We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Veronica Cisneros. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Veronica below.

Veronica, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did you think through the decision, why did you take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

I found myself entangled in the relentless pursuit of success, juggling 46 hours a week between my full-time commitment at the hospital and nurturing my fledgling private practice. The days were long, and the nights were a battleground for guilt and frustration as the echoes of complaints from my husband and children resounded in my ears. The formidable weight of maternal responsibility bore down on me, and the burden of that unrelenting “mom’s guilt” felt unbearable.

I was standing at a crossroads, aware that something needed to change, yet gripped by fear. Fear of severing ties with the hospital, the institution that had been my source of referrals for my private practice. I couldn’t help but doubt my own capabilities; the insidious notion that “there is no way I am capable of succeeding” relentlessly haunted my thoughts. The stakes were high; the prospect of failure threatened to let down not only myself but also my husband and kids.

Then, a moment of reckoning arrived. I reached out to a consultant who meticulously reviewed my accomplishments and was astounded by my success. It was a revelation, a stark contrast to my self-doubt. “Veronica, you have surpassed all your colleagues,” he remarked, his words like a beacon in the fog of uncertainty. His question lingered in my mind: “Why do you stay at the hospital?”

That question ignited a profound introspection of my life’s trajectory. The truth became apparent— I was ready. The path to this realization had not been without its share of false starts; I had tendered my resignation to the hospital no less than five times before, only to be convinced to stay. However, this time, it was different. I knew deep within that the moment had arrived for me to take that formidable leap, to do it scared.

Resigning from the hospital was far from easy. My director fought valiantly to keep me within the fold, but this time, my resolve was unshakable. With trepidation coursing through my veins, I stepped away from the familiarity of the hospital corridors. It was a leap of faith, a leap into the unknown.

Yet, it was this leap, undertaken with fear as my unwelcome companion, that led to an extraordinary transformation. My small, solitary practice burgeoned into a thriving group practice, a testament to the untapped potential that resided within me. Today, we stand tall with six dedicated clinicians and a total of eleven employees, a testament to the incredible growth we’ve achieved.

The pinnacle of our journey is fast approaching, with our company poised to reach the remarkable milestone of one million dollars this year. I stand here in awe, realizing that I had underestimated my own abilities. I had doubted my capacity to succeed, but here I am, defying my own self-imposed limitations. I did it scared, and I stand before you today as living proof that within each of us lies the potential for greatness, waiting to be unleashed.

To all the women who may be navigating their own fears and uncertainties, I implore you to trust in your abilities, embrace your potential, and take that leap, no matter how daunting it may seem. For it is in facing our fears and doing it scared that we discover the boundless reservoirs of strength and resilience that reside within us. Your journey may be uncertain, but know that you have the power to overcome, to thrive, and to succeed. Believe in yourself, as I have come to believe in myself, and watch as you, too, soar to heights beyond your wildest dreams.

Veronica, 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?

In the midst of a challenging upbringing, my journey was shaped by the harsh realities of drug addiction, alcoholism, and a family entangled in the grip of gang life. My mother, a beacon of strength, did her best to shield my siblings and me from this tumultuous environment, but we couldn’t help but sense that something was amiss. We stumbled upon my Dad’s telltale signs—needles hidden in the house, the constant itching, and an unquenchable need for rest. In the face of this adversity, my mother’s resilience was unwavering; she relentlessly sought ways to salvage our family and, in particular, to rescue my father from the clutches of addiction.

As I observed my mother’s unyielding determination, my mission crystallized—to be her savior. It felt unjust that addiction had stolen so much from us, and as a child, I found myself hosting interventions in the hope that my father would break free from the grip of his addiction. Despite the repeated failures of these interventions, I refused to give up. I believed that we deserved more, and I clung to the belief that if I could discover the elusive formula, I could reunite my parents and bring back the family we had lost.

Though I never received therapy as a child, I held the conviction that therapists possessed the answers. When I eventually became a therapist myself, I quickly realized the profound impact I could have on the lives of others. I dedicated myself to rigorous study and went beyond the requisite 3,000 hours of training, seeking additional supervision. Listening to my patients’ struggles allowed me to confront and heal my own past pain. I understood that I was not alone in my journey, and this shared experience compelled me to channel my pain, my knowledge, and my education into becoming the therapist who could genuinely provide people with the healing they yearned for.

Today, I am the owner of a group private practice Called Outside The Norm Counseling, speaker and Podcast host for Empowered and Unapologetic, Mother of three girls, and married to my hero, of 23 years Willie.

