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

Dr. Elizabeth, thanks for taking the time to share your stories 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.

Growing up, my parents always instilled in me the importance of education. Their focus was never on me getting married or having kids–it was always obtaining an education so that I could have a professional career. My mother never allowed me to miss school, even if it was a “take your child to work day” or I was sick; there was never an excuse or reason for me to miss school. I remember when I was in elementary school, specifically kindergarten and first and second grades, my teachers would send us homework packets. My mother would sit me down every single day to ensure I completed them. We did not get up from the table until my homework was finished. If I answered something incorrectly, she would erase it and have me do it over. In addition to that, I had to rewrite it about 100 times! Yes, those memes and Tiktoks are true. My mom was that parent! I hated it then, but the repetition truly helped me memorize what I needed to. As you may have guessed, my mother was also very involved in my education. She always knew what I was learning and would quiz me to make sure I knew everything, as if school and homework was not enough. While it was annoying and frustrating when I was growing up, my mom set me up for success. Because of my parents, I valued education. Because my mom and her various learning techniques, I had a foundation of tools that I used to obtain a bachelor’s, master’s, and a PhD. Thanks to my parents and their hard work and sacrifices, I have made it to where I am today.

Dr. Elizabeth, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I am a licensed therapist, life/wellness coach, adjunct professor, and qualified supervisor.

As a therapist, I have worked with children, adolescents, and families. In the last few years, I pivoted and am working primarily with adults with a special focus on neurodivergence, anxiety, burnout prevention and intervention, first generation issues, life adjustments and transitions, personal growth, stress, and women’s issues. My approach is person-centered, strength-based, and collaborative. My work is grounded in trust, warmth, mutual respect, and genuineness. This allows me to create an environment where my clients can fully be themselves and express themselves freely, so that we can work together to achieve their goals.

In addition to therapy, I also provide coaching services in which clients want to work on a specific area, typically related to life and/or wellness. Together, we set goals, identify obstacles, and create action plans. During our work, we identify strengths, find solutions to obstacles, and track progress. This is a process that is oriented towards action and results. Similarly, I am a qualified supervisor and an AAMFT Approved Supervisor. I offer supervision for registered Marriage and Family Therapy and Mental Health Counseling interns that are seeking licensure in the state of Florida. Finally, I am an adjunct professor for the Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) program where I teach students on a board spectrum of theory and practice.

When it comes to mental health and therapy, I believe there are still some misconceptions. Something I want others to know is that life is tough, and we all have challenges and struggles. Sometimes, we are able to handle them on our own. Other times, we may need support, a sounding board, and/or guidance. This is where therapy comes in. Through therapy, you can explore, learn, and discover new possibilities. Therapy does not mean there is something wrong with you or that you are “crazy”. It is a space for you to be authentically you and receive support.

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

I think one of the most helpful things for succeeding in the mental health field is authenticity. As a therapist, how can I expect my clients to share the most private aspects of their lives if they do not know anything about me? For this reason, I value authenticity, transparency, relationships, and communication. I show up to therapy as my authentic self just as I would hope my clients do. I strive to create a safe environment by listening empathetically and non-judgmentally, honoring their voice and choice, and building relationships with them. By doing this, I hope to create a space where clients feel not only safe, but empowered, to be their authentic selves. This allows for the therapeutic relationship to develop, which is the most powerful aspect of therapy.

If you could go back in time, do you think you would have chosen a different profession or specialty?

If I could go back, I would definitely choose the same profession again. It is such an honor for individuals to trust you with their lives and invite you on their journeys. There is nothing like walking alongside someone during challenging, difficult, or confusing moments in their lives and helping them get to where they want to be. It is extremely rewarding when clients achieve all the goals they set out to and are living their best lives.

Something I love about my profession are the various opportunities to make positive change; I can not only create change with clients, but I can also do so with students and new clinicians. Through teaching and coaching, students and clinicians learn new skills that impact their clients, which in turn impact those around them. With the world constantly changing, it is imperative to stay up to date to provide the best care. Through my various roles, I am able to accomplish this.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://drejarquin.wixsite.com/beyondtherapy
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.mentalhealth.doc/?hl=en

Image Credits
Rebecca Borrego Instagram: @momentsunlockedbybecks