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

Patricia, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. 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.

My story on how I got here started long ago. My mom battled with a mental illness and I saw the many challenges she faced. My mom died right when the practice opened. I dedicate all I do to honor her memory. Prior to becoming a counselor, I experienced a lot of fear but always knew I was going to be a counselor. One day, I was driving by a college sign. I had driven by this sign many times, but on this particular day it stuck out to me. Before becoming a counselor, I worked in property management. I enjoyed working in this field because I liked helping people, but I always had this tug in me that there was something more I was to do. I went to college in my late 20s and didn’t think it was possible because I had small children, but despite this challenge I enrolled in the psychology program as a full time student. During this time, my family and I lived in a community that had a lot of poverty. I started volunteering in the community at a local high school working with teen moms. It was there that my passion for helping others grew. Looking back, these years were a pivotal time and it helped me to grow as a person. It’s easy to think of success as gaining wealth or status but this community taught me that it was much more than that.

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 Patricia Avalos and I am the owner of Victory Counseling Services, LLC. I’m a licensed mental health counselor in the state of Florida. I opened up my practice almost 2 years ago. Prior to opening my practice, I worked at a group practice and did volunteer work. Both experiences helped guide me to where I’m at today. I work with a wide range of people and see from ages 3 to seniors. I take certain insurance plans. I work with clients who are struggling with self-worth, anxiety, depression, life transitions, trauma, grief, and parenting challenges. I strive to create a space where clients feel welcome, seen, and heard. I always want each person that I interact with to know they matter and are valued. It’s much more than counseling, it’s each person discovering their worth and that they are capable of overcoming any obstacles.

Other than training/knowledge, what do you think is most helpful for succeeding in your field?

I think to be successful in this field you must truly care for people. More than knowledge, people will be motivated to pursue change and overcome difficulties when they know someone believes in them. Many times clients have a hard time believing in themselves and to see this transformation in a person is so rewarding, but it starts with the counselor believing in them. Celebrate small victories with clients this gives them hope and confidence to keep going.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

I know what it’s like to need someone to believe in me. I wouldn’t be where I’m at today if it wasn’t for those who encouraged me and challenged me to keep going. I truly believe that those who have come across my path helped me to get to where I’m at today. It wasn’t just me. It was people like my husband who continues to tell me to never give up. My dearest friend who always reminds me to hold onto faith. My dad who continues to cheer me on. The many other people who came into my life and encouraged me, even if I only met them once, I keep all this in mind and it helps me to keep going. I have a lot to learn and more room to grow. But in difficult seasons, I stay the course and am thankful for the people around me who believe in me. I’ve had moments of wanting to give up but I think back over the times I have gotten through hard times and remember that tough times are opportunities to learn and grow. Running a business, even a small one, has its challenges, but I continue to show up and keep looking ahead. I remember my why!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.victory-counseling-services.com
• Instagram: victory_counseling_services
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100090999145986&mibextid=LQQJ4d