Meet Dr. Carolina Pataky | Intimacy & Relationship Therapist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Dr. Carolina Pataky and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dr. Carolina, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
Throughout my life I felt compelled to dig deeper and understand love, intimacy, and relationships. These aspects of life eluded me yet they continued to call me. I felt that if I could figure this out I could tap into feelings of joy and happiness that others seemingly possessed. Behind the relationships I was witnessing and experiencing, I began to identify several common factors which contributed to their disconnect. Behind the pragmatic but well-suited facade of coupledom and family structure, I began to notice cracks in nearly every relationship I knew. This was of course something I could painfully relate to. Through the development of my very own personal building blocks and extending into my own past relationships, I encountered both positive and negative aspects of interpersonal relationships. The positive stuff was safe and enjoyable but it was the negative space that felt amplified and kept ringing my ears. It was as though I was hearing a smoke alarm from miles away, way before the fire alarm had gone off and way before the fire department had received any calls to the matter. This became my call to therapy, my sixth-sense, and eventually a big part of my brand.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My vision of the Love Discovery Institute was to help educate and integrate a higher level of cognitive, emotional and sexual wellness. Throughout my own personal journey and having experienced many therapies myself, I realized that most kept therapy on the surface and functioned more like temporary band-aids. I saw that when we continue to put a temporary solution over a wound, our remedy will shortly fail us and only serve to increase the severity of our symptoms. Eventually our concerns manifest into bigger problems plaguing us with depressive and anxiety-related symptoms, dissatisfying interpersonal relationships, sexless marriages, or perhaps an infidelity, just to name a few. I wanted to provide my clients with something that was different, I wanted to help them gain access to therapies that would be deeper, enriching, and tenable.

Our therapy at the institute requires a significant dose of vulnerability which can be uncomfortable for many. We understand that bringing emotionally charged or painful material into the therapy room is not easy. Processing our life experiences and narratives requires a delicate touch and understanding of the courage it takes. Connecting to this has been at the heart of my own journey and is now deeply interwoven into the work we do at the institute.

We firmly believe that the process of healing and growth entails the utmost highest level of care. From the very first phone call and throughout each session, a non-judgmental and safe space is designed to help individuals explore and work through their own unique stories. As a client’s story unfolds and becomes interpreted, they gain a greater awareness of themselves and those they choose to share life with. They gain freedom from the past, deeper connections, love and intimacy. This is what I truly believe is what makes life delicious.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
First, I’d make sure to indulge them with a day spa at the Carillon Miami Wellness Resort for a day of relaxation. I would also take my friends to visit Wynwood. I love its one of a kind art and entertainment. Finally, I would take them to sail on the bay to enjoy the glittering ocean and cool breeze alongside the amazing views of the Miami skyline. Every time I sail, I feel the serenity of Miami’s beautiful views.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’ve had a lot of grace on my journey and many people to thank. For starters, I have to thank my family for helping me understand who I am today. My mother, who always taught me to maintain a curious mind and my father, who taught me to work hard for the things I want and never ever settle. He also taught me how to embrace my worth. His words “learn to love yourself” still echo throughout my life and my practice. My beloved partner Max who has been my greatest source of support, love, and inspiration has shown me the power of compassion and love. Through our time together, he’s helped me understand what a loving, rich, connecting relationship feels like. I also want to thank all of the amazing and strong women that have paved the way for me and who offer a beautiful example of what an empowered woman looks like – Dr. Carol Clark, Tammy Pahel, Dr. Erica Goodstone, Lourdes Rios. Also, the amazing team of therapists at Love Discovery Institute, my clients whose courage and trust inspires me every day to continue doing the work, the Universe for always opening up its doors and holding space for me when I have needed it the most, and to the gift of life which is so precious, mysterious and extraordinary. I have been very fortunate in my life because of past educators, clients, friends, classmates, colleagues and family members, and I thank them for their mentorship, support and unwavering love.

Website: www.lovediscovery.org

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carolinapataky/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolina-pataky-1915537/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/carolinapataky

Facebook: https://facebook.com/lovediscoveryinstitute