DreamChaser Naomi Tapia
General Information
Name: Naomi Tapia
Pronouns: she/hers/ella
Age: 30
Associate Marriage and Family Therapist / OC Mental Health Associates
Education: Bachelor of Science in Human Services, Mental Health & Master of Science in Counseling, Marriage and Family Therapy
Interviewed May 2025
In Depth Questions (7-8 min Read)
1. Tell us a little about who you are.
For a long time, I defined myself by my career, my degrees, and how much I could achieve or earn. But I’ve come to realize that none of those things truly define me—who I am is bigger than any title. I’m the eldest daughter in a Mexican household—Mexican American, bilingual, and a proud first-generation college graduate. I help care for my 16-year-old sister, a role that has deeply shaped how I move through the world: rooted in love, responsibility, and connection. These days, I lead with heart. I believe in showing up authentically and creating space for others to do the same—especially as they navigate their own healing journeys.
2. What sparked your interest in starting your business(es)?
I don’t have my own business yet—I’m just under 300 hours away from becoming a licensed therapist. But I’ve known for a while that private practice is where I’m headed. I chose this path because it gives me the freedom to be the kind of therapist I want to be—someone who shows up authentically, holds space intentionally, and works in a way that aligns with my values. Even now, every step I take is building toward the vision of mentoring and uplifting incoming BIPoC clinicians.
3. Who are you most influenced by?
There are so many influential people in my life, it’s hard to name just one. I try to embody the strength, resilience, and heart of my mother and grandmother every day. My little sister inspires me constantly, she reminds me to be a better human, to lead with compassion and patience. And more literally, I’ve been shaped by incredible mentors and, honestly, some amazing Instagram therapists whose work challenges and motivates me daily.
4. What was your first job and how long did you hold that position?
My first job was working at a community college bookstore in my hometown—just for one summer. I held the position for about two months and made a grand total of $700, because minimum wage back then was definitely not what it is today! It was short-lived, but it gave me my first taste of responsibility and independence.
5. Can you share one of your proudest achievements with us?
As cliché as it might sound, one of my proudest achievements is my own healing journey. It’s what led me to become a therapist in the first place. I’ve done the work to unlearn, to grow, and to show up more fully as myself—and I’m truly proud of how far I’ve come. There’s something incredibly powerful about being unapologetically yourself, especially after spending years trying to fit into a mold that was never meant for you.
6. What were your initial goals with your work? How have they evolved?
When I first started, I was set on working with children and teens. I saw them as the most vulnerable and believed they needed the most help. And while children absolutely deserve love and support, I quickly realized how resilient and wise they truly are—often teaching us more than we expect. Over time, I found that my heart is in working with teens and adults, particularly those between the ages of 16 and 50. I love supporting people as they explore identity, reclaim their stories, and move toward healing.
My goals have evolved, too. I once imagined a solo private practice, but now my dream is to build a group practice rooted in community care—specifically for BIPOC individuals. I want it to be more than a therapy space. I envision a place where parents can meet other parents, where cultural celebrations like Día de los Muertos and National Coming Out Day are honored, and where healing happens both inside and outside of the therapy room. A space that reminds people they don’t have to walk this world alone.
7. What do you think is the most important life skill you learned through your work?
The power of silence. I’m naturally a talkative person, but one of the most important skills I’ve learned through my work is how to sit in silence. Sometimes, silence carries more truth and healing than words ever could.
8. Where do you hope to be in five years?
In five years, I hope to be running my own group practice—a space rooted in community, cultural celebration, and collective healing for BIPOC individuals. I want it to be a place where people feel seen, safe, and empowered, both in therapy and in everyday life. Personally, I hope to be living more slowly and intentionally, surrounded by people I love, doing work that still feels deeply aligned with my purpose. And most importantly, I hope I never stop learning or evolving.
9. What is a typical day like for you?
Between my work as an internship advisor, my private practice, and consulting for a community mental health program, I stay busy. No two days are the same, but I try to keep some structure with designated days for therapy and others for advising and consulting.
On advising days, I meet with undergraduate students, many of whom are navigating the process of finding their very first internship. I love helping them identify opportunities that align with who they are and what they want to build.
On practice days, I typically see clients from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., squeezing in food, notes, and quick check-ins with my sister in between. I also try to create content for Instagram, but I’ll be honest, I’m still figuring that part out
“I have learned that grief and growth are one in the same.”
10. What was the biggest obstacle you’ve faced so far in the process of pursuing your goals?
The loss of my mother has been the most difficult experience I’ve endured. She passed away during my first semester of graduate school, and for a long time, I believed that grieving meant I couldn’t. But I’ve come to learn that grief and growth are one in the same.
“Keep betting on yourself, it’s the best thing you could ever do.”
11. What is the best piece of advice you have received?
“Keep betting on yourself, it’s the best thing you could ever do.” That’s what one of my mentors told me, and it stuck. They reminded me that even amid struggle, I’ve always trusted my own capabilities to carry me forward.
“I think the internet is fake enough, so I try and be honest about when I post and not just have curated content.”
12. When do you get your best ideas?
I usually only post content when I feel inspired. I think the internet is fake enough, so I try and be honest and intentional about what I share. My best ideas tend to come from meaningful conversations, moments of connection, or things that just hit close to the heart. And honestly? My younger sister says the funniest, most insightful things. She’s a constant source of inspiration.
13. How do you unwind?
SLEEPING! I LOVE SLEEPING. I also love listening to music and singing. All these things help me relieve stress and relax.
14. Can you share a sacrifice you have made in the pursuit of chasing your dreams?
Time! Being in school for so many years and moving away to pursue my dreams was incredibly difficult, especially because I’m very close to my family. As a first-generation college student, leaving home wasn’t just about my education—it was about setting an example for my siblings and cousins. It was a sacrifice not only for me, but for my entire family.
15. What would you tell someone else who is interested in entering your field?
Trust yourself. Trust your intuition. You are more capable and powerful than you think. I think (especially as BIPoC) it is easy to be discouraged from pursuing our dreams. We deserve to achieve everything we want.
16. What do you hope people take away from your story?
I hope that people find comfort in knowing that healing is possible. I hope they remember that they carry power, even in their most vulnerable moments.
17. What did you want to be as a kid?
As a kid, I wanted to be a fashion designer, a singer, and a pediatrician. I knew I loved helping people, and I’ve always had a creative streak. While my path looks different now, I still carry pieces of each of those dreams with me. These days, I get to be creative by planning events for the people I love—baby showers, birthdays, my own wedding. In therapy, I bring in music, art, or visual tools to help clients express themselves in ways words can’t always capture. And when I’m feeling brave enough to post, I love using humor and honesty in my content to connect with others. Creativity has always been part of who I am—it just found new ways to show up.
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