We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Ariel Glaze a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Ariel, thanks for joining 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.

My mom supported every idea I had and I do mean everything! From wanting to be a marine biologist as a child, to being a model in high school, a television reporter at the beginning of undergrad, and when I took my biggest risk junior year of undergrad to change my major, when I found my passion of being a counselor. My mom always believed in me and told me there was nothing I could not do. Her passion allowed me to explore and find my passion in life, and to not hold back on any dream I had. She always believed in me and I am so grateful for her support.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I am an LPC in private practice in Houston, and I also create social media content, mainly on instagram and YouTube for now. I got into counseling after finding my passion in undergrad unexpectedly–I would say it found me! I changed my major junior year of college after volunteering at a crisis center, and went to graduate school for counseling. I work with individuals who are experiencing life stressors, depression, anxiety, and difficult life transitions, as well as various mental health disorders. I am also certified in CPT for PTSD and trauma. I think what sets me apart is I feel like I really create a safe environment for my clients. I let them know that we are here to work together, not to judge, or to make anyone feel guilty for what they have been through or what they have experienced. This is a journey that we will take together, tailor made specifically for the client, in a safe and relaxed environment, where we are both free to show up as our authentic selves.
I am the most proud of my counseling style, and how I am able to integrate my work into my social media content as well. I started using YouTube as a stress reliever/outlet in graduate school, and it turned into something sustainable all these years later. I do Mental Health Mondays videos on instagram, as well as showcase my favorite makeup brands, and skincare products and mental health related products on social media. I like how I have been able to do both and do it in my own way by finding my own lane. It was hard to be proud of my individuality at first, but now I am happy to be unique, because this definitely sets me apart, and shows others that you can live the life of your dreams, and have more than one passion outside of your day job.

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

Several! I love Atomic Habits, Emotional Intelligence, Strengths Based Leadership 2.0, Inner Glimpse, The Gifts of Imperfection. I love books that are self help as well as help me to dive deeper into myself. I feel that self awareness is the greatest tool we can have. If we are self aware of our past, our thoughts, our traumas, emotions, reactions, we understand what is within our control and what is not, and how to manage any situation. We can operate from a place of non judgment, and compassion. This helps me to stay grounded and centered daily.

Training and knowledge matter of course, but beyond that what do you think matters most in terms of succeeding in your field?

Networking, experience, and self compassion! Being a therapist can lead to imposter syndrome for a lot of people, especially feeling as though you have to be the expert in how to manage someone else’s life, when we are human as well. Be compassionate to yourself. Networking is helpful to learn new mental health and health care professionals in your area, connect for support, as well as for referrals. A lot of things I learned in my years being a therapist were not in the classroom but from experience, which I feel is our greatest teacher! Learn from everything, every session, everything that feels like a mistake, everything can be viewed as a way to grow.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arielchenetglaze/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/arielchenetglaze
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ariel-glazé-lpc-ncc-09304849/
• Youtube: YouTube.com/c/arielglaze13