Arias Gonzales, LPC

My passion for helping others was seeded at an early age and has developed with time and experience. Since my service as a medic in the military and throughout various roles over the years in the behavioral health field, my passion has evolved into a calling and has granted me the opportunity to help others all across the lifespan who experience difficult and complex challenges, such as mental health, criminal justice involvement, trauma, grief and loss, adjustment issues, among other life stressors and challenges. My education and experience have sharpened my skills, broadened my understanding, and enhanced my sense of empathy which helped enrich my personal and professional development as a counselor. Through this development, I gravitated to an Adlerian theoretical orientation which centers on goal-oriented and holistic approaches that foster social connectedness and personal growth to help maximize one's ability to find and experience their true potential. This orientation supports evidence-based strategies that strengthen harm reduction and wellness models to improve quality of life. As eloquently stated by Berne Brown: "Vulnerability is the birthplace of love, belonging, joy, courage, empathy, and creativity. It is the source of hope, empathy, accountability, and authenticity. If we want greater clarity in our purpose or deeper and more meaningful spiritual lives, vulnerability is the path."