– Tell us your story in America, please. Where did you live and work before Texas?
Hi everyone! Thank you for inviting me to the interview and for the opportunity to introduce myself. I moved to Texas seven years ago from the capital of Georgia, Tbilisi. I followed in my parent’s footsteps, and in Georgia, I worked as a doctor and a manager of a pharmaceutical company.
– Was Austin your choice, or was it a coincidence?
Temple, Texas was not my choice. I moved here because my older sister lives here with her family. Me and my sister have been close since childhood, and I chose Texas because I wanted to be closer to her.
– What do you like most about Austin?
Austin is undoubtedly a beautiful city, and anyone can find something attractive in Austin. I like huge green parks and cultural events you can visit in your spare time. Living in the suburbs of Austin, Temple is convenient as Temple has small-town charm while being close to big cities like Austin, Dallas, and others.
– Please tell us about your profession and your work.
I am an ECFMG-certified Medical Doctor, Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Licensed Professional Counselor-Associate, and National Certified Counselor supervised by Aimee Rhodes, LPC-Supervisor. I love my job very much because it allows me to support people in difficult times, help them deal with various psychological problems, assist in bettering themselves, and improving their lives. I work with adolescents and adults using integrative counseling approach, hence providing personalized care. I specialize in autism spectrum disorder, bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety disorders, personality disorders, trauma, relational issues and other conditions/problems.
My path to psychotherapy was thorny. After moving to the US, I successfully passed the United Stated Medical Licensure Exams (USMLE Step 1, Step 2 CK and Step 2 CS), received an ECFMG certificate, and was planning to continue my medical career. Unfortunately, due to certain life circumstances, entering residency and obtaining a license to practice was impossible. It was hard to accept, but I decided not to give up and consider alternative options. As I have always liked psychology, through reflection, I realized that this was my chance to study a profession that was equally important and would allow me to help people. I enrolled in a master’s program in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, one of the best CACREP-accredited universities in Texas. I studied for three years and completed the program summa cum laude. Those were unforgettable years, as I learned an essential profession and met people who became my close friends and support. Looking back, I am very grateful to God and fate for this experience.
– What difficulties did you have to face in America?
Like many immigrants, I had to face difficulties in America. I needed to improve my English and work on my accent, I ran into challenges with finding a job, and longing for friends and my former life in my homeland. The big disappointment was the inability to continue my professional medical career, as my whole life before that was devoted to medicine and helping people. In addition, of course, cultural differences complicated communication with people and promoted social isolation. There was a time when I wanted to give up and stop fighting, but I am happy I was able to find the strength to build my life anew in this country.
– How are your relations with your homeland? Do you miss any aspects of life in your country?
I still miss my homeland very much. Georgia is a beautiful country with a rich culture, hospitable people, unique architecture, and spectacular nature. I communicate with my friends as often as possible. However, the time difference and my busy lifestyle do not allow me to do this as often as I want.
– Please tell us about your family.
I am from a multigenerational family of doctors. I have an older sister, who has always been supportive of me. She is an internal medicine physician and mother to my lovely nieces and nephews here, in Temple, Texas. I have a beloved husband – a programmer and a wonderful ten-month-old son. We have a little Yorkie mix and two cats. I am grateful to God for my family, their love, and support.
– What do you do outside of work? What are your interests and hobbies?
I usually spend free time with my family. In addition, I like to read psychology books, improving my professional knowledge, watch funny comedies or psychological movies, and dedicate a lot of time to advocating for animal rights and helping animals in need. One of my main missions is to de-stigmatize psychological and psychiatric diseases in society.
The quote from Viktor Frankl, an Austrian psychiatrist, psychologist, neurologist, and concentration camp prisoner, describes me quite accurately. It goes like this: “I saw the meaning of my life in helping others find meaning in their lives.”
– What are your favorite books and films?
I have many favorite films, including Beautiful Mind, Irony of Fate, and The Butterfly Effect. As far as books, I prefer Russian classical literature: Pushkin, Lermontov, Yesenin, Dostoevsky, and other classics. In addition, I love the work of the Georgian poet Galaktion Tabidze. One of my favorite books is Dostoevsky’s Crime and Punishment and Irvin Yalom’s The Gift of Therapy.
– What do you think is missing in Austin?
It’s hard to tell what’s missing in Austin. It’s a well-balanced city, but then again, I live in Temple, so I’m probably wrong. However, I can add that Temple lacks cultural centers, museums, theaters, an opera house, and Russian-speaking diaspora.
– What would you like to wish the Russian-speaking residents of Austin and Texas?
With all my heart, I wish the Russian-speaking residents of Austin and Texas peace, happiness, and mental and physical health. And remember, as Viktor Frankl said, “Everyone has his own specific vocation or mission in life: everyone must carry out a concrete assignment that demands fulfillment. Therein he cannot be replaced, nor can his life be repeated”.
Contact information:
Email: aleksandra@hjcounseling.com
Tel: (254) 224-5202