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

Alright, Lisa thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. If you had a defining moment that you feel really changed the trajectory of your career, we’d love to hear the story and details.

I was only 14 years old and about to start my freshman year of High School. This is the age when everything life has to offer is in front of you and possibilities are endless. However, just before school started, I experienced a traumatic event that caused me to lose two fingers to amputation. I was devastated and scared. Physical therapy (PT) was necessary. Through the long, hard work that I went through in PT I was able to keep the function of my left hand. Something sparked inside of me as I worked with my physical therapy team and I decided that I found my future career path. I wanted to become a physical therapist so I could help others the way they had helped me.
While still in high school I did everything possible to pave the way to making that dream come true. I volunteered in physical therapy offices, took every medical health class and competition I could find, and worked diligently on building up my pre-college resume. I had found my passion.
In college I carefully curated my schedule to make sure every class I took was a prerequisite for the PT program of my dreams. Then at the age of 20, the worst thing I could have imagined became my reality. I was rejected from entering the PT program I had worked so diligently to pursue. My college chemistry grade disqualified me from the program. That “B” in Chemistry that I worked so hard for would keep me out of the program.
I was entering my third year of college, and now the very thing that I had single mindedly pursued was officially off the table for me. I had to pivot and find a new dream fast. I had never even considered having a Plan B, so I was at a loss. How naive of me not to have a back up plan.
I met with my school advisor. We considered the classes I already completed, figured out which ones I enjoyed the most, and worked together to decide on the quickest course to a Bachelor’s Degree. We decided that I would pursue my degree in Psychology.
I had enjoyed my Psychology classes in the past, so it seemed like the least painful course of action.
What I discovered was a true love and passion for my new found path that exceeded my expectations. Where once I had a desire to help people physically, I now began learning how to help people mentally instead.
Being rejected from the PT program of my dreams ended up being the best thing that could have happened to me, even though I didn’t know it at the time. As I pursued my Psychology degree, I discovered that I love helping people work through and overcome their emotional pain.
I went on to get a master’s degree in counseling. I opened a private practice and now have two locations. Everyday, I get to help people that are hurting and see them discover hope for a better life. I also get to train counselors and teach students to help hurting people as well. The ripple effect of that moment when I had to find an alternate dream has turned into a fulfillment in life so much greater than I could have imagined. This was God’s plan for me all along. I am so blessed that I got that “B” in Chemistry.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

Lisa Gomez is the founder of Becoming Transformed.. The name is derived from scripture. Becoming Transformed is a counseling practice that is dedicated to helping guide their clients through the transformation they desire. Lisa has been working in the mental health field in Arizona since 1997. She is an approved supervisor with AZBHE, in addition to seeing clients , she supervises numerous interns and LAC’s.

Upon completing her Master’s Degree in Community Counseling, Lisa was recruited to work with an innovative program, Multi-Systemic Therapy (MST). She became one of only 5 therapists in the state of Arizona to be certified as an MST therapist. The MST program in Arizona grew to 5 teams, which Lisa supervised. After years of working with the MST program Lisa began to work at the world-renowned Remuda Ranch, where she specialized in working with people suffering from eating disorders. In 2019 she received her ministry license through the Arizona School of Ministry.

Lisa is passionate about helping people become transformed into the best version of themselves. She also like sto give back to the field & teach students & counselors what she has learned throughout her years of experience.

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

If I could go back I would not change a thing about my career choice. This profession is amazing it is so wonderful to have hurting and broken people come to me & after all the hard work I get to see them transformed. I am blessed to be a part of their transformation & healing. I love being able to go on a healing journey with people. Though I would not change my profession, I would have definitely done some things differently when growing the business. I would have paid more attention to detail & surrounded myself with people that have different strengths than myself.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

Luckily marketing is not too difficult because we take insurance & the insurance companies send us the majority of clients. However, building a reputation takes years of giving quality care to clients. Becoming Transformed is not focused on making money. It is focused on helping people. Our belief is that if we bless others, we will in return get blessed.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.becomingtransformed.info
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/Betransformed2day/
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/BecomingtransformedCounseling/