Today we’d like to introduce you to Amanda Arriola.
Hi Amanda, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
The running joke is that I’m a therapist because of the immense anxiety I experienced as music major in College, haha! But, seriously, as a young elementary school teacher- I had students moving through all kinds of things; death of a family member, deployments, trouble connecting with other kids, issues at home; you name it. I wanted to be able to support in a more personal manner than I could in my music room. When I told my husband that I wanted to pursue my masters degree in school counseling, he was incredibly supportive, but encouraged me to find a track that would help me work towards licensure as well just in case I ever wanted to go beyond the school system. I told him that I really didn’t see myself ever going into private practice, but agreed to take the extra classes just in case. I completed my post graduate supervision in the midst of pregnancy with my oldest two kiddos and also the pandemic! What should have taken three years took me almost five! Around the time I finally had the hours completed and received my counseling license, a friend happened to have an office opening up. I thought, “well- I’ve made it this far, might as well give it a go!” And with a sublease and a $1000 loan from my Dad in hand, Hill Country Heart Counseling was born. For several years, I was an elementary school counselor by day and moonlighted as a therapist two nights a week. After the birth of our third baby a couple years ago, I decided it was time to take the leap and took my practice full-time.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Is anything worth doing ever really easy? I am a lucky girl to have incredible support in my spouse, my parents, and so many friends who still hold my hand and talk me off the edge at times. I was in public education for 14 years. I loved being a school counselor for a million different reasons! Leaving a setting that was stable and familiar is the scariest thing that I have ever done. Being a small business owner is always going to come with its share of stresses and obstacles. I am very much a people person. I am great with feelings and making people feel validated and comfortable! Not so much with numbers and schedules. At Hill Country Heart, it is just me! In addition to being a therapist, I am the receptionist, scheduler, office manager; all jobs that I’m not sure I’m truly qualified for haha! There have been many, MANY growing pains over the last few years. They don’t teach you anything about paying quarterly taxes in grad school! The other piece I’ve really had to work at is holding space for others while still maintaining my own boundaries and wellness. I am a very compassionate person by nature and truly want to help when something is asked of me. However, at the end of the day, I am a wife and a mama before anything else! Remembering my “why” helps me remember that it’s okay not to respond to texts or emails when I’m in the middle of snuggling on the couch with my own babies.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Hill Country Heart Counseling provides counseling, play therapy, and parent consults to kiddos ages 3-18 and their families in New Braunfels and surrounding areas.
When working as a school counselor, I was constantly looking for community mental health resources for my students and their families. Being a kid (and a parent!) in a digital era is hard!! There are not enough clinicians out there who truly specialize in children or have the training and the unique skill set to do so.
I am proud that I can fill a need in my community in a way that is accessible to more families like my own. At Hill Country Heart, the gal with a messy bun, a messy desk and three messy kids of her own is exactly who you are getting! I think my experiences as an anxious kid myself, a former school counselor, and now a parent set me apart because I can very much relate to what so many of the families who come to me, are walking through! When you and your child come to me for services, you will be welcome just as you are with open arms.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
Sooo many people! My husband, Robert, for telling me that if we were going to go tens of thousands of dollars into debt for a masters degree, I’d better get my professional license! Haha! He has seen this through with me from the very very beginning. Has held my hand through so many anxious moments, and has always been the first to celebrate new milestones. I could not do this without his support.
My Dad for giving me the $1000 loan to pay my first month’s rent and apply for my LLC. And him, my Mom and my Stepmom for raising me to believe that I could be anything I put my mind to. Also for having the world’s happiest and most functional divorce! They set the bar HIGH for how to show up for your kid and I use them as an example with the many co-parents I now work with.
Sweet grad-school friends and colleagues, and also my amazing former supervisor who all graciously respond to every frantic text I send asking for advice!
My beloved community of NBTX for making room for my little business and embracing me. So many clients find me by word of mouth. I love our little, big town!
My bestie, Randi, for taking the pictures used in this feature in exchange for a DoorDash lunch!
Pricing:
- Cash Pay- $125 per session
- Insurance- copay varies by plan
Contact Info:
