Meet Vaelupe Ma’aele

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Vaelupe Ma’aele. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Vaelupe, so good to have you with us today. We’ve got so much planned, so let’s jump right into it. We live in such a diverse world, and in many ways the world is getting better and more understanding but it’s far from perfect. There are so many times where folks find themselves in rooms or situations where they are the only ones that look like them – that might mean being the only woman of color in the room or the only person who grew up in a certain environment etc. Can you talk to us about how you’ve managed to thrive even in situations where you were the only one in the room?

Ten years ago, when I first decided to become a therapist, I remember thinking how I would explain my work to my family. As a Pacific Islander person, we are often times under represented and/or misrepresented in many fields of work. In the mental health field as a private practice therapist, I am more often the not, the only one in the room who likes like me. Whether it is my hair, my tattoo or even by genetic build – I stick out. It took me three years in undergrad to meet another islander and 8 years into my career before I even met another Pacific Islander in the mental health field.

I’ve learned to bring light to the disparities in marginalized communities by using my experience as a testimony. This not only helps me to highlight the impact of visibility but it usually leads me to talk about why intentional outreach and resources are important and necessary to demystify the stigma around mental health for marginalized communities. When I am able to use what could be seen as a disadvantage as a benefit, it makes room for collaboration and opportunities to network with like minded individuals who may feel similar or space for support.

I’ve learned that in order be successful, you have to be willing to get uncomfortable. This sometimes looks like taking up space when you’re the only one speaking for many.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

As the owner of Pasifika Rooted Therapy, my greatest intention is to be a resource in bridging the gap between culture and mental health. My heart-work is driven by supporting other queer, BIPOC and pacific islanders in their healing journeys towards a more authentic and fulfilling life. In therapy, I am passionate about creating a space specifically for those seeking an inclusive therapist who embraces intersectionality and understands the complexities that make up one’s identity: multiculturalism, race, sexual orientation, neurodiversity, and more.

The merch of my practice is something I am most excited about right now, through each sale I am able to subsidize therapy and sometimes offer free mental health services to Pacific Islanders who may not have insurance or cannot afford therapy. Not only this, my merch aims to demystify the stigma for marginalized communities, it is a small testament of my intention to spread awareness and highlight the power of community.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Reflecting back on my journey as a therapist and now a business owner, the three qualities that were most impactful in my journey were resilience, ambition and utilizing support. When you’re the first or sometimes the “only” one in your path, it can feel lonely and often times discouraging. The biggest shift for me was not letting my circumstances define how successful I’d be. By nurturing a positive view of myself, building connections and adapting to change I was able to truly grow. The hunger to experience a life that didn’t center around limitations and deficits constantly played in my mind, this is what helped me to stay ambitious and set goals for myself. Asking questions and putting myself in spaces where I felt uncomfortable is what pushed me to find support. Remember that support can look different for every need, sometimes it’s an email to a professor for extra time, other times it’s reflecting with a close friend or maybe giving yourself the space to take a break.

My advice to folx who are early in their journey and developing these qualities, is don’t let fear win. Give yourself permission to explore that worry and use it to help you figure out what’s next in the journey. Find connection in people and spaces that align with where you’re wanting to be and what helps you feel supported and seen. Anxiety is normal and typically can be a guide to your growth if you let it be. Stay true to your purpose even when it is shifted by life circumstances, relationships and personal battles.

Tell us what your ideal client would be like?

As a holistic trauma therapist, I intend to help those seeking help to find relief from their inner struggle and pain. My passion is to aide those in therapy to connect with themselves and others for a more fulfilled life. Through use of various therapeutic modalities, building an informed approach is unique to every person so one size fits all does not apply here. My practice exists to share critical information to my community so that they are better equipped to move with agency in their own lives and show up for their neighbors, cultivating generative, resilient, and locally-sustained communities. I acknowledge the necessity of anti-oppression and anti-racism work and am devoted to continuing to cultivate communities that are inclusive of humans of all races, abilities, cultures, sexual orientations, bodies, gender identities, and backgrounds.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.pasifikarootedtherapy.com
• Instagram: @pasifikarootedtherapy
• Other: Link to book a free consultation: https://calendly.com/vaelupem/free-consultation?month=2024-10