We were lucky to catch up with Eric Impallomeni recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Eric, appreciate you sitting with us today to share your wisdom with our readers. So, let’s start with resilience – where do you get your resilience from?
Resilience, for me, is deeply intertwined with my journey toward becoming a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC). As I’ve delved into the complexities of mental health, not just as an academic pursuit but as a deeply personal endeavor, I’ve discovered that resilience is not an innate trait but a skill—one that can be cultivated, shaped, and strengthened.
My education has been life-changing, serving as a lens through which I’ve come to understand my own mental health in ways I never could have imagined. The theoretical knowledge I’ve gained has profoundly influenced my personal growth, allowing me to reframe challenges and setbacks as opportunities for development rather than insurmountable obstacles. This shift in perspective is what has allowed me to develop true resilience.
In 2023, I made the decision to start taking Prozac, a choice that was both difficult and empowering. I’d spent years battling with the idea that needing medication was somehow a weakness, a crutch that I should be able to do without. But my studies helped me recognize that mental health is just as vital as physical health, and seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
Prozac has changed my life in ways I could never have anticipated. It’s as if the weight I didn’t realize I was carrying has been lifted, allowing me to face life’s challenges with a newfound clarity and strength. The stigma around mental health and medication is real, but I’ve come to see that it’s beautiful to recognize one’s needs and to be proud of taking action.
My resilience is not just a product of my circumstances but of the conscious decisions I’ve made to take control of my mental health. It’s the result of learning to view struggles as temporary and to trust in the process of growth, even when it’s uncomfortable. Resilience, for me, is about embracing my journey with all its complexities and being unashamed to seek the support I need to continue evolving.
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 go by the name Temple Mountain, and I’ve dedicated my life to pursuing both psychology and music. It’s a bit like living a double life, one that I like to compare to Batman’s—by day, I’m a student working hard to become a licensed therapist, delving deep into the complexities of the human mind. By night, I transform into a musician, performing three-hour bar gigs across New England, where I share my love for classic cover tunes and my own original music.
What makes this journey so exciting is the way these two worlds intersect. My studies in psychology have deeply informed my songwriting, allowing me to explore themes of identity, emotion, and the human experience in ways that resonate on a profound level. I see music as a form of therapy in itself—a way to connect with others, share stories, and provide a sense of comfort and understanding.
When I’m on stage, I’m not just performing; I’m creating an experience. Whether it’s a cover of a beloved classic or an original piece that dives into my personal journey, I aim to make every show a memorable one. I thrive on the energy of live performances, the connection with the audience, and the opportunity to bring joy, reflection, or simply a good time to those who come out to see me play.
Right now, I’m focused on continuing to grow both as an artist and as a future therapist. The gigs are constant, and I’m always looking to push myself creatively, whether that’s through writing new music or finding innovative ways to connect with my audience. I have some exciting plans in the works for new music and performances, so stay tuned—there’s much more to come from Temple Mountain.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
It’s incredibly challenging to narrow down to just three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that have been most impactful in my journey, but if I had to choose, these would be the ones:
1. Acceptance: This has been crucial for me, especially in terms of self-acceptance. I was diagnosed with ADHD at an early age, and whether the diagnosis was entirely accurate or not, it carried a societal stigma that made me question myself for many years. Over time, I’ve learned to embrace who I am, understanding that these perceived challenges are part of what makes me unique. My advice to others is to practice self-compassion and acceptance. It’s easy to get caught up in how society defines us, but the real journey is in defining ourselves on our own terms.
2. Prioritization:I’ve come to value the concept of priority deeply. We all have things we want to accomplish, but life’s daily demands often get in the way. For me, it’s about finding the mental strength to push through those quotidian challenges and focus on what truly matters. My advice for those early in their journey is to be clear about your priorities and make time for them, even when life tries to distract you. Prioritizing what’s important will help you stay on course and achieve your goals.
3. Realistic Perspective: Having a realistic perspective has been key to my personal and professional fulfillment. I understand the allure of dreaming big, of wanting to become a star. However, I believe it’s equally important to see the beauty in the present. As I sit here, writing this, with my wonderful fiancée by my side and our three cats nearby, I’m reminded of how good life can be right now. My advice is to stay grounded in the present, appreciating the small moments that make life meaningful. Dreams are important, but so is the journey we’re on today.
Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?
I feel incredibly fortunate to be engaged to my wonderful fiancée, who has been instrumental in helping me overcome challenges and build the skills I need to succeed. She is an inspiring person who embodies what Carl Rogers would call “unconditional positive regard.” Her unwavering support and belief in me have made all the difference in my journey.
What’s truly special about her is how she’s always there for me, both emotionally and physically. She attends most of my gigs, ensuring that I never have to play to an empty room. Knowing she’s in the audience gives me a sense of comfort and confidence that I wouldn’t trade for anything. Her presence and encouragement have not only made my path easier but also more meaningful.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Www.templemountainmusic.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/templemountainmusic?igsh=MnpjYnBrNTg0aGgz&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/MkQxxdANGNYWjAUf/?mibextid=LQQJ4d
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@templemountainmusic?si=zlTM9yKKILQdpwlK
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2aZVaGFON4yzhKPNIKdsse?si=sKuGVxPoSDWD2VevESHKCA
Image Credits
Hannah Burkholder
Emily Winter
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