Q: What made you choose to become a therapist?

A: I realized I wanted to become a therapist, when I was finishing up my bachelor’s degree… I was living in a new state because of the military and I wanted to find something that I felt I could do and I could do well, and I felt like listening to people was something I was able to do. 

Q: What do you find most rewarding about your work?

A: The fact that you can give somebody a space where they can actually feel safe to be who they are, and sometimes actually begin to see who they are…because [their identity] is so masked by all of their experiences and expectations people hold of them or that they hold of themselves.

Q: What do you look forward to when you start your work day?

A: I really look forward to spending time with people, my clients, enjoying them as [people] and the time that we spend together.

Q: What thought or idea inspires you to reach your fullest potential in life?

A: I think [of] that Maya Angelou saying, “When you know better, you do better.” Especially being a therapist, you learn a lot more about relationships and yourself and how these things impact you, your past, your parents’ past, and everybody’s past in your whole family… [You want to] consistently learn and work on yourself and others so that you can do better for future generations. 

Q: What are some of your favorite books that you recommend to clients?

A: One book I just read that I love is Untamed, by Glennon Doyle. I recommend Brené Brown books all of the time, including Braving the Wilderness, Dare to Lead, Rising Strong, and The Gifts of Imperfection. Her books are really great… I also recommend the Mitch Albom books, The Five People You Meet in Heaven, and For One More Day. 

Q: Where can we find you when you’re not in the office?

A: With my children, pretty much all the time.

Q: What are your hobbies when you’re not working?

A: I like to read, and I love spending time with friends, traveling, and watching movies. I am a big foodie, so I love trying different foods. I like riding bikes because my husband loves riding bicycles, but I won’t lie… It does take me a while to get motivated to go do physical stuff like that, but I enjoy it once I finally do it. And I like being creative, with clients particularly, and with my children. 

Q: Everyone needs self-care. How do you practice self-care?

A: Just giving myself my own time, time to be myself, not needing to do something for others…  [A time when] I can really focus on me without worrying about obligations or responsibilities.

Q: What advice or suggestions would you give students who are considering becoming therapists themselves?

A: Don’t compare yourself to others. Show yourself some grace. And be ready to do some hard work.

Want more info? Visit the bio page of Aecha Maria Guerrero, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Certified Perinatal Mental Health Professional, to learn more about her specialties! At Intuition Wellness Center, we specialize in health and wellness services for children, young adults, and their families. If you think you would like some extra support, we’re here for you.