We recently connected with Dr. Mimi Amaral and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Dr. Mimi with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?
I’m honored to say I got my work ethic from my father, Richard J. Amaral Sr., who dedicated his life to taking care of his family. My father in many ways was a great man who worked six days a week so my mother, Roberta E. Amaral, could stay home and raise their four children. My father owned his own company, DHS Construction Company, and I must admit I’m grateful that he passed down his knowledge to all his children. Both my parents shared many healthy qualities such as encouraging us to be leaders, nonjudgmental, compassionate, empathetic, helpful, independent thinkers, and taught us the value of teamwork.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I am grateful that I still work at Harbor Psychiatry & Mental Health, Newport Beach as Psychological Associate and IVF Specialist with the Maternal Health Program. My experience working here has been very rewarding, and the entire team is amazing from the Clinical Director, doctors, PAs, case managers and medical staff to the billing, IT, HR, and all administrative and support staff.
Additionally, I’m excited to share that all five of my books are now available as Audiobooks and they can be purchased on Amazon.
Book 1: Bright Lights Dark Shadows, Shadow Side of Celebrity and Fame
The Shadow Side of Celebrity and Fame: This book delves into the shadow side (unspoken aspects) of celebrity and fame for entertainers and athletes. One may think being in the world of entertainment and sports is a dream come true, but is it? The hidden truths are exposed and explored within. The reader will be led through the possible subjective reality and brings to life the unique issues that entertainers and athletes face in their industries. Subjects covered, but not limited to, are: Lifestyle Risks (e.g., loneliness and isolation, anxiety, depression, acute decomposition, drugs, and death); Lack of Personal Space (e.g., para-social relationships, worship, obsession, stalking, and paparazzi); Fall from Grace (e.g., ageism, plastic surgery, type casting, coming out, and child stars); Observation and Integration (e.g., Advocacy); Shadow to Light (e.g., fast forward to present day).
Book 2: Emasculated, Men Are Abused Too
This book illustrates the shadow side of abuse by providing several firsthand accounts of men who survived abuse. For there to be a shift in the way we perceive abuse and who can perpetrate it, we must understand where our beliefs about gender, gender ideals, and gender roles come from in order to comprehend how men can be abused in many of the same ways a woman can. When we discuss toxic relationships or relationship abuse, we expect to hear stories of women being abused and mistreated by their male partners. This is because we hold the belief that men are strong, aggressive, violent, and controlling, and women are soft, physically weak, nurturing, and loving. This has led us to the shadow attribute that men cannot be abused, and if they are, then they are less of a man.
Book 3: Death, Before & After, A Survivors Guide
Within some cultures, the process of death—before, during, and after—is not commonly or freely discussed. With great care, this book delves into many aspects that may be present along the spectrum of the end-of-life journey: from legal aspects (i.e. executor and medical directive), hospice care, and palliative care to family dynamics, funeral arrangements, and the logistics of closing a loved one’s life. In addition, this book provides firsthand accounts within each chapter to help support those who may feel alone, lost, or unsure of how to navigate the process. Furthermore, the book discusses a commonly overlooked aspect, assisted suicide, in hopes to generate awareness and create a safe space for an open discussion for those wanting to understand more about this topic. No one is alone; we will all face this aspect of life’s journey with a loved one at some point during our lifetime.
Book 4: Lurking In the Dark, Reality of the Times
This book examines many of the intricate issues that are present during adolescence and young adulthood. In Western culture, there are several shadow aspects to adolescence and young adulthood: Puberty, sexuality, sex, masturbation, drug experimentation, human trafficking, pressure to succeed, school shootings, and abusive adolescent relationships all exist and need to be discussed openly. This book mindfully attempts to explore these shadow and unwitnessed subjects and provides resources for young readers. In addition, this book provides firsthand accounts within each chapter to help support those who may be trying to navigate the process. It is important for parents or guardians to openly discuss these topics in a loving, accepting, unjudging manner. Sadly, the shadow aspects of American culture often triumph, and many adolescents and young adults do not get that opportunity.
Book 5: Alternative Conception, From Infertility to Delivery
Though it is not the everyday conversation in most cultures, it is not uncommon for couples to struggle with conception and infertility. Both men and women can struggle with issues of infertility. This book is written with the aspiration to empower intended parent(s) with as much information as possible to ease the whirlwind of uncertainty and questions surrounding infertility and In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF). It guides the reader through the options and process of the IVF journey. This book may help those who are considering the alternative conception route toward creating and/or expanding their family.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
I think I’ve shared this with you audience in a previous article, but it’s worth repeating. The three qualities and life rules I set for myself are: Breathe, Observe, Respond.
I began doing this at a very young age, at first without consciously being aware of it, but as I matured and became more self-aware realized upon reflection it was an innate behavior and coping strategy. I have always been one to observe everything, take it all in, and then contemplate what I witnessed so I may come to my own opinion about everything. Simply put, “I took the Pause.”
To breathe, “Taking the Pause,” allows for a moment of mindfulness and centering so not to blurt out something you may regret saying later. To observe allows one to take an eagle’s eye perspective allowing space between self and situation so to gain perspective. Responding is best when one feels the response will be done in a conscious, mindful, and communicative manner.
These three words have been vital and empowering for my entire life’s journey thus far. Hope they help someone else.
I guess the best advice I would give is:
Take the pause, show yourself grace, and remember no one is immune to growing pains and life is a journey; everyone is on their own path and timeline so stop comparing yourself to others.
To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?
The most impactful thing my parents had done for me was: do what was needed to keep me alive. I realize that sounds like a loaded answer and it is. I was born with congenital mutations and medical conditions that were not discovered until I was approximately 15 ½ and at that time I was diagnose with 6 months to live.
If you want to learn more about my journey and listen to two podcasts that walk you through Q & A sessions describing my experiences and conditions, feel free to review my website at: mimipsy-d.com
Contact Info:
- Website: https://mimipsy-d.com/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Dr.MimiAmaral/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcXxK1ayEuUo8vie4E0Z5Sw
- Other: Book #1 :https://www.amazon.com/Bright-Lights-Dark-Shadows-Celebrity-ebook/dp/B07G14V4CG/ref=sr_1_3
Image Credits
Head Shot: Lucely Jeandron
all other images: Dr. Mimi Amaral
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
