Today we’d like to introduce you to Karla Collazo.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I have always been a helper and a listener. I didn’t actually know I would eventually use these gifts in my career one day.
Early in my career, I was in education. I taught for 10 years before becoming a school counselor. I was passionate about helping kids beyond the educational setting and was focused on the social-emotional aspect of learning. In this setting I learned how much of our childhood experiences shape who we are and how we see and respond to the world around us. I wanted to empower kids and adults with the tools to grow, heal, and thrive despite of what their past experiences might been like.
I then wanted to solely focus on counseling and left education to work in private practice. After a couple of years, I took a leap of faith and decided to open my own private practice. That is when A Thriving You Counseling was born!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The journey has not been easy. Juggling motherhood with a full time job and going through the lengthy licensing process was anything but smooth. There were countless days and nights of studying and working to focus on my career.
In addition, when opening my business I stepped into a completely new territory. One thing that has kept me going is the passion for what I do. I truly believe I was made to be a counselor. Seeing the growth in my clients is one of the most rewarding aspects of my job.
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 am a bilingual in English and Spanish Licensed Professional Counselor in Texas. I specialize in working with teens and adults that struggle with anxiety, depression, past trauma, life transitions and unhealthy patterns that have them feeling stuck.
I believe in the power of having one’s story witnessed in order to move towards health and healing. I am passionate about walking alongside my clients as they navigate growth and change, once they have the tools to break old patterns and learn new ways of thinking and doing things.
What sets me apart is my background in working with young kids. It taught me to look at each client from a whole person approach. Many of the beliefs we learned or experiences we have had, have us feeling stuck in the present.
Each individual story is unique and therefore I use a variety of counseling methods that best suit each person. My focus is from a relational therapeutic approach with modalities that include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy amongst others. Working with teen girls and women have a special place in my heart. I am mostly proud of the care and dedication I give my clients and the growth I get to witness in their journey.
What matters most to you?
What matters most to me are my kids and family. They are the driving force to everything that I do.
Professionally what matters most to me is the experience that my clients have in therapy. Taking the first step to start therapy can be very daunting. Therefore, ensuring that my clients feel comfortable and seen is very important. I want their experience to be positive, accommodating, and supportive so they can continue to focus on their goals.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.athrivingyou.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/athrivingyou
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1CjEHLNdKR/
Image Credits
Ashley Tate Kesner
