CAROLINA “CUQUIS” ROBLEDO, MS., ASSOCIATE, SUPERVISED BY SHARON MCLENDON, LPC-S

CAROLINA “CUQUIS” ROBLEDO, MS., LPC ASSOCIATE, SUPERVISED BY SHARON MCLENDON, LPC-S

Have you felt unheard or unseen by your doctor? Perhaps you are worried about an upcoming surgery or are dealing with trauma after an operation. Maybe you are also dealing with the stress of having a physical disability and are trying to lie in a world that requires you to adapt. In all of what you are feeling right now, maybe you are dealing with major life transitions, the loss of your identity, or self-esteem issues. You want to live a life just like everyone else, but you deal with anxiety and wish you can control your negative thoughts. You want to accept who you are, and live your life to the fullest with no regrets.

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I am a Licensed Professional Counselor-Associate, supervised by Sharon McClendon, LPC-S. I received my Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of St. Thomas - Houston. My master’s thesis was on how Latin dance can be a mindful and therapeutic tool for the disabled community. My love for this research came from my own experience as a person with a disability using my love of Latin dance to physically and emotionally rehabilitate me from a complicated spine surgery in 2007. Since then, I knew I wanted to help people find ways to express themselves emotionally and help those cope in times of adversity. 

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I always believe creativity and the arts open up doors and avenues for people to express themselves in ways they can’t imagine. Sometimes being creative does help unlock the ability to express ourselves more freely. I like to incorporate some form of art with my clients when appropriate, whether it be drawing or movement, to help tap into thoughts and feelings that may feel trapped. The space I create is a non-judgmental space and I promote opportunities for my clients to feel comfortable being their most authentic selves.

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My primary focus is working with older teens, young adults, adults, the elderly population as well as people with disabilities. I also work with clients who have issues related to life transitions, codependency issues, trauma/PTSD, anxiety, chronic pain/illness, social skills development, and obsessive-compulsive issues. 

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I specialize in clients both with and without disabilities with self-esteem issues, and trauma (which includes medical trauma). She also specializes in working with clients with Burnout. In sessions, I also incorporate the use of the creative arts to facilitate freedom of expression to learn how to live life to the fullest. I will also teach you how to live in the present moment.

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As a counselor with a disability, (I am a Little Person and have a form of dwarfism), I focus on medical trauma for those with or without disabilities. Medical trauma can be a form of life transition that is unexpected, and I want to provide the tools needed to help those who have dealt with or are dealing with medical issues. Being a Little Person, I also specialize in working with the Little People/dwarfism population in the Houston / TX area.

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I spent the first 3.5 years after undergrad working as a disability rights advocate and continue to spread awareness for the disability community. I continue to be an advocate as well for my clients in need of mental health services. I continue to spread awareness and increase the representation of people with disabilities in the media and film production industry, such as in screenwriting, on camera, or behind the scenes in post-production or directing. Everyone has an important story that needs to be heard. Also, being Cuban-Mexican, I love Latin dance and hosting Cuban parties with my family (although I wish I was fully fluent in Spanish).

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Furthermore, I am an award-winning freelance videographer, a writer, a digital storyteller, and a motion designer with a background in documentary work and interactive media. I have a background in Psychology from Duke University and a Master of Arts in Interactive Media from Elon University. I am passionate about telling authentic stories of people in marginalized communities.  

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One of my favorite quotes is, "Life is not about waiting for the storm to pass, it’s about learning to dance in the rain” by Viviane Greene. This quote reminds me of how one can move through adversity in life. I help my clients on their journey toward working through adversity in their lives.