Daniela Peterson
Vista Counseling
Jackson, WY USA
"Always pursue your happiness."
Career Roadmap
Daniela's work combines: Science, Medicine, and Helping People
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Day In The Life
Skills &
Education
Advice for getting started
If you make a choice to study one thing or pursue a career in one field and it doesn't feel right, take a pause and try to visualize yourself doing that work down the road. How do you feel about that visualization? Then try visualizing yourself doing something else. Did it feel right? Listen to your mind. Listen to your body. If something doesn't feel right, it's okay to explore other options and try something new.
Here's the path I took:
High School
Bachelor's Degree
Psychology, General
Universidad Bolivariana
Graduate Degree
Psychology, General
Universidad Bolivariana
Life & Career Milestones
My path in life has been direct
1.
I grew up in Chile.
2.
I went to Universidad Bolivariana in Chile to study psychology.
3.
While pursuing my education, I took a year off to work and save money for tuition—during that time, I met my husband, who was working in Chile as a fly fishing guide.
4.
After graduating, I moved with my husband to Idaho and took a cleaning job at a fly fishing lodge—I didn’t think I’d find a job that would utilize my degree because I hadn’t earned it in the U.S.
5.
When I found an opportunity to work for a Head Start program in Jackson, Wyoming, my husband and I decided to move and give it a try.
6.
While working as an interpreter between English-speaking therapists and Spanish-speaking clients, the clinical supervisor learned that I had a psychology degree and decided to help me.
7.
I did an equivalency program and was able to transfer over enough credits for the U.S. equivalent of a master’s degree, which allowed me to apply for my counseling license.
8.
I’ve since founded my own practice, Vista Counseling, where I work as a mental health therapist specializing in domestic violence, substance abuse, and trauma.
Defining Moments
How I responded to discouragement
THE NOISE
Messages from Myself:
I'll never be able to use my degree in my work.
How I responded:
I earned my psychology degree in Chile and didn't think I'd ever be able to find a job with it after moving to the U.S. I got a job as an interpreter for therapists, which got my closer to what I wanted to do. The clinical supervisor learned I had a psychology degree and helped me find an equivalency program to transfer my credits. I earned the equivalent of a U.S. master's degree and applied for my counseling license. Opportunities are out there—you just have to be open and find the right help!
Experiences and challenges that shaped me
My father struggled with substance abuse while I was growing up. His pain caused me pain but I know that he was not a bad guy. I now specialize in substance abuse at my practice so that I can help others through their pain.
While in college, my family went through hard times and couldn't afford my schooling. I had to take a break from school to work and save money. I was devastated but I got through it by buckling down, finding a job, and visualizing my end goal.