At Outside The Norm Counseling, our commitment is to serve a diverse clientele, including children, teenagers, couples, first responders, and those battling anxiety, depression, addiction, and trauma. My private practice is founded on the principle of delivering care that goes beyond the ordinary. We strive to create a safe haven, whether in our physical offices or through virtual sessions, where individuals can embark on their healing journey.

Our mission is to help clients navigate life’s challenges by encouraging them to step outside of their comfort zones and confront their past pain. We take immense pride in our role as guides, assisting individuals in restoring balance to their lives, building healthy relationships, and nurturing the confidence to pursue their dreams.

What sets Outside The Norm Counseling apart is our unwavering commitment to genuine healing, not quick fixes. Our clinicians are dedicated to challenging clients to step beyond their comfort zones, providing the tools needed to lead the lives they desire. In a non-judgmental environment, we empower individuals to break free from their constraints and acquire the skills necessary to live the life they envision.

I firmly believe that this is my life’s purpose. I take immense pride in my work, for I understand that to be an exceptional clinician, one must connect with their own pain in order to truly connect with their clients. By sharing memories and experiences that resonate with my clients’ struggles, I ensure they never feel alone on their journey. I leverage my life experiences to offer insights that may have remained concealed, helping clients establish meaningful connections with their past as they move toward healing, identify how they’re recreating their past, and stop unhealthy behavior. I want my clients to know they’re not alone, they will be able to get through this and heal. I will help them.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

The path I walked was often filled with moments of exhaustion and self-doubt. There were countless instances when I contemplated giving up, feeling the weight of overwhelming responsibilities and the looming specter of defeat. I found myself burning the midnight oil, toiling away until 2 or 3 in the morning just to keep up. Yet, deep within me, I knew that I was destined for more.

As my husband was deployed to Afghanistan, bravely serving our country, I found myself immersed in a demanding graduate program while simultaneously caring for our children. I was navigating this challenging journey largely on my own, with little external support. I vividly recall a particular evening; it was 9 p.m., and the children were in the shower. I stood in a cluttered kitchen, surrounded by the remnants of the day’s chores left undone. Simultaneously, the weight of impending exams and papers bore down on me. It was in that vulnerable moment that tears welled in my eyes, and I was consumed by feelings of inadequacy and failure.

It was in that moment of reflection that I knew change was imperative. I resolved not to pretend to be something I wasn’t any longer. I made a conscious choice to release the unrealistic expectations I had imposed upon myself. What did it matter if a few dishes sat in the sink? Why should I agonize over every task left unfinished? Instead, I needed to redirect my focus toward what truly mattered to me.

I came to understand that I had been sacrificing my own well-being to conform to a narrow, unrealistic image of what a mother should be. I rejected that notion entirely. I embarked on a journey of small but meaningful changes, and it was through these incremental adjustments that I reclaimed my life. As a result, my children gained a mother who was purposeful, not perpetually fatigued and irritable.

Ladies, let this serve as a reminder that it’s okay to release the burdens of unrealistic expectations. It’s okay to prioritize your own well-being and happiness. By embracing these principles and making small, intentional changes, you can transform your life and become the best version of yourself. You are strong, resilient, and capable, and your journey should be a reflection of your authentic self, not a futile pursuit of perfection.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

I don’t do bandaids! What has truly contributed to my standing as a clinician is my unwavering authenticity. I make no pretenses about having it all figured out; instead, I present myself as my genuine self, unapologetically. My approach is not about superficial fixes; rather, it’s centered on equipping my clients with practical, real-life healing strategies that empower them to live the lives they envision.

I’m dedicated to teaching individuals how to step boldly beyond their comfort zones, establish boundaries that serve them, and lead lives filled with intention. In particular, I’m passionate about guiding women on their journey to embracing their true selves—empowered and unapologetic. To achieve this, I weave personal stories into my sessions, providing relatable experiences that resonate with my clients.

Within my therapeutic space, my clients find solace and trust. They feel safe to open up, knowing that I am there to provide a nurturing and nonjudgmental environment. It’s not venting; my clients understand that they will be challenged, encouraged to step beyond their comfort zones, and ultimately experience genuine healing.

The fact that my clients come to me through referrals speaks volumes. Families, physicians, and friends recommend my services because they’ve witnessed the transformative results firsthand. They recognize the unique approach I offer, one that extends far beyond conventional therapy, and they know that by working with me, they can achieve the outcomes they desire.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.outsidethenormcounseling.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heyveronicacisneros/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/veronica.cisneros3/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/outsidethenormcounseling/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@outsidethenormcounseling6111/featured
• Other: Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/empowered-and-unapologetic/id1506600294

Image Credits
Olia Photography & Sarah Dupree