What embodying strength means to me is applying strength qualities, such as vigor, endurance, and muscular power, to physical and psychological aspects. A person will likely sustain an exercise routine when they find a type of exercise that they enjoy. Consistency in training promotes changes to one’s body, such as increased strength and cardiovascular stamina. Other positive changes may be lowered stress, high-quality sleep, and better mood, enhancing one’s quality of life. Furthermore, an increase in self-esteem and a sense of empowerment will soon follow, encouraging vigor, endurance, and even a little grit.

I am the kind of health educator who seeks to bridge an all-encompassing meaning of being in “good health” and caring for both the body and the mind. I have been a fitness professional since 2013 and have witnessed the beautiful benefits of exercise on mental health. Today, I am at a point where I will embark on a journey into expanding my scope of practice by incorporating clinical mental health counseling.

As of January 2023, I am placing a long pause on offering one-on-one and group exercise sessions. My focus will be directed on completing a master’s program in clinical mental health counseling at Texas Tech University and getting one step closer to obtaining an LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor).

My professional future will focus on collaborating and building therapeutic relationships with diverse populations, specializing in disordered eating and exercise behaviors. In working with EDs, goals must address emotional issues, increase coping skills, improve self-esteem, and promote behavior change. Additionally, I aim to create ED intervention programs for parents of children and adolescents, youth organizations, and within social media platforms. Furthermore, my group work will include increasing self-esteem, addressing depression, and changing maladaptive eating and exercise behaviors.

Moreover, I’ll continue my involvement with NAMI Central Texas (National Alliance on Mental Illness) in providing education and support to families and friends of those with severe mental illness. I am an individual who had a schizophrenic mother. She suddenly passed away at the age of 57 in 2016. Since her death, I have been putting in the work of exploring the adverse events I experienced as a child. At the time, I lacked emotional support from an adult to help me process and manage the stressful emotions I experienced. So, another area of focus for my professional future is to be the adult that I needed as a child and support other families. 

Please continue to check back for educational and informational use during this time! 

Disclaimer

Statements made here are not for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. All the information contained in this blog is for educational and informational use only. The information contained here is not intended to replace medical advice or be a substitute for a physician. Specific medical advice should be obtained from a licensed healthcare professional. Please consult your physician before you begin using any new dietary supplement, nutrition, or exercise program. As a user of this blog, you agree that neither the author nor the website assumes any liability for using or misusing the information contained in this blog. I hope my information is helpful to you, but make your own health care decisions based upon your research and in partnership with a qualified health care professional.