Digame: Patricia Alvarado is Helping Latinxs to Heal From Generational Trauma

Patricia Alvarado is a Mexican American dually licensed psychotherapist, speaker, author and professor. She’s also the jefa behind Alvarado Therapy, an Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) group therapy practice based in California dedicated to trauma healing. She is an EMDR Certified Therapist which requires moving your eyes in a specific way while discussing traumatic memories. She’s a regular contributor to HipLatina where she discusses mental health within the Latinx community including being a working Latina mom, the impact of marianismo, and addressing family trauma that’s often denied.

Which Latina(s) have had the greatest impact on your life and why?

Many Latinas come to mind — If I think about celebrities, America Ferrera, Gina Rodriguez, and Liz Hernandez come to mind. They are sharing stories and showing that Latinas are multifaceted. If its personal, I would say my grandmother. She was the matriarch of our family and someone that only showed love to her children and grandchildren. She would make a beautiful meal out of anything and was always open to hearing all of our stories, even if they didn’t make sense at the time. At the end of the day, she was always in your corner.

If you could meet a Latina icon who is no longer alive, who would it be and why?

I would want to meet Frida Kahlo. I’ve had the opportunity to visit the Blue House in Mexico City as well as visit the home of Diego Rivera in Guanajuato and I am always amazed by her story. She was mourning her life while living and I would have loved to hear more about her grief and identity from a mental health perspective. Through her art she expressed deep emotional issues, something that Mexico was not ready for at the time.

What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

Control the controllables and lo que es tuyo, nadie te lo quita/ nobody can take what is yours. I’ve very big on believing that there are no coincidences and because of that, whatever comes my way, whatever i want to control or don’t want to control. Ultimately if it’s for me, it’s for me. This is why I enjoy supporting other therapists because there are enough clients for everyone – and what is meant for you will always find its way. Control the controllables allows me to notice that there is only so much I can do – leaning further into the piece that whatever is meant for me, just is.

Who was the first person to believe in your dreams/goals?

I have a really close of friends that have been believing in my dreams since I was an undergraduate student. My family has always been supportive but unfortunately they don’t always understand what I need or what I’m doing. However, this group of women — there are seven of them — have been my hype women day in and day out. They follow my work, ask questions, buy the books, shared the posts and overall can “see me.” It’s beautiful to know that we were so close when we first met as 18 year olds and now we continuously support each other through each new endeavor.

How do you stay connected to your cultural roots?

Thankfully I’m from Ensenada, Baja California so I can easily drive down and visit family. My father lives in Ensenada and so does my grandfather, two key people in my life. I like going down there and hearing stories, cooking (or just eating!) and spending quality time together. Also, I have a toddler and it’s really important for me that he learns Spanish so I solely speak to him in Spanish. My hope is that this helps him stay connected to his cultural roots as well.

What do you wish more people understood about what you do?

That we are just people. I know that sometimes we are called “shrinks” and I don’t take offense to that. Ultimately, I want everyone to remember that we all need someone and just how you care for your physical health — your mental health is just as important. Therapy does not mean you are crazy, on the contrary, going to therapy means that you care about yourself so much that you are willing to invest the time and emotional energy to look beyond yourself and notice the blind spots.

What motivates you?

My son. He really is who pushes me day in and day out because I want him to live in a world where he doesn’t have to struggle in the same ways that I’ve struggled. I want to create a life that he is proud of, with memories that shape the man that he will become.

How did you end up on the professional path you’re on now?

I always believe that things happen just how they are supposed to. Originially I was going to school to be a school counselor because of my own experience with my school counselor. However I quickly realized that this was not what I wanted to do and thankfully, I was able to easily switch tracks. At the time Loyola Marymount University was introducing the new therapy license in California – the Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC). I took this opportunity not knowing what to expect and ran with it…years later, here I am!

What is your greatest professional achievement so far? Personal achievement?

Professional achievement has been having a group practice which amazing clinicians by my side. This is something that I did not plan for and yet here we are, doing it! Personal achievement: owning my own home. I’ve never lived in a home that I own until now. When I was growing up, we were never homeowners. This felt like an unattainable achievement and fortunately, in Dec 2022, I was able to purchase my first home, con mucho esfuerzo y much orgullo.

What is a goal you have that you haven’t accomplished yet and what are you doing to get closer to accomplishing it?

Writing a book. I’ve written a post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) journal but this would be a little different. I would want to write a book full of stories by us, for us. Currently I am working on getting a literary agent to continue the vision within this goal.

What pop culture moment made you feel seen?

Shakira performing at the Super Bowl. I’m a HUGE Shakira fan – she was the first artist I saw live and seeing her on this stage, in an event like the Super Bowl really made me feel proud to be Latina. Another moment was living to see Mexico have its first female President in a country known for its machismo. I know nothing about Mexico politics but in that moment I was proud to be Mexicana.

How do you practice self care?

Recently I took up pilates and it’s really cool! I try to make it to class twice a week and treat myself to a protein smoothie right after. It’s sometimes the little things that can help you self soothe. I also enjoy sitting on my patio and just reflecting on the day. Those small pockets throughout the day really bring me peace.

Quick Fire:

Shoutout an Instagram account that could use more love and tell us why you’re a fan:

@Encuentrate.CC: Daisy is awesome and is incredibly knowledgeable. She has been in the mental health space since she was 18 years old. She is a Latina pushing the limits within her community!

Shoutout your favorite Latina owned business and why:

Lil Libros by Patty Rodriguez. I love the books and have bought many for my son and nieces. I think it’s awesome that there was a need for bilingual books and Patty Rodriguez made it happen. It’s inspirational to see that a Latina did that!

Digame is a monthly series featuring prominent Latinx leaders, activists, entrepreneurs, and public figures uplifting the community and making a difference.