Meet Shlomit Oliel Marquez

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Shlomit Oliel Marquez. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Shlomit below.

Shlomit , so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?

From a young age, I discovered my purpose in life. I quickly realized I was a reliable and safe person for others to turn to when dealing with emotional issues. I served as a “counselor” in unhealthy family dynamics, as my parents shared their marital struggles with me. This heavy emotional burden fostered a deep sense of resilience within me.

Recognizing the need for my own support, I sought counseling, which helped me process my negative childhood experiences and better understand myself. In Latino families, boundaries can often be blurred, but through therapy, I learned to establish healthy boundaries and developed the confidence to become my authentic self.

My transformative experience with counseling, combined with my innate gift for helping others, laid the perfect foundation for my career as a counselor. I began my professional journey in Mexico City, where I earned my bachelor’s degree in Psychology. From my first year in college, I discovered a deep passion for understanding human emotions, the brain, and behavior.

Driven by a thirst for knowledge, I pursued a Master’s degree in Psychoanalysis. At that time, psychodynamic theory was the predominant approach in Latin America, and I was drawn to understanding my clients from that perspective. However, I felt something was missing.

Upon meeting my husband, I decided to further my education by pursuing a Master’s degree in Counseling at the University of North Texas. This experience was instrumental in my personal and professional growth. I found what I was looking for an approach to clients from a wellness perspective rather than a medical one. I became particularly interested in Play Therapy and Dream Work, acquiring more tools to help my child, teen, and adult clients from a holistic and humanistic perspective.

Additionally, due to my own fertility journey, I decided to pursue a Perinatal Mental Health certification, which I will begin in September. I love my job and feel honored to help my clients on their journey of personal growth. When you love your job, it becomes part of your identity and feels less like a burden and more like a contribution to humanity.

These experiences have equipped me with a unique perspective and a strong dedication to supporting others on their emotional journeys. I am committed to making a positive impact on my clients’ lives, drawing from both my personal and professional growth.

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

I am an LPC Associate dedicated to helping children, adolescents, and adults navigate life transitions and emotional and behavioral challenges through acceptance, kindness, and empowerment. I am passionate about multicultural competencies and providing a safe, non-judgmental space for a diverse clientele. As a Latina, immigrant, and multicultural counselor, I particularly enjoy working with the Latinx community facing acculturation and identity issues. I offer counseling services in Spanish, English, and French.

I specialize in treating anxiety, depression, grief, relationship issues, acculturation issues, LGBTQI+ concerns, and perinatal care. I am certified in CBT-I to treat insomnia and sleeping issues in my clients. Currently, I am working towards certifications as a Perinatal Mental Health Counselor and a Registered Play Therapist. I deeply respect my clients’ commitment to their mental health, recognizing that therapy can be both challenging and emotionally draining. Therefore, I encourage self-care and compassion throughout the process.

My humanistic approach empowers clients with self-knowledge, coping skills, and self-acceptance through various methods, including play therapy for children, talk therapy, expressive arts, dreamwork, and mindfulness techniques. I believe change is possible when clients gain a deeper understanding of themselves, their relationships, behavioral patterns, and irrational thinking.

I strive to build collaborative, authentic, and warm relationships with my clients to foster continuous personal growth. I encourage prospective clients to find a unique connection with their therapist to enhance their therapeutic journey.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Looking back, the three most impactful qualities in my journey were empathy, warmth, and authenticity. These qualities have been fundamental in building strong, trusting relationships with my clients and providing the support they need. I believe empathy, warmth, and authenticity are keys to serving well as a counselor. My unique empathy allows me to truly understand and connect with my clients on a deeper level, fostering a sense of trust and safety. My warm demeanor helps my clients feel comfortable and valued, which is crucial for creating a therapeutic environment. By being authentic you have to be true to yourself, and transparent with your clients. This honesty builds trust and models healthy and open communication.
For those early in their journey, I offer the following advice:
1.Engage in Your Own Counseling: Understanding your own emotional triggers and wounds is vital. Personal counseling can help you navigate these areas, ensuring they don’t interfere with your ability to support your clients effectively. This self-awareness is crucial for personal and professional growth.
2.Practice Self-Care and Set Boundaries: The counseling profession is rewarding but can also be emotionally taxing. Regular self-care and maintaining clear boundaries between your personal and professional life are essential to prevent burnout and vicarious trauma. Develop a self-care routine that includes activities that rejuvenate and relax you.
3.Commit to Continuous Learning: Stay updated with the latest research and techniques in the field. Attend workshops, pursue additional certifications, and engage in peer supervision. This commitment to learning will enhance your skills and ensure you provide the best possible care for your clients.
By focusing on these qualities and practices, you will be better equipped to support your clients and sustain a fulfilling and impactful career in counseling.

All the wisdom you’ve shared today is sincerely appreciated. Before we go, can you tell us about the main challenge you are currently facing?

My number one challenge is balancing the demands of being a new mom with my passion for working as a counselor and providing the best services to my clients. Navigating the emotional and physical attention required by my baby while maintaining my professional commitments has been a significant adjustment.

One aspect I am still working to manage is the feeling of mom guilt that arises from taking time for myself and my career. To address this, I remind myself that I am at my best for my child when I am also fulfilled as a professional. Practicing self-care by pursuing my professional goals not only enhances my well-being but also allows me to be a better, more present parent.

Additionally, by fulfilling my career aspirations, I believe I am setting a positive example for my child. Demonstrating responsibility, passion, and hard work provides a valuable model for my baby, showing that it is possible to pursue personal and professional fulfillment simultaneously.

Balancing these roles is an ongoing process, but I am committed to finding a harmony that allows me to thrive both as a mother and a counselor.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.seedwellness.co
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shlomit-oliel-b791291b
• Other: https://linktr.ee/shlo17

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