Interviewer: Dr. Rodríguez, thank you for joining us. Mental health has become a critical topic worldwide, especially post-pandemic. Could you tell us what inspired you to enter this field?
Dr. María Rodríguez: Thank you for having me. My passion for mental health counselling comes from personal experience. As a first-generation American of Dominican descent, I faced many emotional and cultural challenges growing up. I experienced firsthand the confusion, the displacement, and the lack of representation—especially in therapeutic spaces. I knew early on I wanted to be part of the solution, to advocate for those who feel invisible.
Interviewer: That personal connection clearly shapes your work. Tell us about the beginnings of the Care Counselling Centre.
Dr. Rodríguez: I founded Care Counselling Centre to bridge the gap I saw in the system. Too many people—particularly immigrants and marginalised communities—face barriers like language, cost, and stigma when seeking help. My goal was to create a safe, culturally sensitive, and accessible space for healing. Starting out wasn’t easy—there were financial hurdles, and gaining trust from the community took time. But I was determined. I wanted people to feel seen, heard, and validated.
Interviewer: Your work has helped shift perceptions around therapy, particularly in immigrant communities. How did you go about tackling stigma?
Dr. Rodríguez: Patience and persistence. In many communities, mental health is still considered taboo. I began with grassroots outreach—hosting workshops, partnering with faith leaders, and showing people that seeking help is a strength, not a weakness. It’s about education but also about showing empathy and building trust.
Interviewer: You wear many hats—counsellor, CEO, professor. How do you balance all those roles?
Dr. Rodríguez: (Laughs) It’s a lot! But I’ve learnt to set boundaries and lean on my incredible team. Delegation, time-blocking, and self-care are key. I also practice what I preach—I take time to rest, reflect, and recharge. That’s the only way I can continue giving to others.
Interviewer: Your centre offers a wide range of services. What’s your approach to therapy?
Dr. Rodríguez: My philosophy is rooted in compassion and cultural competence. Every client’s experience is unique, and healing isn’t one-size-fits-all. We use trauma-informed, strength-based approaches, meeting clients where they are. My team are constantly training, learning, and collaborating. We offer everything from individual therapy and family counselling to immigration support and advocacy.
Interviewer: And you’ve been recognised for your work—Top 25 Executives of New Jersey, awards for mental health leadership. What do these accolades mean to you?
Dr. Rodríguez: I’m honoured, of course. But the real reward is seeing someone reclaim their life. Watching a client grow from a place of despair to a place of confidence—that’s what keeps me going. Awards are great, but impact is better.
Interviewer: What advice would you give to young women entering this field?
Dr. Rodríguez: Don’t shrink. Don’t second-guess your worth. Believe in your vision, seek out mentors, and take up space unapologetically. There will be challenges, but your voice matters—especially in mental health, where diversity and representation are so critical.
Interviewer: Speaking of mentorship, what role has it played in your career?
Dr. Rodríguez: A huge one. I’ve had mentors guide me, challenge me, and support me. Now, I make it a priority to mentor others—through supervision, training programmes, and direct support. Watching young professionals find their voice and confidence is one of the most fulfilling parts of my work.
Interviewer: What’s next for the Care Counselling Centre?
Dr. Rodríguez: We’re expanding. Telehealth, trauma-informed school programmes, legal collaborations for immigration support—we’re working on all of it. I want to ensure mental health care reaches the people who need it most in a way that’s compassionate and accessible.
Interviewer: Finally, what legacy do you hope to leave behind?
Dr. Rodríguez: I want to be remembered as someone who showed up—for her clients, her community, and her colleagues. Someone who made mental health care more human, more inclusive, and more healing. My mission has always been about moving people from chaos to clarity—just as I did in my own life.
Interviewer: Thank you, Dr. Rodríguez. Your story is powerful, and your work is more important than ever.
Dr. María Rodríguez: Thank you. I’m grateful for the chance to share and hopeful that we’ll continue moving toward a world where no one suffers in silence.
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