In this episode of the Traveling Therapist podcast, we had the pleasure of hearing from Cynthia Welsh, a therapist whose journey from traditional practice to globetrotting professional embodies the spirit of adaptation and innovation in the modern world of therapy. Cynthia's story illuminates the transformative power of technology, specifically the advent of Zoom during the pandemic, which opened up a realm of possibilities for therapists to work remotely, thus marrying their passion for travel with their professional commitments. Her narrative is a testament to the evolving landscape of therapy, where geographical boundaries are becoming increasingly irrelevant, allowing for a more flexible and enriched lifestyle without compromising the quality of care provided to clients.

 

Cynthia also shares insights into her personal motivations, drawing from a rich family history that spans continents, and her father's unfulfilled dreams of travel. This deeply personal element adds a layer of authenticity and passion to her professional endeavors. Her approach is not just about offering therapy from any corner of the world but also about creating a fulfilling life that honors her heritage and personal values. Through initiatives like hosting retreats for overworked women and offering specialized CEU training courses, Cynthia is broadening her impact, helping others find balance and rejuvenation, and equipping fellow professionals with the tools to navigate the demands of their vocation more effectively.

 

Key points from the episode include:

 

• In her pursuit of dual citizenship, Cynthia's journey began with tracing her ancestry. 

• The influence of personal and family history on professional paths, illustrating how personal motivations and backgrounds can enrich professional practices and offerings.

• Expanding professional services beyond traditional therapy, by hosting retreats and offering specialized training, showcasing innovative ways to serve the community and fellow professionals.

 

Cynthia started life as a child of immigrants who, due to financial constraints, weren't able to travel as much as they would have liked.  After losing her father at a young age (he was 56, she was 23) She decidedI she needed to start seeing the world and not wait for later! Her mother started to travel to all of the places she and Cynthia’s father wanted to see. She decided she would honor him, and now them, in the same way. By living life, seeing the world, and sharing it with her family. In her adulthood she has visited over 20 countries on 3 continents. During the pandemic, with the availability of telehealth therapy, she started to figure out how to make travel and work blend together. She left her agency job where she had been a Director for over a decade and started her private practice. She traveled and worked from all over the US and abroad when traveling became possible again. In the last year, She has focused on beginning to run domestic and international retreats for "The Overworked Woman" and turning burnout to living life. She is an excellent travel planner and considers all contingencies. She is in the process of planning trainings in family therapy and mindfulness to incorporate another part of herself as a clinician and as a traveler. Finally, and with great excitement, she is  working on getting her Spanish citizenship through ancestry!  She is planning to move to Spain for part of the year once her children are out of college in just a few years. Then, the expat life is the full retirement plan for the future. 

Alma Counseling: www.almacounseling.net

 

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