DreamChaser Naomi Tapia
General Information
Name: Naomi Tapia
Pronouns: she/hers/ella
Age: 26
Job Title/Company: Associate Marriage and Family Therapist / Stark Therapy Group
Education Background: Bachelor of Science in Human Services (mental health emphasis) // Master of Science in Counseling, Marriage and Family Therapy
Interviewed November 2021
In Depth Questions (6-7 min Read)
1. Tell us a little about who you are.
I am the eldest daughter in a Mexican household. I am a Mexican American, first-generation college graduate. I am bilingual. I am a caregiver to my 12-year-old sister. I am powerful. I am responsible. I am loving. I am a person who wants everyone to embrace themselves for who they are at all stages of their healing journey.
2. What sparked your interest in starting your business(es)?
I knew that working at a private practice would give me the space to be the kind of therapist I want to be and allow me to be authentically myself.
3. Who are you most influenced by?
There are so many inspirational people in my life, it’s hard to narrow it down. I will say that I try to embody my grandmother and mother’s spirits. Not only that, but my sister influences me everyday—to be a better human. More literally, my mentors and a lot of Instagram therapists help inspire me daily!
4. What was your first job and how long did you hold that position?
My first job was working at a bookstore for a summer at a community college in my hometown. It lasted 2 months, and I made about $600 total that entire summer because minimum wage was not what it is today LOL
5. Can you share one of your proudest achievements with us?
As cliché as it sounds, my proudest achievement is my journey of healing. My own journey was part of the reason I decided to become a therapist. I am proud of how far ive come, and how comfortable I am being unapologetically myself.
6. What were your initial goals with your work? How have they evolved?
When I first began, I was set on working with children and teens. I figured they were the most vulnerable and “needed the most help.” Not saying children do not require love and support, but I realize how resilient and powerful children are. They help us in more ways than we realize. Through my time working with clients, I learned how much I love working with teens and young adults (17-35). I found that working with individuals going through this identity forming/ transitional time of their life was more impactful than I originally imagined.
7. What do you think is the most important life skill you learned through your work?
The power of silence. I am a very talkative person, but one thing I have learned is that sometimes the silence says more than words ever could.
8. Where do you hope to be in five years?
I hope to be licensed and hopefully doing workshops on body image, identity formation, and mind/body connection, as well as supervising BIPOC therapists.
9. What is a typical day like for you?
Currently, I am on vacation, BUT typically days consist of:
Waking up
Taking my sister to school
Engaging in joyful body movement
Eating food
Seeing clients (anywhere from 2- 5)
Writing client notes
“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 thing I’ve endured. I lost her during my first semester of my graduate program. I used to think grieving meant I couldn’t grow, because I was stuck on memories. However, I have learned 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.” My mentor pointed out that despite my struggles, I’ve always trusted my capabilities to get me where I need to be.
“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 about when I post and not just have curated content. I am inspired by meaningful conversations and loving moments. Also, my younger sister says the funniest shit that sometimes brings me so much joy. It’s impossible not to be inspired by that kid.
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.
“I am very close to my family, and leaving (being a first-gen college student) in order to set an example for the rest of my family (siblings and cousins) was a sacrifice – not only for me, but for my entire family.”
14. Can you share a sacrifice you have made in the pursuit of chasing your dreams?
Time! Being in school for so long, and moving to pursue my dreams was difficult. I am very close to my family, and leaving (being a first-gen college student) in order to set an example for the rest of my family (siblings and cousins) 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 acknowledge their power.
17. What did you want to be as a kid?
I wanted to be a fashion designer, singer, and pediatrician. I knew I wanted to help people and loved fashion. Now (in so many different ways) I try to use aspects of each of these in my current life!
Follow Naomi: