Maria Cedeno faces trauma head on. Her work as a clinical counselor for Violence Recovery Services (VRS) has allowed her to connect with individuals who have experienced circumstances that can create long-term impacts on mental and overall health. Through her dedication to trauma-informed and strengths-based work, she meets people exactly where they are, all in the effort to build individualized pathways toward healing.
How did you get into this work?
I initially wanted to be an attorney so I was working as a paralegal while preparing myself to go to law school. I realized as I was dealing with many people regarding their divorce proceedings that I found myself counseling them more than anything regarding domestic violence and childhood trauma issues. I decided to forgo law school and obtain my Master Degree in Human Services and Counseling. I found my passion as an intern when I started to work in a confidential Domestic Violence Shelter in Chicago. It’s been 15 years and I have not looked back. I have a passion for what I do every day and I take the mental health of all of my participants very seriously and I am happy to be part of their healing process from whatever violence they have been through in their life.
Why is this work important to the community and those we serve?
This work is important to the community because the population we serve would not otherwise be able to affordable counseling services if it was not for the VRS program. Our counseling services are free of charge and we are proud to be part of the healing process of our participants that have been survivors of sexual abuse, domestic violence and community violence.
Was there a moment where you knew you were in the right job?
The moment that I was able to see that my participant had that “aha” moment and realize that they did not have to live a life full of violence and when they finally realize that they have the power within them to change their life around. I love being part of their healing process and I try to guide them the best that I can. I try to provide my participants with a safe, positive and non- judgement environment for them to realize what they truly want and to be able to verbalize it to themselves during the counseling process.
What is your favorite part of your job?
My favorite parts of my job are seeing lives transformed as a result of those ‘aha’ moments and joining my participants on their journey of self-discovery during the counseling process. I also enjoy my team at VRS because we support each other during our job and that is always helpful because this job is a difficult one and having a very supportive supervisor, director and team is essential.
How can others get involved in your work?
Anyone who is interested in helping victims of violence can assist my referring potential participants or even volunteer with our organization in different departments. Also, just listen to a loved one (friend or family member) if they are going through a difficult domestic violence situation and trying to help them find the resources that they need to help them in their life is a life changing experience at times.
Why is mental health awareness OR domestic violence awareness so important, especially during COVID-19?
Mental health awareness and/or domestic violence awareness is so important especially during COVID-19 because new barriers have surged as result of the pandemic for our participants. The environment for our participants have changed and most of them have been quarantined with their children and abusive partner with no breaks in-between from the constant everyday abuse and triggers that make mental health harder to deal with. People need to understand the changes of this ever-growing field and that way they can understand how difficult the journey is for our participants to heal during this time. With awareness comes knowledge of how to help people that are in this situation and guide them to the services that will be able to assist them.
How do you practice self-care or preserve your mental health well-being? Any tips for our readers?
Self-care has been very difficult especially during COVID-19 since my team and myself have been working remotely since March of 2020. I have had to change my entire routine because my home was my sanctuary where I did not normally work in my self-care space. I have now gone out more outside for walks and just to get some fresh air as well as enjoying silly cartoons and Disney movies that take me out of my daily routine mind set. I also take bubble baths as well as visiting my family and friends for a much needed break. The only tips I can give your readers is that to remember that self-care is paramount no matter if you’re a therapist or not because if we are not doing well we cannot help anyone else. Self-care = Self-love.
