Counselor Spotlight: Michele
We sat down with Michele Suarez, LAC to discuss backup plans, when to start counseling, and Korean spicy rice cakes.
Tell us a bit about yourself.
I grew up in New Jersey, lived in Pennsylvania for many years, but have recently moved back to New Jersey. I’ve been told I’m hard to read by some, or that my face is very expressive by others. I value fun, but also feel all emotions are made equal by God and need to be looked at. I like to bake for others, and feel a holiday without a good dessert is incomplete. My current favorite food is Korean spicy rice cakes.
What was your journey to becoming a counselor?
Being from a low-income Latino family, there was no disappointment around not going to college, but it was also made to sound like an option. For years after graduating high school, I stayed involved in a youth group as a leader. One day I was talking with someone about my desire for the students to know how much God cared for them, and she expressed feeling touched at my words. At that moment I heard my calling to help others recognize how God sees and loves them. Following that conversation, I started college with a one-track mind to become a counselor. I always worked one or two jobs to make it through.
I recall a moment of panic as I realized I’d been paying for classes, expecting to get into the counseling program, but never considered a backup plan. In the end, I was accepted. I made some of my closest friends there and loved my professors (some of whom are still an amazing help in my counseling and life journey).
What elements of counseling are you most passionate about?
I think it’s amazing how small steps in counseling can add up to really big changes and growth. Tied to this, I love to hear when a client has used tools that they learned in the counseling room in their everyday life.
Describe your approach to counseling.
One of my skills as a person is being honest and bold. I don’t have a desire to be mysterious in the counseling room. I want my clients to feel heard, safe, and cared for. I try my best to adapt to what makes them feel this way while also balancing how I think I can help them grow.
Any advice for someone considering counseling?
A lot of people feel their issues aren’t big enough, or they want counseling but they’re waiting until they know just how to phrase it. I would say if it’s something you want to do, then that’s important enough to start.
What do you do for fun?
I enjoy spending time with my sister and her dog, Ollie. Either with my family or friends, I love to go on walks, play games, watch shows/movies, or find new adventures to go on. I’m always good for a spontaneous hangout, even if we just sit around talking. I also love spending time with or video-calling my niece who’s a toddler.
What’s your favorite show?
Easily the animated show Over the Garden Wall. Due to the fact that it’s a mini-series, they had the ability to make the background scenes and details so beautiful. The episodes contain themes that as a Christian and counselor I really appreciate. One of the main characters even goes through tremendous character growth in a short time span—which feels reflective of what someone on a growth journey can experience.