Andrea Villa, MS, LMHC, LPCC
What was your path to becoming a Licensed Mental Health Counselor?
Throughout my life, it always seemed as though I had a sign that read, “Come talk to me.” It wasn’t clear at first that this would lead to becoming a therapist, but it did eventually help me decide to go on this path. Being a therapist is actually my third (or is it my fourth?) career. I worked various temporary jobs before joining the U.S. Army. When I left the Army, I worked for almost a decade in the mortgage industry before leaving to stay home with my children, return to college, and volunteer. I like to think that my current career as a therapist picked me rather than me picking my career. Each life experience led me step-by-step to where I am today and I hope to impart to my clients that it is okay to deviate from a planned path to get to where you are supposed to be in life.
What should someone know about working with you?
I require a free 15-minute online consultation prior to scheduling any sessions. I do this to give you the opportunity to try out the online platform and experience how an online session will look and feel. Once this is complete and we schedule your first session, I will send out intake paperwork required to be filled out prior to the first session. During the first session, we discuss what you are experiencing and what you hope to change before collaborating on a plan to move you forward. Think of it as a conversation to better get to know you and what you want in life. I believe in providing you with therapy sessions tailored to you and your situation that can be worked through one step at a time.
What do you do to continue learning and building competencies as a provider?
I consider myself a lifelong learner. I actually went back to school in my 30's and spent the next 12 years in college to get to where I am now. My college advisors knew I was about to add another certificate or minor whenever I walked through their doors...LOL. Now that I am finished with college, I spend a lot of time learning new skills and taking continuing education courses in my field to further assist me in becoming a better therapist and to allow me to provide more value to my clients.
What are you most excited about within the evolving mental health landscape?
I admit I get overly excited talking about how mental health is 100% as important as physical health. I can get stuck on this topic for a while...LOL. And even though there is still a long way to go, I love that it is becoming more widely accepted to seek help for mental health issues. I'm also especially thrilled the link between physical health and mental health is becoming more realized. Your physical health affects your mental health and vice versa. Getting help doesn't mean you've failed-- instead it means you may not have enough spoons to get you through the day or you have a box full of rubber ducks that may need some extra attention and support to get you through your journey until you are able to handle it on your own again. You are the expert in your own life; I am here to help you navigate it for a short time.