicians at our group practice including a Registered Art Therapist, Child Psychologist, Certified EMDR Specialist, and a Life Coach. Since all of our clinicians work with the family system, we offer a “one stop shop” for families who may be struggling with divorce, loss, trauma, or other life transitions. We work collaboratively to give our clients the best possible treatments options and to empower them to take their goals into their own hands,
Our practice also offers multiple Group Therapy options including a teen art group, empowering women group, and a high school/middle school girls group.
What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?
Although my business is still relatively new and growing, I believe that being my genuine, authentic self has really helped build my reputation. I love what I do and deeply care for my clients well-being, and I feel that it comes out in my work. When my clients succeed, I succeed.
Training and knowledge matter of course, but beyond that what do you think matters most in terms of succeeding in your field?
Never stop learning! Take a class, go to a networking event, mentor someone, be a mentee, always be open to any and all opportunities that come your way. Being open to new things, new people, and new experiences will lead to success.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.youngatheartcounseling.com
- Instagram: @youngatheartcounseling