We recently connected with Zulay Romero and have shared our conversation below.
Zulay, so great to have you sharing your thoughts and wisdom with our readers and so let’s jump right into one of our favorite topics – empathy. We think a lack of empathy is at the heart of so many issues the world is struggling with and so our hope is to contribute to an environment that fosters the development of empathy. Along those lines, we’d love to hear your thoughts around where your empathy comes from?
Thank you so much for having me! I am honored to share my story with folks. I believe I have much to share about resilience, burnout, feeling like the only one in the room, and more. However, I genuinely believe that my lived experiences all come together in shaping how I empathize with my clients, my family, and my loved ones.
I was diagnosed late in life (mid to late 20’s) as neurodivergent. Additionally, it wasn’t until I moved to a different state and connected with a holistic doctor that I finally received an answer to my chronic health ailment: fibromyalgia.
Being diagnosed with both mental and physical health conditions has really helped me grasp a deeper understanding of those around me. Now, when I express to my clients, “I understand,” it’s a statement that is truly meant.
My lived experiences also guide how I provide support to my clients and those in my personal life. I can empathize in a way that feels genuine and authentic.
Developing empathy as a professional and as a human has meant I am showing up more authentically in this world.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I am a 30-year-old, nationally registered art therapist and a licensed mental health counselor in North Carolina. I currently reside in Florida and am the proud owner of Genesis Creative Counseling, a virtual private practice based in North Carolina. Genesis was born out of my journey as a woman of color experiencing chronic illness while identifying as neurodivergent.
My spiritual faith plays a pivotal role in my approach to being an artist, human, and professional. It has allowed me to see the souls, minds, and hearts of people as sacred and deserving of protection. A recurring statement my clients may hear from me is the importance of “protecting our peace; we cannot pour from an empty cup.” I advocate against actions driven solely by responsibility, as it can, unfortunately, turn into a burdensome chore, leading to potential resentment.
I hope to teach a commitment to self-care, enabling us to engage from a foundation of love, desire, creativity, and passion.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
The three qualities, skills, and areas of knowledge that have truly shaped my journey are communication, vulnerability, and community. As a natural introvert, these weren’t always my strong suits. I grew up with the “I can do it myself” mindset, but as an adult, I’ve come to realize how skewed that thinking can be. It led to a state of frustration and isolation that became all too familiar.
Learning to reach out for help has been transformative, and in doing so, I’ve developed a passion for sharing my own knowledge. In my two months of running a private practice, I’ve leaned heavily on the generosity of anonymous virtual providers and made a deliberate effort to reciprocate that generosity. Finding joy in my day-to-day life now involves seeking emotional support from friends, participating in online therapists’ hubs, and also sharing valuable information for others to learn from.
What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?
My parents are Hispanic immigrants. Their journey to reach where they are today is awe-inspiring. They are influential business owners and pastors of a local Hispanic ministry in my hometown. While grad school advises against diagnosing oneself or loved ones, let’s be honest – as mental health providers, we observe patterns in those closest to us. Even with the patterns I’ve discerned in my parents, I am utterly amazed by how far they have come. Describing them as resilient human beings would be an understatement.
My mother, in particular, has exemplified how faith and the support of those around us are crucial for overcoming obstacles. She has taught me that tending to our physical well-being informs how we show up mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Meanwhile, my father serves as the quintessential example of not letting others’ opinions shape how we view ourselves, emphasizing the importance of using faith to define our true selves. Their influence has significantly shaped my work ethic and ability to overcome life’s challenges.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.genesiscreativecounseling.com
Image Credits
Myself, David Romero, and Andrew Valdivia from Unsplash.com
