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

Hi Quique , thanks for joining us today. Is there a heartwarming story from your career that you look back on?

As a therapist, I work with young men diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Autism is a difficult diagnosis that negatively impacts a person’s ability to communicate and socialize. My success with autistic men comes from the fact that I accept them exactly as they are. I don’t try to pressure them into being normal. Over the years, I have learned to celebrate their strengths and cherish their unique eccentricities.

My heart was touched when one of my clients (who I’d seen for years) decided to major in psychology and pursue a career in mental health counseling. He stated that my positive influence in his life was the catalyst for pursuing a future job helping other autistic men like himself. I love that I get to play such a crucial role in the development of these young men.

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

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor. I specialize in neurodiverse therapy with men. I work with teens, young adults and men who struggle with anxiety, depression, social deficits and other developmental struggles. I got into this field because of my own struggle with mental illness. As a child, I was diagnosed with Tourette syndrome. As an adult I came to the realization that I also battled with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. My own personal therapy was a life saver! I learned to identify my struggles and constructively work through them with a trusted professional. My positive experience with therapy inspired me to give back and help other men who struggle with mental illness.

There are not many males in my field who work with a neurodiverse population. I am most proud of my ability to connect with clients and their families. As a relational therapist, I believe the quality of the relationship between the client and the therapist is the most important factor in the success of the therapy. I am humbled by all the positive reviews my clients have left me over the years.

If there is anyone considering therapy my biggest piece of advice is to find someone you connect with. Remember that therapy is a process where you grow in vulnerability and trust with another human being. It’s very important you find someone that you can be yourself with.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

Positive Google reviews have helped build my reputation as a therapist. After completing therapy with a client, I ask them if they would be open to leaving me a short, positive review on my Google page. Most people read Google reviews before they check out a new restaurant or establishment. It’s no different when it comes to finding a therapist. Future clients want to hear about other people’s honest experience with therapy. Google reviews is one of the best platforms to encourage clients to share their experience of your brand.

Putting training and knowledge aside, what else do you think really matters in terms of succeeding in your field?

Success in therapy boils down to authenticity. A client can smell inauthenticity a mile away! The most effective way to ensure you are being authentic is to make self-care a priority. I make my own mental and physical health an important prerogative. As I tell my clients, we should put ourselves first and others a very close second. If I am not prioritizing my own well-being, I won’t be healthy for my family or my clients.

I wake up early in the morning. I listen to at least one podcast a day. I exercise five times a week. I make sure I eat a healthy diet. Prioritizing my mental and physical health enables me to be an authentic self for others in my life.

Contact Info:

• Website: quiqueautrey.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/quiqueautrey/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/qautrey
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/quique-autrey-09612527/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/AutreyQuique
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcoTXQN0ojW1E3QTOZpNhHg
• Other: quiqueautrey.com/podcast

Image Credits
Angi Lewis Photography