Today we’d like to introduce you to Jennifer Aguilar.
Hi Jennifer, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
My journey for helping others started at an early age. I’ve always felt I wanted to be a helper and have always been drawn to those that are hurting. I grew up in a large family that was very supportive of not only our family but also friends and neighbors. In my teens, I knew my calling was to be a light in the darkness. There were so many that went before me that were my light in the darkest parts of my life. I have experienced great loss and that has only increased my compassion for others. I began my training in college with a degree in psychology. After graduation, I became an elementary school teacher. I absolutely loved helping my students learn and grow and watching that “aha” moment that comes when a child discovers and understands something new. While teaching, I began working on my Masters to become a counselor. I loved teaching but found myself helping my students with behavior and big emotions and realized my gift was helping others on a deeper level. After completing my Masters, I worked in two private practice offices collaborating and growing with some fantastic colleagues. In 2020 I decided that I was ready to open my own private practice. Lotus Therapy Center was created in the middle of a pandemic when the world was in crisis. I chose the name Lotus because of how beautifully it represents our life journey. The Lotus flower grows through the depths of thick and sticky mud and emerges beautiful and clean. Much like the journey for all of us, we travel through pain, hardships, loss, and learning and still have beauty inside that makes us uniquely human. My job, my privilege, is to help people heal and grow and reflect to them what I see; a beautiful spirit. The behaviors and actions we often show are masked pain, fears, and hurt. They are things we carry, not who we are, and I love helping people find and reconnect with that light and life inside. The middle of the pandemic felt like just the right time for Lotus to open its doors to people that were hurting and grieving on such a large scale. I wanted to create a place that felt safe, a place of hope and healing.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has not been a smooth road, but one filled with bumps and turns along the way. Although the road has been winding, it ultimately led me to the place I was meant to land. Launching out on my own and starting a new practice in the middle of the pandemic was challenging at times. I was balancing the rest of my family’s new schedule of work and school from home while moving practices and keeping up with current clients through virtual therapy. Learning to see and support clients virtually was new, and that was a big learning curve. I am grateful that in the midst of the trauma, we all discovered how we can still support and access each other wherever we are no matter the circumstance. It was a glimmer of hope to have in such an isolated and scary time. It is my vision to continue to follow the winding road that will ultimately lead to the expansion of my practice and helping more people.
We’ve been impressed with Lotus Therapy Center, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Lotus Therapy Center is a private practice counseling center specializing in individual therapy for children, adolescents, and adults. My passions include working with people through their trauma, grief, postpartum depression and anxiety, parenting, and PTSD. I practice play therapy when working with children ages 2-10 and activity and sand tray therapies when working with adolescents. I believe the biggest healing agent is the relationship. Only when a person feels safe can they begin to explore themselves and heal. My primary goal as a therapist is for my clients to know that they are seen, heard, and understood and to show trust in them to navigate through their innermost thoughts and emotions.
What makes you happy?
When I need to find my joy and peace, I will often spend time with my family, enjoy a good conversation with a friend, take a walk in nature, practice yoga, or drink a really good latte.
Pricing:
- Free 15-minute initial phone consultation.
- Individual Counseling session: $165
- Sliding scale options are available.
Contact Info:
- Address: 14683 Midway Road, Suite 210, Addison TX 75001
- Website: lotustherapycenter.org
- Phone: 972-454-9881
- Email: Jennifer@lotustherapycenter.
org
Image Credits
Emily Jayne Photography
