Meet Dr. Karla Arriarán

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

Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Dr. Karla 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 think my work ethic is a combination of learned behavior, expectation and intrinsic motivation. As an immigrant, and the oldest of three, we were raised with hard working, dedicated parents. There was no other option. My parents came to the US with the hope of providing their children a better life. Seeing my parent’s hard work motivated me to do the same. My siblings and I have all broken the glass ceiling, so to speak. We are all in industries where we are giving back, in various areas of specialty. My sister and I both have doctoral degrees and my brother is in his first year of his doctorate program.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
As a Latinx therapist with over two decades of experience in counseling, I bring cultural insight, empathy, and expertise to my practice. I’ve always been passionate about helping others whether it’s guiding someone through life transitions, supporting them through anxiety, or helping them navigate complex relationship dynamics, I approach each situation with care, compassion, and a commitment to empowering my clients.

As a therapist specializing in working with high-functioning, professional individuals and couples, I understand the unique pressures and complexities that come with demanding careers and vibrant relationships. Through advocacy, education, and community involvement, I intend to break down barriers to mental health care and promote greater understanding and acceptance of diverse experiences.

I am dedicated to continuing my work as a virtual therapist in private practice in California while also setting my sights on expanding to Washington DC in the near future. My goal is to extend my reach and provide support to individuals in both locations, fostering healing and growth wherever I go.

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?
Through my professional journey, determination, resilience, and optimism have been my guiding stars. With unwavering determination, I pursued my goals relentlessly, refusing to let obstacles deter me. When things became difficult, resilience became my strength, allowing me to bounce back more determined than ever. And when uncertainty got the best of me, it was my optimism that showed me opportunities where others saw only roadblocks. These qualities have not only shaped my career but also defined who I am as a professional, driving me towards success even in the face of adversity. These are qualities instilled in me through the support of my parents and the examples they set along the way.

One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
Absolutely! I am eager to collaborate with mental health practitioners as referral sources and potential partners in California or Washington DC. As a clinical therapist, I specialize in providing tailored therapy services to high functioning, professional individuals and couples. Together, we can ensure that clients receive comprehensive care and support. For more information on potential collaborations, please reach out to me at [email protected]. Let’s work together to make a difference in the mental health landscape.

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