We recently connected with Melanie Alarcon and have shared our conversation below.
Melanie, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. How did you get your first job in the field that you practice in today?
Originally, I didn’t know what career I would choose for myself. I was born in Lima, Peru and came to the States when I was 7 months old with both my parents. Growing up in a first-generation immigrant family, I was always told I needed to have financially security to secure the best future for myself. To do so I was told I needed to pursue a career as a lawyer, doctor or dentist, since they could offer the most financial security in my parent’s mind. I remember always going back and forth between wanting to be a lawyer or doctor but not letting myself explore other professions. However, it never felt quite right. I didn’t feel like my passion was in either of those careers.
During my senior year of high school, I decided to take part in a new start-up psychology class being offered. Once in that class, I fell in love with it, even down to learning the history. I decided to then pursue a bachelor’s in psychology at Georgia State University. At first my parents were shocked but after understanding more about my plans and own wants they became supportive of my decision. During my time in undergrad, I was able to study abroad to Morocco and Dubai, to gain further knowledge of different cultures and how psychology impacts different individuals. I was also able to be a part of two different research labs, where we focused on alcohol linked with aggression and another researching nonverbal communication within children. Once I graduated, I realized I needed more schooling to really make the impact I wanted, which was counseling. That’s when I decided to interview for a Master of Science at Mercer University and got accepted into the Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program.
Part of the training in the program is through interning at a site, to get hands on experience counseling others. I was so intimidated by the idea of picking out an internship site, which could determine my career path as a counselor. I remember going through the entire list of potential sites and researching each place to see if they peaked my interests and where I’d best fit. I wasn’t sure the exact population I wanted to work with, so I was open to interviewing at different locations. Throughout this process, a friend of mine ended up interviewing at The Summit Wellness Group, an alcohol and drug rehab center that I had somehow skipped in my own research of potential places. She mentioned thinking I would be a great fit, so I decided to check them out and sure enough was eager to learn more. I learned that by choosing this site, I would be running a couple of groups a week and have about three clients on my caseload. I was so nervous but also eager and excited for the challenge. The thought of running groups was nerve-wracking to me since I’ve struggled with public speaking in front of big groups before. I decided to view this as an opportunity to challenge myself and learn more skills. I ultimately stayed the year and did my entire practicum and internship there and am so thankfully I did. I remember how much I truly enjoyed my time growing into a clinician, learning so much from the other clinicians there and my amazing supervisor, who were all always so open to include and help me.
During that that year with Summit, I was also finishing my final year of my master’s and thinking about my next steps after graduation. I knew I wanted to continue and stay on at Summit if given the opportunity but wasn’t sure if they even had any openings. I also knew there were other interns interested in staying on if given the chance as well. I decided to take a chance, completely out of my comfort zone, and directly approach my supervisor. I let her know I wanted to directly state my interest for a permanent clinical position at Summit, if one became available. By December 2022, I got approached with a job offer as a full-time clinical therapist and I couldn’t have been happier. I knew I had worked hard to get to where I was, and I couldn’t be more thankful for everyone’s support along the ride. I accepted the position and by January 2023 I was officially a part of the clinical team at The Summit Wellness Group!
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
My name is Melanie Alarcon, and I am a Mental Health Counselor. I am bilingual, offering therapy in both Spanish and English, am EMDR trained and an LGBTQ+ ally. I got my Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Mercer University and my bachelor’s in psychology from Georgia State University. I typically use an Eclectic Therapeutic approach allowing me to utilize different techniques from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Person Centered, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectic Behavioral Therapy, and Internal Family systems. I have experience working with Addictions with Co-occurring disorders, Trauma & PTSD, Grief, Self-Esteem, Adverse Childhood Experiences, and see primarily Adults, but also Adolescents and kids ages 6 and up. I work Monday-Fridays, offering both virtual and in person sessions. I currently do not take insurance but can provide super bills to those who’s insurance accepts it. I do offer a sliding scale to those in need as well as I aim to make therapy accessible. I am currently a working towards my LPC and am under the supervision of Laura Knox Furfari, LMFT and direction of Meg McLeroy, LMFT.
