Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Mariana Victoria. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Mariana Victoria, appreciate you joining us today. Was there a defining moment in your professional career? A moment that changed the trajectory of your career?

I started my career in Venezuela where I’m originally from. I graduated in psychology back in 2019 and started working right away, mostly with kids. In 2020 after Covid hit, my country fell apart. There was barely any gas, you could be in a gas line for days. Power went on and off and same with water. In my residence, we could go days without water. So, in 2021, I made the difficult decision of leaving my country and flying to the USA. I was very fearful not only of leaving my family behind, but also to start over career wise. I had to build myself from zero, I remember my first job was in a perfume store. I decided to study again and get my credentials right. I was determined to go back to what I loved. Years later, I am working in one of the largest Hospital Systems in Florida, as an ABA therapist. I’m still working with children and young adults and life feels wonderful again

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

Im a clinical psychologist, I graduated at the Central University of Venezuela. I still continue to see my Venezuelan patients online, so I’m still working for my country which is something I’ll never leave behind.
Here in the states I’m a ABA Therapist, I conduct behavioral therapy for children, adolescents and young adults.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

I had to unlearn the basics of my career to adapt to a new, modern type of behavioral therapy that I didn’t really get to see in Venezuela. Being in the states and getting my credentials in the behavioral field really taught me new concepts and even modified some of my previous one. An absolutely wonderful learning curve.

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

If I had to go back, I would 100% still choose being a psychologist. I say this to my friends as a joke but I mean it, I was born to listen to people. I was a born to be a therapist.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @psiclinica.mv
• Twitter: marianavtoria