We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Amalia Miralrio. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Amalia below.

Hi Amalia, thanks for joining us today. Over the course of your career, have you seen or experienced your field completely flip-flop or change course on something?

When I was training to become a therapist, it was assumed that all of our work would happen in person. It wasn’t even something that was spoken of, it was just understood. Therapy has historically been something that happens in an office setting “in person.” When the pandemic started, teletherapy was a niche practice that not many used. The technology of video calls wasn’t brand new, but it was not widely used. Everything changed with the pandemic. I am now practicing in person and virtually, which is something I never could’ve have imagined for my career during the first few years of practicing. Tele-health presents a lot of new questions for my field. I think the best way to approach this change is with curiosity; it’s more about staying open and thinking critically than it is about coming to a black and white conclusion too quickly.

Amalia, 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’m a therapist in private practice in Detroit, Michigan. I have masters degrees in Clinical Social Work and in Human Sexuality. I have also completed advanced training programs in Psychodynamic Psychotherapy. I got my start in peer education programs related to sexuality in both high school and undergrad, and kept following my interest in helping people through these personal and difficult topics. My initial interests were in human sexuality, but I’ve grown to appreciate all aspects of the unconscious mind. I work with people one-on-one to understand their deeply held beliefs and feelings that are showing up in their lives in ways they might not totally understand. It’s incredible how powerful the parts of our minds that outside of our awareness can be. This type of therapy (Psychodynamic) is so effective because it does more than provide initial symptom relief; it actually addresses the root causes of suffering.

Putting training and knowledge aside, what else do you think really matters in terms of succeeding in your field?

I can’t imagine doing this work without the help of my own Psychoanalytic or Psychodynamic treatment! It’s crucial to have an understanding of one’s self to be able to help others.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

My business is not one that relies on high-volume, but more so on quality of relationships. It has been very helpful for me to build authentic relationships with other practitioners. Not only do we refer to each other, but we also support each other. I don’t need a large following or platform, but I do need a strong community of support. It takes time to foster this type of relationship, but it’s deeply beneficial both personally and professionally to be connected with other providers.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.amitydetroitcounseling.com
• Instagram: @amaliamiralrio

Image Credits

Shelby Dubin Photography