Today we’d like to introduce you to Brenda Lopez-Mitchell.
Hi Brenda, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My story began in a small town called Clovis, New Mexico. My mom was young when she had me, and for my first few years, it was just her and I, surviving. I imagine, that those times were what laid the foundation for my ability to adapt and persevere no matter the circumstances. When I was five, my life changed when my mom married my dad. Though many would say stepdad, we never used that term because he raised me as his own from day one, never missing a beat on providing stability when I needed it most. He was in the military, so my childhood into being a teenager was spent moving every 3-4 years. At times it was hard, saying goodbye just when I was making connections, and yet, I can’t help but think, how lucky I was to see the world beyond that little town we started in. I attended college for psychology, met my husband, and found a career in non-profit work, advocating for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. It was purposeful, and I absolutely loved every bit of what I did. At the same time however, it was emotionally exhausting. There were times I would get home from tough calls, and have very little left to give. When I had my girls, I knew I’d need to take a step back if I wanted to be there for them like I wanted to. It was heartbreaking to leave the work but I knew it was what was needed at the time. It was then, that I found yoga. It came at a time when I needed it most. My parents were divorcing, I was a new and very tired momma. I practiced six days a week, and eventually became a teacher myself. We moved to Philadelphia where I began teaching, and eventually running yoga programs, building communities both in Pennsylvania and Texas. I was hell bent on creating communities where everyone and every BODY was welcome. Spaces where people felt felt empowered to live, breathe and practice authentically. I feel like I accomplished that. For so long I had taught classes where I encouraged my yogis to take the leap, to live in their purpose and to let that energy be a ripple to those around them. I think in a way, I was always hearing the call on my own heart, to go back to serving others in more vulnerable spaces. So, in my mid-forties, I left it all behind, and with the support of my husband, my two girls and my community of friends and family, I took a leap and went back for my masters degree. It was grueling but I knew it would be worth it. Now, here I am, living my dream, counseling, starting my own private practice and still teaching yoga as much as I possibly can. The biggest lesson I’ve learned this far? It’s never too late to start. A wise teacher I had one time said, “you not living in your purpose is like the sun waking up in the morning and refusing to f*ing shine, so what are you waiting for?!” Yea. I took that personally. And I am so glad I did!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Often times when I’m teaching, or counseling I’ll remind my people, this road we’re on will never be a perfectly paved path. There will be many detours, hard stops, and redirections. My journey through, motherhood, yoga and now counseling has humbled me in more ways then I can share. There were so many times where I doubted my abilities, wore the badge of insecurity and counted myself out. And yet, every single time, I’d allow myself to feel what I needed to, cry it out, and then, I’d tell myself to get up and keep going. Now, I give myself more time to rest in between, because the wisdom of age and loss, reminds me, that this being human, is such a privilege, a gift, and slowing down, in the midst of that hustle, is vital to remembering that.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a Licensed Professional Counseling Associate, supervised by Dr. Patrice Dunn. My daily role as a crisis counselor allows me to serve a diverse population of amazing and resilient beings. I am a trauma certified clinician, and I have found that understanding the mind-body connection is pivotal to our healing process. As a result, I will often incorporate my teachings through mindfulness in the counseling setting. I have also recently started my own PLLC called, Barefoot Soul Counseling & Wellness. Barefoot Soul will be a therapeutic space for all to feel seen, heard and valued. I look forward to this new chapter as it begins to unfold in the coming months! Stay tuned!
What makes you happy?
For me, happiness lives and breathes in the little moments I have with the world around me. It’s walks to coffee, listening to my babygirls talk about what lights them up, holding space while my yogis are in savasana, moments of clarity with my clients, watching a new show with my love, laughing with my people, dancing it out whenever possible, toes in grass, acts of kindness, snuggles with my dog, getting pictures of my nieces and nephews, nature, all of the nature, I could go on and on. Happiness for me, is all about connection. Connection to self, and others.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: barefootsoulcounseling
- Other: TrierLove on Spotify
Image Credits
Peachy Perspectives Photography (main photo) Jenn Hodges (family photo)
