Today we’d like to introduce you to Francisco Ortiz.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Francisco. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
May of 2011, I graduated from high school confident in knowing what I wanted to do in life without any sort of direction or help. Both of my parents did not get the opportunity of graduating high school. My mother and father completed up to the 11th grade at Sharpstown High school. My mother pushed me to further my education beyond high school, that pressure comes with being the oldest child. Later once I completed my masters my mother admitted, “I never thought you’d actually go this far.” Ouch mom!
I pursued my bachelor’s degree at Southwestern Adventist University where I was given the principles and values that I hold to this day and have made me into the man I am today. I was inspired and felt called into the field of psychology. I knew since high school I want my life to be dedicated In the service of people who were experiencing internal pain. This came from a traumatic experience I had after the death of my Now-wife’s brother. Becoming a psych major seemed to be my answer. I learned so much about myself and what it means to be human.
I have to admit I was in a rush to graduate early and begin my graduate studies. First reason becoming a fully licensed therapist is about a nine years process, and secondly I was ready to take the next step in my relationship. I graduated May of 2014 and a week later married my high school sweetheart. We fly out to Tennessee where we remain for three years as we both complete our graduate studies. We were broke and living off them student loans. The final year of graduate studies my wife is pregnant… this was not part of the plan. I guess I sort of skipped something here if you haven’t caught it yet… I planned out every step of my life once I graduated high school. The amount of anxiety that came over me was overwhelming. I have no stable income, a pregnant wife, credit card debts, and student loans. My adorable pregnant wife wobbled across that stage to receive her diploma. I was and am proud of her.
On June of 2016, I become the greatest title I have, a father. My anxiety, my stress, my fears melted away the moment I laid eye on my daughter, Elizabeth. I became more accepting of the twist and turns life gives us and continued my focus on the end goal. I graduate December of 2016 and the following summer, I return to my hometown of Houston. You’d think “oh that’s amazing no more issues coming your way!” Well…. we arrive in June of 2017 to my in-laws home as we continue our transition into Houston and purchase our first home. August 2017 Hurricane Harvey hits and we lose everything. When I mean everything, everything. Once again, my plans are not going the way they are supposed to be. I have an extremely low paying job at this time, which is a norm when it comes to the helping profession, and now we have to recoup erase all our losses. We had amazing support from our friends and community, yet the loss was overwhelming. So many memories gone. From this moment of grieving the materialistic losses I remind and ask myself what is important to me and what is my purpose… and my answer is right in front of me, my wife and my daughter… I really didn’t lose everything.
I regained my focus and prioritized what I valued. I worked hard and completed my post-graduate hours in order to receive my full licensure status. I now had a vision and I knew obstacles would come but I needed to be willing to be vulnerable in order to get what I was pursuing.
October of 2018 I receive my full licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor. That very same month, I opened my private practice, District Counseling. A major dream I had was now being fulfilled. I made it to my destination. I finally could create an environment where I could reach the people of Houston and make a difference one person at a time. The need in the Latino community for mental health services is overwhelming. There is such a shortage of Spanish speaking therapists. I am proud to be serving the diverse community of Houston and extremely proud to be serving the Latino community. There is such a stigma but Spanish speakers are becoming much more open to receive mental health counseling, and I am proud to have the opportunity of witnessing such a change.
Today District Counseling is a year old but has grown very fast. In under a year, I opened my second location and I am on the search of our third. I have four amazing therapists and we continue to grow. We each have our own area of specialties working with couples and individuals struggling with depression, anxiety, life transitions, and trauma.
Here’s what I have learned from my life experience thus far. You cannot plan every step of life, it’s impossible. Have a focus of where you’re going and don’t lose that focus. Be willing to experience painful moments, take a loss or two. Find where your heart is set and do that! Surround yourself with people who will uplift you and encourage your dreams. Remember this, losing everything isn’t Truly everything.
Has it been a smooth road?
It has been quite the adventure. Many twists and turns. Starting a business and taking care of life is challenging. Starting off you have to make many sacrifices such as limiting time with family and friends.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
District Counseling is a counseling and psychotherapy practice. We use the most advanced psychological approaches in the field. We have become well known among the Spanish community for our couple’s work. I am proud of the opportunity to walk alongside so many people each day. It is truly humbling for me and my staff. There are many therapists in Houston, what makes us different is our accessibility and flexibility for clients. We are genuine, authentic, and nonjudgmental. Our space is designed to be a safe space for our clients.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
Absolutely! Houston is a thriving city. We need more Spanish speaking therapists. The need is here, and I alone cannot do it. There are moments where I have a three week wait time. Anyone who is just starting out, Houston is the place to do it.
Pricing:
- 50 minute session $120
- 80 minute session $180
Contact Info:
- Address: 12242 Queenston Blvd Suite C
Houston Texas 77095
11999 Katy Freeway Suite 150-P
Houston Texas - Website: Mydistrictcounseling.com
- and consejerodeparejas.com
- Phone: 8327993543
- Email: francisco@mydistrictcounseling.com
- Instagram: @districtcounseling
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