Ep. 39 - From Adversity to Resilience: Cultural Identity and Relationships with Dr. Juan Santos

The Holistic Counselor

Welcome to The Holistic Counselor Podcast with your host, Diana S. Rice, LMHC, CIMHP, CTP, QS. In this powerful episode, Diana sits down with Dr. Juan Santos, a distinguished mental health professional and podcast co-host, to explore the intersection of cultural identity, resilience, and thriving relationships.

About Our Guest: Dr. Juan Santos is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Supervisor based in Greensboro, North Carolina. He is the owner of Santos Counseling PLLC, specializing in individual, family, and couples counseling. Dr. Santos has been featured on platforms such as HuffPost News, WFMY News 2, and 102.1, and is the co-host of The Couch Podcast. His expertise in immigration evaluations, ADHD clinical services, and cultural competence has made him a sought-after speaker and clinician.

Episode Highlights:

• Navigating Cultural Identity and Resilience: Dr. Santos shares his inspiring journey from growing up in rural Monte Cristi, Dominican Republic, to thriving in the U.S. as a bilingual therapist. He discusses how his early experiences with limited resources shaped his work ethic, gratitude, and passion for helping others.
• Challenges and Growth in the Mental Health Field: The importance of representation and cultural competence in therapy, particularly for BIPOC communities.
• Marriage and Relationship Therapy: Insights into fostering healthy relationships through repair, understanding, and communication. Dr. Santos emphasizes the role of identity and trauma-informed approaches in couples counseling.
• Practical Advice for Finding the Right Therapist: How to identify a counselor who aligns with your needs and cultural background. Dr. Santos highlights the significance of trust and connection in the therapeutic process.
• Microdosing Self-Improvement: Why small, consistent changes are key to personal growth, with actionable tips for listeners to explore new resources and habits.

Books & Resources Mentioned:

• Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor E. Frankl
• Boundaries by Nedra Glover Tawwab
• The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg
• Hold Me Tight by Dr. Sue Johnson
• The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work by Dr. John Gottman
• Atomic Habits by James Clear
• How to Fix Your Marriage Without Talking About It by Patricia Love and Steven Stosny

Key Takeaways:

1. Representation Matters: Seeing yourself in your therapist fosters trust and understanding, especially for underrepresented groups.
2. Resilience through Adversity: Early challenges can shape your work ethic and perspective, fueling personal and professional growth.
3. Relationships Require Maintenance: Repair and growth are ongoing processes in any healthy partnership.
4. Start Small for Big Changes: Personal development begins with micro-habits and intentional self-reflection.

Connect with Dr. Juan Santos:

• Website: Santos Counseling PLLC
• Podcast: The Couch Podcast
• Social Media: @santos_counseling

Connect with Diana S. Rice:

• Website: Through the Valley Therapy
• Blog: Liberation Lunes
• Podcast: The Holistic Counselor Podcast

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