Meet Ingrid Gonzalez | Therapist & Private Practice Owner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ingrid Gonzalez and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ingrid, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I started my private practice business, “Therapy Talk”, this year almost as a result of the pandemic. Since obtaining my Master’s degree at the University of Miami, I dreamt of owning my own business. I was licensed last year after completing the required client and supervision hours, examination, extra courses. After becoming licensed, nothing was “essentially” stopping me but fear. Fear of the unknown, of all the intricacies that come with having a business, of getting clients, and so many more. I was looking into joining a group practice when everything pretty much shut down as a result of COVID-19. I waited a few months and many places were unsure of if/when they’d return to the office. I decided not to wait any longer and launched my own business providing online therapy services. Although I’m still new in the business aspect, I absolutely love connecting with clients and I feel teletherapy has opened new doors we may have never ventured to in the past. Therapy is now more accessible and convenient than ever, not another task or another place to drive to. I took a dive and I’ve received so much help throughout this journey that is just beginning. My thought process was “I’ve got everything to gain and nothing to loose.”

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I truly believe my career started when I was in High School and I took a psychology class. One project required interviewing individuals who have experienced difficult life events. I was ambitious and said I would interview a Holocaust survivor. And I did! I connected with Miami-Dade Holocaust Survivors and was able to interview a Holocaust survivor in her home. After all the emotions of that interview, and the bold questions I asked, I knew I wanted to have a career in psychology. I have always had a curiosity for people and their feelings, but being able to sit with someone and promote healing was an incredible feeling. I “officially” started my career in the mental health field about 7 years ago at Florida State Hospital in Chattahoochee, FL. If you have no idea what that is, it was Florida’s only state mental institution until 1947 and currently the largest psychiatric hospital in the state. I decided to volunteer and engage with this population before finishing my Bachelor’s degree. I thought if I couldn’t handle the most chronic patients, I should pick a different career path. To my surprise, I was hired on my first day by pure happenstance. I learned so much in this position and I feel it was the foundation for all the work ahead. Since then, I have served a variety of populations from children in the foster care system, to adolescents, women in substance use disorder treatment, men in correctional facilities, and so much more in between. I have gotten to where I am today by taking risks and overcoming challenges one step at a time. It hasn’t been easy, but I’ve been blessed to be surrounded by so many amazing individuals in my life that don’t let me get discouraged. Some lessons I’ve learned are to learn how to set boundaries with myself and others. This has helped me so much in my professional relationships and in my career as a whole. I’ve learned to take care of myself, set a healthy routine, not skip lunch, and take time off to enjoy time with my loved ones! Self-care and burn-out are terms I’ve seen in the spotlight more recently and I’m so excited that we’re talking about these things. I’m excited about mental health conversations and being part of the solution. I work every day to help reduce the stigma surrounding mental health illness and seeking treatment. I want the world to know that you’re not alone, and you don’t have to be afraid. There are so many options now and you don’t have to suffer in silence. I, too, have faced challenges and continue facing them daily. It’s all about how you handle each situation, one at a time.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’d definitely take my friend to Miami’s “must-do’s” including The Wynwood Walls, Miami Beach, and Bayside. I would have a wine night at Lagniappe. We would eat and drink food from every culture since I’m a foodie. I love going to museums and art shows so I think finding an event would be fun. There’s always something new happening in our beautiful city!

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 can’t narrow down my gratitude to just one person or group because so many people have been supportive along the way. I’m incredibly grateful to my family and close friends for their relentless support, guidance, motivation, and patience. I have listened to “The Private Practice Startup” podcast religiously and I’m so glad these resources exist! I want to recognize immigrants, like myself, who came to this country for a better opportunity and are fighting against odds daily.

Website: www.TherapyTalkFlorida.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/therapytalkfl
Twitter: www.twitter.com/therapytalkfl
Facebook: www.facebook.com/therapytalkfl