Community Highlights: Meet Emely Romero of Luna Arc Counseling and Lactation

Today we’d like to introduce you to Emely Romero

Emely , we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I knew I wanted to be a Social Worker after I read A Child Called “It” when I was in 7th grade, but I didn’t know exactly what I’d be doing as a Social Worker.

After receiving my Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, I moved from California to Denver to get my Master’s. My first son was born the same year I finished my Master’s, just a couple months before, in fact. I didn’t have many friends and no family in Denver, aside from my partner, this led to a rough introduction into motherhood for me. I found myself to be more irritable, truly, more angry than irritable and extremely anxious about the wellbeing and safety of my son and myself. Even with a Master’s degree in Social Work at the time I still didn’t understand what was wrong, or maybe I did, and didn’t want to admit it.
It took me 15 months to acknowledge and learn that I was struggling with Postpartum anxiety and rage and 15 months to find help. This led to a passion in Perinatal and postpartum mental health. Since then, I have taken trainings and an exam to earn my Perinatal Mental Health Certification to become a therapist who specializes in perinatal mental health and can support others through their journey into motherhood.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
As a first generation college student, it was difficult to navigate higher education. It was even harder when I found out I was pregnant a day before starting Grad school! I had to work hard to complete my classes ahead of time, as I was due a month before school was set to finish.

Since then it has been a journey to obtain the hours needed for my LCSW and build the confidence to launch my own practice. Seeking peer support and finding mentors to guide you is never easy!

We’ve been impressed with Luna Arc Counseling and Lactation , but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Luna Arc Counseling and Lactation is a Therapy practice. I offer individual and couples counseling, specializing in Perinatal and Postpartum mental health and women’s mental health.

I have training alongside lived experience with a postpartum mood disorder and can offer a unique lense for first generation individuals.
I also work for the Colorado Perinatal Mental Health Project as a Group Facilitator! Here I am able to offer free support in various ways for pregnant and postpartum individuals!

I am most proud of my experience and empathy, I aim to be true to myself and look at the strengths of the person in front of me always. I am to put aspects of myself and the things I like throughout my website and social media.
Fun fact, all but 1 of the photos used on my website are mine, not stock photos!

Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
Talk to anyone and everyone at events you go to professionally!
The best thing I did was involve myself fully into the communities I aim to serve. I try to go to every training for perinatal mental health and event for mothers/families I can! When I’m there I take time to walk around, learn about others and what they do, and tell them about myself and what I can offer.

Pricing:

• I accept most major insurances!
• I also offer sliding scale!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.lunaarc-counseling.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lunaarc_counseling?igsh=MW41ZGI5ZGxnem4waQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
• Other: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/emely-romero-denver-co/1404385

Image Credits
Leslie C Photography
For the family pictures and professional photo (black shirt)