Sophia Velásquez

I have been learning and teaching mental wellness for 20 years. I achieved a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Incarnate Word in 2005 and a Master of Arts in Mental Health Counseling from the University of Texas at San Antonio in 2010.It isn’t typical in my culture and generation to look outward for healing. Many of us didn’t realize that we were experiencing shame, guilt, sadness, oppression, or feelings of inadequacy. For some of us this surfaced as young adults and for others, it will never be acknowledged. When I dreamed up the concept House of Healing, I knew it would be designed for this time and place, where we are awakening to our inner wisdom and search for identity, purpose, and ancestral resilience.I am committed to serving queer, trans, non-binary, Black, Indigenous, people of color; immigrants, are/have been system impacted. I continue the path of working in mental wellness and traditional healing to contribute to political and humanistic movements. Wellness is critical to our survival. I set intention to continue to reach and serve people who are seeking soul healing to unlearn the ways of the oppressors, to create momentum and movement toward identity, self-love, self-compassion, and rest. I work with folks who are seeking to identify and release what no longer serves them through talk therapy, movement, music, meditation, and traditional medicinal herbs. I am rooted in alignment with my purpose for this life, choosing to express my free spirit of individuality and authenticity.

I look to my parents to share their knowledge, lived experiences, unconditional love, and enduring support - - it is through their prayers, sacrifice, expectations, and modeled work ethic that I have arrived here. I find sweetness and belonging with my sister Nicole, niece Anisa, nephew Isaiah, and my wife Andrea. I honor and connect deeply with my ancestors, the women who came before me, the women who came before them. I find peace with Madre Tierra and all her teachings.