Today we’d like to introduce you to Taylor Gonzalez.
Hi Taylor, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I grew up in Escondido, California, and was diagnosed with ADHD and Generalized Anxiety Disorder at a young age. Throughout school, I often felt misunderstood by teachers, peers, and even some adults around me. I struggled socially, battled depression, and frequently felt like I didn’t fit in.
What made those challenges even harder was that some of the people I looked to for guidance didn’t believe in my potential. I had teachers, as well as parents of other students, who openly expressed doubts about my future and told me I would never go to college or amount to much in life. As a young person already struggling with confidence and mental health, those messages were incredibly difficult to hear.
Despite those challenges, I developed a passion for psychology and mental health, largely because of my own experiences. I wanted to better understand why people struggle and how we can support them. That passion led me to earn a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and pursue a master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling.
Along the way, I spent several years working as a crisis counselor with the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, supporting people through some of the most difficult moments of their lives. I also completed clinical training working with youth and families, which helped me discover my passion for supporting children and adolescents.
Today, I am graduating with my master’s degree, beginning my career as a therapist, and working toward my goal of helping neurodivergent youth recognize their strengths and potential. As someone who grew up feeling misunderstood, I am passionate about showing young people that a diagnosis does not define what they can accomplish.
Looking back, the challenges I faced became the foundation for the work I do today. My hope is to be the person I needed when I was younger, someone who sees beyond labels, believes in a child’s potential, and reminds them that they are capable of far more than they may realize
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Growing up with ADHD and anxiety, I often felt misunderstood by teachers, peers, and even some adults around me. I struggled with depression, self-confidence, and feeling like I didn’t fit in. One of the hardest challenges was being told by some teachers and parents of other students that I would never go to college or be successful.
As I pursued higher education, I also had to balance work, school, internships, and personal responsibilities, which came with plenty of stress and self-doubt. However, those experiences taught me resilience and helped shape my passion for working with youth who may feel misunderstood or underestimated. Today, many of the challenges I faced are the reason I am so committed to helping others recognize their strengths and potential.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a therapist-in-training who is passionate about supporting children, adolescents, and young adults navigating challenges such as anxiety, depression, emotional regulation difficulties, and life transitions. I am especially interested in working with neurodivergent youth, including those with ADHD, Autism, and AuDHD, because of both my professional training and personal experiences growing up neurodivergent.
Before entering the counseling field, I spent several years working in crisis such as the crisis text line and a crisis counselor with the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, supporting individuals during some of the most difficult moments of their lives. That experience strengthened my passion for mental health and helping others feel seen and supported.
What I am most proud of is turning many of the challenges I faced growing up into a career dedicated to helping others. I am currently completing my master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and preparing to register as an Associate Professional Clinical Counselor (APCC). In the future, I hope to open a private practice focused on supporting neurodivergent youth and helping young people recognize their strengths, build confidence, and realize that their diagnosis does not define their potential
What matters most to you?
What matters most to me is helping people feel seen, understood, and supported, especially young people who may feel misunderstood or overlooked. Growing up with ADHD and anxiety, I often felt alone in my struggles and wished I had more people who understood what I was going through.
That experience is a big part of why I chose this profession. I believe every child deserves someone who believes in them, recognizes their strengths, and helps them see their potential, even when they can’t see it themselves.
Beyond my work, my family, faith, and relationships are incredibly important to me. They have provided me with support during some of the most challenging times in my life and remind me why connection and community matter so much.
At the end of the day, I hope to leave people feeling a little more hopeful, understood, and empowered than they did before we met.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/psychwithtaylor?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/taylor-gonzalez-6981806b?utm_source=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=member_ios