A bit of background information about myself (I included a lot more detail in an earlier question). My parents and I immigrated to the States when I was 7 months old and have lived in Georgia ever since. I saw my parents work hard to create a new and better life for us after moving here, leaving behind their own family and all they’ve known. Given their own struggles my parents but a big emphasis on finances and picking a career that could give me financial stability, which meant becoming either a dentist, lawyer or doctor. I didn’t even consider counseling until I took a psychology class and fell in love with it. I had grown up always supporting my family emotionally through the tough challenges life threw at us and remember doing the same for others, always providing a safe space. After taking that psychology class, it all clicked for me. I knew I wanted to continue supporting others and could now do so through counseling. My parents soon got on board and encouraged me to follow my passion. Through my family’s constant support and always believing in me, I have been able to grow into the person I am today.
Now working at a private practice in Midtown, GA, called Midtown Psychotherapy Associates, I couldn’t be happier. It is a surreal moment to see where life has taken me after years of dedication and hard work. I feel blessed to have found a community of therapists that support one another and strive to better our community together. I also feel honored to be able to work alongside individuals through their own journey of self-healing and self-discover. I would like clients to know how brave and courageous I think they are for taking step towards counseling. My primary goal is to always work hand in hand with them and to provide a safe space to process their thoughts and emotions openly, without judgement, so they can become the best version of themselves.
Lastly, the best way to get in contact with me is through email: [email protected]. I am always happy to offer a free 10–15-minute consultation call before scheduling our initial intake session. This will allow the client and I to understand more about what’s leading them to therapy and see if we both believe we are a good fit. If you or anyone ever has a question please don’t hesitate to reach out, I’d be happy to help out!
Contact Information:
• Email: [email protected]
• Psychology Today: https://www.psychologytoday.com/profile/1302223
• Practice Website: https://www.midtownpsychotherapy.org/melanie-alarcon
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melanie-alarcon-052670100/
Putting training and knowledge aside, what else do you think really matters in terms of succeeding in your field?
One of the most important things in this field, that often doesn’t get talked about enough in grad school, is building connections through networking. It is crucial to build connections as it helps build your own practice and become a known name within the field. There are multiple parts to networking, some you do in person and some you can do from home. Great networking events can often include attending socials where you meet other therapists in the area and learn about their specializes, or taking an in-person continued education (CE) event where you get credits and meet others. Networking from home can also be just as important as this includes being active on social platforms such as GTNetwork, Psychology Today, etc. There are also other networking opportunities that include having mini zoom meetings where you learn about different programs and introduce yourself and your specialties. By continuing to network, especially at the beginning of your therapeutic career you can become a consistent name clinicians know about and build rapport within the community.
What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?
The way I have built my reputation is by meeting clients where they are at, presenting as my authentic self and truly caring about each one of my clients. I strive to be of service to others, helping from the moment I can whether that’s scheduling a free consultation call or sending recourses after sessions. I meet all my clients where they are at, without any judgement. Everyone has their own experiences and perspectives, and I meet my clients with curiosity instead of criticism. By presenting as my authentic self in the therapeutic room, it allows my clients to also have a space free of judgement where they are encouraged to show up as their authentic selves as well. I encourage clients to speak their minds, get curious with themselves and work together to find the best course of treatment. Lastly, if a client and I ever find we are not a good fit (which happens and it completely okay!), I don’t take it personally but instead empower and thank them for listening to themselves and advocating for their needs. Staying authentic to myself and showing my willingness to help others has truly helped me grow in this field.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.midtownpsychotherapy.org/melanie-alarcon
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melanie-alarcon-052670100/
- Other: Psychology Today: https://www.psychologytoday.com/profile/1302223
Image Credits
Midtown Psychotherapy Associates