We had the good fortune of connecting with Alexis (Jardine) Flores and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Alexis, alright, let’s jump in with a deep one – what’s you’re definition for success?
That is a really good question. I may have a less common view of success. Many may define it as money, power, status, and that may be success to those individuals, but I do not see it as a one size fits all. Let me lead with a quote that has resonated deeply with me — “some people are so poor, all they have is money.” I grew up watching my extended family strive to continue to earn more, believing money was the key to happiness; and all I saw was a forever moving finish line they never crossed. They were unhappy, lived lavish, yet empty, lives, and wished failure on my family, who found success and happiness elsewhere. Reflecting on my childhood, I’d say my parents valued moments, memories, milestones, where family was at the core. This profoundly shaped me. I find value, meaning, achievement, wealth, and success in (1) family, whether that be blood and / or chosen family (and let’s not forget the fur babies) (2) within deep and meaningful friendships that nurture with love and laughter, heal wounds, and fill voids, (3) those once-in-a-lifetime relationships, perhaps, call it the ‘love of your life,’ (4) passion and purpose, feeding into something meaningful and incredible, and (5) memories that should make the cut in the mental video montage at the end of life. To have any, or all of these, I’d say someone is quite wealthy and successful. Now, taking that into my role as a therapist, I find success in moments — moments of celebrating a win, an overcoming, finding their voice, boundary setting, confidence building, feeling proud, healing, and so much more. Success is everywhere, and it’s priceless.

Smiling woman with long wavy hair, wearing a light blue sleeveless top and beige pants, standing indoors with plants and a clock behind her.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I created Therapy Worthwhile in an effort to fill gaps in the field. Here, you’ll find therapists who are professional in how they show up and are reliable and consistent. There is no judgment, it’s stigma-free, and we view people as dealing with diagnoses, not ‘they are their diagnoses.’ We are all trauma-informed, understanding that our ways of operating are rooted in experiences. We utilize bottom-up approaches, meaning we work to locate the source, clearing the origin point. It’s the equivalent of getting to the source of the pain to heal rather than just giving pain medication for the pain. One addresses the root that leads to the surfacing issues; the other addresses solely what is presenting at the surface. Finally, I wanted a place for people to land that offers collaborative care, where we understand what the Client wants to work on and the outcome they want, and we work together to help get them there. I illustrate this as the Client is the driver, and the therapist holds the map, the two working together to get to the goal posts.

Box of tissues on a wooden table with a blurred background of a lamp, plant, and wall art.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
How much time do you have for me to answer this question?! I have a list, but I’ll highlight some of my favorites: a rage room at RAGESCAPE or axe throwing at CHOPSCAPE, highly rated escape rooms listed on the Morty app, coffee at Bodhi Leaf Coffee Traders, lunch options of AhiPoke, Kura Revolving Sushi bar, or Hickory & Spice, dinner at INI Ristorante, nightcap at Astro Lumina, followed by dessert at Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream.

Office waiting area with chairs, a wooden cabinet, potted plants, and a wall clock, with a frosted glass door.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I am beyond honored to sit here and admit that I have an incredible support network that is owed so much credit. No words can truly capture the gratitude and love I feel for them, but I’ll do my best, as I cry my way through this. To my Day 1 supporters, my parents, who showed me unconditional love, relentless support, life direction, and emphasized my strengths and capabilities. To my husband, who is the most amazing partner I could have asked for and has supported me, cheered me on, and challenged any self-doubt and repaired any cracks in my confidence. To my friends, who have been by my side through highs and lows, celebrated with me, cried with me, and showed up in my times of need. To my soulmate in a fur baby body, who was there in a chapter of various changes, created moments of laughter, showed endless love, and held on until I found and fell in love with my husband. To my Grandpa, who showed me the value of being present and never held back how proud he has been in me. To my graduate school mentor, who saw something in me before I could see it for myself. I am overcome with gratitude to sit here spoiled with immense love and support from them, as they have positively impacted my life.

Website: https://www.therapyworthwhile.com/

Living room with beige sofa, wall art, and a side table with a lamp, plants, and a rug.

Home office with desk, chair, shelves, plants, and a window, illuminated by natural light.

Beige sofa with cushions next to a black side table holding a plant, against a plain wall.

Wall with five framed certificates and diplomas arranged in two rows, some overlapping, on a white wall.

Image Credits
Sarah Nichols; Alexis Flores.

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