We had the good fortune of connecting with Maria Jefferson, LPC and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Maria, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
I would have to say that I have two important factors behind my success and the success of my brand. My faith in God is my first one and secondly, my authenticity. Both of those factors combined have made me successful thus far in building my business brand because I followed and continue to follow my calling authentically, which helps me demonstrate the passion I have for helping others succeed at achieving their goals.
What should our readers know about your business?
I’m a bilingual Professional Counselor licensed in CT, a Speaker, and a Relationship & Empowerment Coach. I am the founder of Purpose Path Counseling Services, LLC, where I specialize in treating adults with trauma and complex PTSD, particularly racial, urban and cultural trauma within BIPOC communities. I help couples, individuals, organizations and corporations learn how to improve, build, and strengthen their personal and professional relationships. I also coach and mentor other licensed mental health providers establish their private practices and further develop the skills to be successful in managing their business. In addition, I am a Career and Faith-Based Counselor,
My relatability plays a big role in what sets me apart. I’ve been exposed to lifetime traumatic experiences, so as a complex PTSD survivor who was committed to 3 challenging years of trauma treatment with EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing), I chose to also get trained in EMDR and offer a glimpse of hope to each person I encounter that change and healing is possible! I believe that my bilingualism allows me to cater to other Hispanic and Latin American communities because I understand the various cultures and dialects, due to my career as a Spanish Interpreter for over 20 years, my family’s migration process from Chile as political refugees, as well as my mothers legacy to advocate for the less fortunate both in Chile and in the U.S. I am able to connect with those that have experienced trauma from the immigration lens, military lens as the wife of an Army combat theatre Veteran, as well as my personal lived experiences. My dedication to the field is different than others because as I climb the success ladder, I genuinely get excited about bringing others towards success with me.
Although I have a Bachelors in Business Management and a Masters in Human Services with a concentration in Forensic Mental Health Counseling, my strong work ethic, dedication, tenacity, professionalism, integrity, and business mindset was instilled by watching my mother display those same exact values throughout the 19 years I shared with her. I believe that I am walking on my personalized Purpose Path each and every day, and so even when the process gets challenging or discouraging, I refuse to give up and continue staying focused on what I have been purposed and called to do in this life, and that is to help others feel encouraged and empowered enough to believe that they too can heal their inner child from their trauma wounds and find their path that leads to their purpose.
The countless life failures and mistakes that I have made throughout my life have been lessons that have made me stronger. I never saw my mother give up, no matter how hard life got for her as a single mother with two young daughters, as a Chilean political refugee in a country where she did not speak English, nor did she have family. Therefore, the legacy she left me, I have chosen to not give up and to pass that legacy onto my daughters, family and all of the communities that I serve.
I have learned that my faith in God is the foundation of my successful business, and my entire life story is my brand. That is why keeping God first and remaining authentic to my brand is super important to me.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Living in the Hartford, CT area, we are fortunate enough to have a culturally diverse community. I would bring my best friend to explore the various communities that range from urban areas such as Hartford, New Haven, Bridgeport, and New London, where we can find good eats that represent the many different cultures that make up CT. I’d also bring her to both casinos, Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun, and the famous Mystic Pizza where where the movie was filmed that starred Julia Roberts. A trip to Boston and New York City is a must on the week long itinerary.
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I have so many people throughout my life journey that have been instrumental in helping me achieve the levels of success that I have and will continue to manifest; starting with my late mother, who died when I was 19 years old; my husband Ted, my daughters, Xianna and Nalisia, my village of friends that are my family, and so many others who have played a role as a mentor, support, and encouragement; but most importantly, God!
Website: www.purposepathct.com
Instagram: purpose.path
Linkedin: Maria Jefferson, M.S., LPC
Facebook: Purpose Path Counseling Services, LLC
Youtube: MJeffersonLPC
Image Credits
Leslie Gomez of LMG Photography Leslie Escudero of Visualize Studios Painting: inspired and copywritten by Maria Jefferson; painted by Carmen Ortiz