Today we’d like to introduce you to Veronica Villanueva
Hi Veronica, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I am a Marriage, Family, and Couples therapist who relocated to Denver, CO, in April 2023. My move was driven by a desire to build a community and develop a practice that aligns with my vision of creating meaningful impact. I specialize in working with the LGBTQIA+ community, as well as Black, Brown, and Indigenous individuals who have experienced racial disparities and trauma.
My commitment to serving these communities stems from a personal experience I had at the age of 14. I sought counseling, but the counselor I met was an older white male who appeared impersonal and disengaged. His constant note-taking and lack of eye contact made me feel unsafe and disconnected, leading me to abandon the process.
I am dedicated to ensuring that those who reach out to me feel a genuine connection with both the therapeutic process and with me as their therapist. My goal is for individuals to feel seen and understood, and for them to know that their therapist can truly relate to their experiences. I want to be the therapist I wished I had at 14—someone who understands and empathizes deeply, and who represents a reflection of their own experiences.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Early in my academic career, I encountered significant obstacles and challenges. The silence in academic settings often made it difficult to discuss my lived experiences as a person of color. I grappled with the feeling that my identity was inadequate—neither fully one race nor the other. Navigating my racial identity was a constant challenge as I sought to find my place in my career and adapt to evolving language and societal expectations.
As a biracial queer cis woman, with a heritage that is both Filipina and Black, I was raised by my remarkable single Filipina mother. She was the best parent I could have hoped for, instilling in me a strong work ethic that guided me through my undergraduate and graduate studies while working full-time. Growing up with limited resources, I learned early on that while opportunities may be scarce, it is up to me to create my own path.
My journey has been shaped by these experiences, and they continue to influence my approach to therapy. I am committed to fostering an environment where everyone feels valued and understood, and where we can address the complexities of identity and experience with compassion and empathy.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about ROARING COURAGE COUNSELING LLC?
Roaring Courage Counseling, LLC is a telehealth-based practice dedicated to serving Coloradans both near and far.
Founded in August 2023, Roaring Courage Counseling has been steadily growing its client base. Although my path to becoming a counselor was unconventional, I discovered a profound connection with others and a deep commitment to making a positive impact in their lives.
Our tagline, “Where You Learn to ROAR,” encapsulates our mission: Resiliency, Openness, Awareness, and Regrowth. My goal is to offer the support and guidance needed for each individual to discover and cultivate these qualities within themselves.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
Not that I know of, I am happy to answer anything as needed.
Pricing:
- 185.00 Indvidual
- 195.00 Couples
Contact Info:
