Meet Dr. Gisell Lopez | Licensed Clinical Psychologist

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

Hi Dr. Gisell, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I was already a Licensed Psychologist working in the field for a few years and holding Supervisory roles but I always wanted to be my own boss. I was in a group practice as an independent contractor so I already had my corporation. When I began at a new job, I kept a 2nd part-time job doing psychological and academic testing as well as supervision of other mental health professionals. I had a friend at the time who had her own practice, self-pay only and made her own schedule. I thought, I can do that too! So, I left the 2nd part-time job and began to market myself, network, and created a simple website. I started seeing testing clients on evenings and weekends per diem as well as supervision and consultation cases (providing clinical supervision hours needed by other mental health professionals to obtain their license or helping others in my field that needed support and guidance). I did this for 6 years while holding a full time job and when covid hit, I was getting so many referrals and calls for therapy that my husband and I had a conversation about me finally expanding my per diem practice to full-time. I transitioned out of my 9 to 5 job and began to upgrade my marketing, networking and website, incorporated a steady social media presence…. then by May of 2021 Dr Lopez Is In was in full-time!

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
What sets me apart from others is walking the talk. I pride myself in doing the type of self-development work that I support clients with. I tell clients “I will never take you somewhere I haven’t been” and also meeting clients where they are at without any agenda, so ” I will never take you somewhere you are not ready to go.” If clients feel they have entered a safe, non-judgmental, open space when they are working with me, I’ve done my job. I am excited about re-incorporating my clinical supervision services in 2022. Therapy for teens and adults has been going well, along with the psychological and academic evaluation services for all ages, since launch to full-time in May of 2021 so I am happy about that. I think it was a journey, like anything in life and it still is. I overcame challenges with the support system I have established and because of my personal faith as well. There are lessons along the way, but I believe the most important is acknowledging it is always a journey not a destination. What I would want people to know is how passionate I am about what I do and am a strong proponent that “if you love what you do, you never work a day in your life.” I really live that every day and feel very lucky and blessed.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
This is a great question because I am such a social butterfly and love sharing experiences with friends and loved ones. I would take them to Little Hen for brunch, go to Shops at Pembroke Gardens for walking around and shopping eating at The Pub, Movies, appetizers and drinks at Cinebistro and walking around Doral City Place with dinner at Cooper’s Hawk, a dinner at The Melting Pot, Bayside for a walk, riding the Ferris wheel, and the celebrities houses boat tour, visiting the PAM and/or Frost Science Museum based on their preference and if they have kids the Miami Children’s Museum. A walk around Main Street eating at Anacapri. A visit to the beach is a must for Miami as well.

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?
Wow, so many people come to mind. Starting with my parents and family of origin as well as my chosen family, which are lifelong and close friendships that have developed along the way. My colleagues and supervisors over the years in the different places I trained and worked, most of which I remain in contact and continue friendships with. My friend and mentor Dr. Laurie Emery, who turned me on to self-development work which is SO ESSENTIAL for mental health professionals and supported in my mindset shift about abundance and things not needing to look a certain way, which really fueled my creative, entrepreneurial spirit. The therapists and life coaches I worked with that kept me sane. Last and certainly not least, my husband who supported me to take the leap of going into private practice full time. Knowing he would be there if there were any bumps along the way really gave me the last push and the confidence to take this on. Thanks to the grace of GOD, Dr Lopez Is In has been full speed ahead and seeing consistent growth.

Website: https://www.DrLopezIsIn.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/drlopezisin

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Dr-Lopez-Is-In-109541208122153

Image Credits
Carlos Osorio with Miami Photo Inc