We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Mariana Hernandez. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Mariana below.
Mariana, appreciate you joining us today. Was there a defining moment in your professional career? A moment that changed the trajectory of your career?
A defining moment in my career was when I had to decide whether to leave my country (Venezuela) and look for better opportunities, or stay there. I had already built a professional name for myself and I was growing really fast, but it’s no secret to anybody that Venezuela is going through a very difficult political and economic crisis, which made me question my own future. That’s why on November of 2021 I decided to come to the US and leave everything I had to start over. Now I am studying again, since a foreigner degree is not accepted. I am slowly building myself again, and getting back on track. Now I feel like I am where I was always supposed to be.
Mariana, 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 am a clinical psychologist, i work with children, adolescents and young adults using cognitive- behavioral therapy. I mainly focus on the pathological side of psychology, meaning the treatment of mental illnesses like depression, anxiety, BPD, bipolar disorder and others.
Training and knowledge matter of course, but beyond that what do you think matters most in terms of succeeding in your field?
To succeed as a psychologist you definitely need to actually connect with people. Sometimes you need to leave all your techniques and “poker face” behind, and focus on the rapport with the client. As psychologists, we can not forget that we are dealing with people, and not robots. A formula isn’t enough to connect and get results, you need to show your human side, and let the client feel safe around you.
If you could go back in time, do you think you would have chosen a different profession or specialty?
If I could go back in time, I would still choose psychology as my profession. I connect with this beautiful field in so many ways, that is as rewarding to me as it is for my clients. Seeing results and gratefulness from them is the greatest experience. I was definitely born to help people, and contribute to the mental health awareness.
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