Apoyo a la comunidad Latinx a través de atención de salud mental informada culturalmente.

I was born in Texas but spent the first eight years of my life in Mexico. At the age of eight, I transitioned to living and attending school in Texas, although I continued to travel back and forth to Mexico, where most of my family resided. My parents instilled the importance of education in us from a young age, sacrificing much to ensure my siblings and I had better opportunities. Their dedication to our education was a cornerstone of our upbringing, emphasizing the value of hard work and perseverance. From an early age, I was drawn to science, particularly biology and space. This passion led me to pursue a major in Biology with minors in Art and Music during my college years. My love for biology was fueled by a fascination with the natural world and a desire to understand the complexities of life. Meanwhile, art and music provided a creative outlet and a way to express myself beyond the scientific realm. Despite my academic interests, a traumatic experience during my college years highlighted the importance of mental health. Initially, therapy was stigmatized in my culture, and my family expected me to endure hardships silently as the eldest male. However, seeking counseling opened my eyes and planted a seed of interest in psychology and therapy. This newfound passion drives my desire to help others as I was helped. Experiencing the benefits of therapy first hand made me realize the profound impact it can have on individuals, especially those who, like me, may have been hesitant to seek help due to cultural stigmas.
Beyond my academic and professional pursuits, I have a deep love for video games, music, and perfumes. I aspire to integrate these hobbies into my work, believing that passion enhances professional fulfillment. Perfumes, for instance, fascinate me not only for their scents but also for their ability to evoke memories and emotions. The artistic side of perfumery, where scents can transport you to different times and places, is particularly intriguing. I believe that scent and memory are closely linked, and exploring this connection could be a valuable aspect of therapeutic practices. Now for Music, especially melancholic tunes, serves as a cathartic outlet for me. I find solace in this genre of music, as it allows me to process emotions and find comfort in shared experiences. Incorporating music into therapy could provide clients with a powerful tool for emotional expression and healing. A thoughtfully curated playlist can create an atmosphere conducive to reflection and emotional release. Video games, particularly retro ones, hold a special place in my heart. They provide nostalgia and joy, reminding me of my childhood and simpler times. The immersive nature of video games and their ability to create engaging narratives can be leveraged in therapeutic settings to foster connection and communication. For instance, cooperative gaming can help build teamwork skills, while storytelling in games can encourage empathy and understanding.