Today we’d like to introduce you to Michelle Lopez Clark.
Hi Michelle, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
First and foremost, thank you for having me. What led me to pursue a career in the mental health field is my avid interest in the human psyche and relationships as well as my passion for work that is meaningful and gives back to my community. My journey as a psychotherapist began in Northern Virginia. I migrated from the Philippines to the United States to further my studies, and I earned my master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling from Marymount University. I would say my own experience as a client in therapy also validated my longing to become a psychotherapist, as I have personally experienced the healing and empowering gifts therapy offers. During my last semester of graduate school, the practice where I worked as a Counseling Intern offered me a position to be part of their team and I could not have been more grateful to have a job ready to welcome me soon after I graduated. After living in the DC Metro Area for many years, my husband and I, with our much-loved dog, relocated to Southern California. Currently, I am part of a group practice where I exclusively offer telehealth, which allows me to work with people across the state, even as far as the Bay Area. At the core of my work as a psychotherapist is the desire to help people explore the parts of themselves that long for change, connection, and internal peace.
Besides being a psychotherapist, I love being creative and writing for children and families. At a young age, I told myself that one day I will write a book and that would be my contribution to society. It was a dream I kept secret for so long as I had the notion that “to be a writer, you have to be born a writer” – I was wrong. Some people are born with the natural talent to write; however, writing is also a skill, a craft that can be learned and improved. With the ever-encouraging support of my husband, I was able to build the courage to face my self-doubt and study the different ways to write and publish a children’s book. “With You,” my first children’s book, was published in March 2021. The story is inspired by my bond with my own dog, Scotch, as well as my work as an attachment-based psychotherapist and diversity and inclusion advocate. It is a heartwarming story about the loving relationship children have with dogs that promotes emotional connection and inclusion, and includes prompts for engagement to foster the bond between parent and child. With the books I write (Yes, more books to come!), my hope is to help families become more emotionally connected with each other and for children to relate to characters and feel some sense of belonging. Having gone through the process of writing and publishing, I can say that any dream can come to life when you are passionate about it, are open and curious, are gentle with yourself, and have support along the way.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
There absolutely were challenges. Professionally, one of the challenges I experienced was transferring my credentials from the state of Virginia to California. To be able to practice psychotherapy in California, I had to go through hoops and complete several state requirements. It was a long process and I remember having moments of self-doubt and feeling like a failure. However, with patience, support from loved ones, and by giving myself grace, I persevered and here I am today doing what I love and laying down roots in San Diego County.
On a personal note, living far from my family in the Philippines can be emotionally challenging until this day – especially during the pandemic – as I have always been very close with them. While I miss them deeply when we are apart, I am very thankful that we live in a time where technology truly does connect people; I constantly stay connected with them through video calls. The saying “absence makes the heart grow fonder” absolutely applies. I value every call I have with them. When we are physically together, I am more intentional, present, and the day-to-day with them truly fills my heart with utmost gratitude. I would add that living apart gives us something to look forward to and makes our reunions feel like a grand adventure.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I exclusively offer telehealth to adult individuals and couples residing anywhere in California. I specialize in relationships, multicultural issues, life transitions, and managing anxiety and depression. I also love supporting couples at any stage in their relationship who both long to heal and strengthen their bond, especially couples with different cultural backgrounds. My advanced training in Emotionally Focused Therapy allows me to help couples move from a place of pain and longing to growth and connection. Additionally, I am a Gottman Bringing Baby Home Educator; I assist couples who are transitioning to parenthood through psychoeducation. At the heart of my work is compassion to walk alongside people who long to heal, to connect with themselves and with others, to embrace who they are, and to live a whole and authentic life. Being a bilingual Filipina psychotherapist, my unique background and training allow me to help destigmatize mental health and normalize therapy, especially within the AAPI and BIPOC communities.
What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
Due to the pandemic, telehealth services have significantly increased, which allows more people access to mental health support. Though there is still so much to be done, mental health awareness is finally starting to change, to turn into action and gain more momentum. Often therapy is considered the last resort when a person experiences a challenging time in their life, but it does not have to be. Therapy does not have to just be a response to a stressor either; it can also be a proactive way to navigate through life’s difficulties. Being proactive about your mental health means caring for your mental and emotional wellbeing before experiencing distress. I am hopeful that the positive shift that we are beginning to see only continues and that access to mental health services and people’s openness to seeking professional help will become more common.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.michellelopezclark.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michellelopezclark/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/michellelopezclark/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/mlopezclark
