kelly rodrigues, lcmhc

As a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC), I have worked with children, teens and families for over 10 years.  My life and my practice have given me the opportunity to work with youth and families from the California coast to the Blue Ridge Mountains.  This opportunity to experience different communities and people has given me a unique perspective.  Despite our differences, which can be vast, I have noticed one fundamental truth amongst each of us.  We are all given choices in this life.   Throughout each day, we are constantly choosing how we respond to events and people.  We always have the option to isolate ourselves, ignore a problem in the hopes that it will go away, act out in anger and resentment, or reach out for help and connection. 

As a wife, mother and mental health professional, I completely understand the tendency to put the needs of others first.  I believe that it takes courage, intent and practice to face your problems and engage in your own self-care.  Sometimes self-care may even seem like another thing on your endless To-do list!  However, choosing to take the time to focus on your own needs is of vital importance.  Everyone deserves to be happy.  The longer we deny ourselves this right the less likely we are to enjoy physical, emotional and relational health.  It’s like the airplane analogy says; ”put your own oxygen mask on first, so that you are capable of helping others.”

As a licensed clinician, I believe that you are actually the professional on your own life.  You know yourself, your children and circumstances better than me.  Yet, given a safe, non-judgmental space wherein you and/or your child can examine and integrate past traumas and daily life stressors with the help of a trusted support, you can begin to see your life more clearly and learn how to make more helpful choices for you and your family.

-Kelly Rodrigues